Religious education program benefits from its teenage teachers

Published: 2004-04-05

ELMONT, N.Y. (CNS) -- Sister Peggy Fanning, director of religious education at St. Boniface in Elmont, believes young people have a lot to offer the church. That's why the Sister of St. Joseph has about 40 teen volunteers who help out with religious education classes on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. They serve as teachers, teacher assistants and volunteers who substitute, collect attendance folders and translate for the parish staff. "There must be a way to make room for these kids besides on the bench (pew)," Sister Peggy told The Long Island Catholic, newspaper of the Rockville Centre Diocese. "They are worthwhile and need to be part of the body of Christ." Recently, Kevin Louimarre, a junior, told his class of fourth-graders that they are at the age when it's time to give up something for Lent. "My little sister doesn't have to give things up because she doesn't understand yet," he told them. "But you're at the age where you gotta participate more, OK?" The students nodded.

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