Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy
This reflection is by the diocesan Director of Faith Formation, formerly the Director of Religious Education, who is retiring on Sept. 1.
By Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy
Special to the Herald
During a moving symphony performance, there is an exquisite moment of silence at the end of each movement just prior to the applause. That quiet time seems reflective, like pausing, eyes closed, to inhale the captivating fragrance of a pikake lei only to exhale with exuberant joy and gratitude for the gift of beauty.
My retirement is much like the end of a symphonic movement. It’s not the finale — after all, formation in faith is a life-long process. But it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and inhale deeply the fragrance of ministering to and with many faithful companions who love Jesus and faithfully dedicate their lives to his mission to “go, make disciples, and teach” (Mt. 28: 19-20).
Each “movement” of faith formation ministry included projects and programs. For example, on behalf of Bishop Larry Silva, since my appointment in 2005 I’ve provided training and program guidance for catechetical leaders, led retreats and hosted conferences on each island. I’ve developed catechetical policies, norms, teaching guidelines, and certification processes.
I was on the leadership team for restoring the original order of the Sacraments of Initiation in our diocese. I worked with a local producer to develop a video series on the Sacraments www.catholichawaii.org/catholic-essentials/sacrament-videos/. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria have been established in several schools and parishes. A sexual risk avoidance education curricula that integrates the key features of Theology of the Body is in the development phase. I’ve written two books on the topic of catechetical leadership and spoken at conferences across the country.
Challenging and fulfilling work, yes.
Yet what is most captivating are the moments of awareness of God’s grace at work in our lives and our response to that grace: We witness this in a child’s excited anticipation of their first Reconciliation, being confirmed, receiving first Holy Communion and their openness to communicating Jesus to the world in their own special way; when families pray together; when adults are engaged in animated discussion related to Sacred Scripture; when Jesus is at the center of conversations with those experiencing loss, grief, or who are struggling with their faith; in the courageous support of community members in crisis. Grace is evident in the clergy, and dedicated lay catechists and catechetical leaders whose very lives echo the word of God.
Gather up moments like these and we most assuredly realize that God is composing life “movements” that continually draw us closer to him. And in these movements is the captivating fragrance of kerygma — sharing the good news of the Gospel, that “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you” (Evangelii Gaudium, 164). It is the fragrance of Jesus’ himself whose love fills us with so much joy and gratitude that it overflows into the world.
I am grateful to Bishop Larry Silva and Msgr. Gary Secor for being models of witness and for their outstanding leadership, guidance, patience and pastoral care. I’m grateful to my diocesan colleagues who are Christ-centered, mission-oriented professionals and generous collaborators, and to our catechetical leaders and catechists for sharing their wisdom and love.
As this life movement draws to a close, I thank you all for the privilege of serving as Director of Faith Formation. I’ll never forget the sweet fragrance of our time together and I look forward to where the Spirit will lead me!
