In my middle school religion classes the past two days, I asked the students in their bellwork to think about the big take-aways they have from last year's class (or, if they weren't at our school last year, two to three goals that they have for this year). While I did get many answers that were simply naming activities we did, some students did dig a little deeper:
There are many different Saints, and they became Saints in multiple ways.
There are multiple types of prayer options.
I learned and took to heart how to really value God and make decisions based off my religion.
The seven Sacraments, especially Reconciliation, are gifts and should not be feared.
All Christians who devote their lives to God are Saints, whether or not they are sanctified.
All stories in the Bible are either real things or metaphors to explain God and Jesus' greatness.
I learned that priests are people too. ("Miss Foyle, I learned that by Skyping with your priest friend.")
After I got back from the Holy Land, I had a bit of a different perspective of religion class - my ultimate goal (for the year/years I teach them) should be to get these kids closer to heaven. If they deepen their relationships with God or open their minds to aspects of our faith they hadn't know/thought of before, then I should consider such things "successes."
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