Parents, students, and teachers know well what goes into preparing for the beginning of the new school year and the excitement new beginnings bring. But, after the newness wears off, it can be easy to forget that joy. Or perhaps the anxieties of all that needs to be done or the fears that may come from transitioning from one situation to another may rob you of that joy entirely.

This is why our faith in Jesus Christ is so important. No matter how challenging the circumstances or how burdensome the load we have to carry, Our Lord is present reminding us, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev 21:5) The newness that Christ brings to our lives is the enduring source of our joy. The excitement we may experience at the beginning will inevitably wane. It is Christ alone who remains constant.

So that we would experience the joy of “beginning, always, at every moment,” the Church invites us to deepen our faith through the various faith formation programs offered by our parishes. These programs usually begin around the start of the school year and offer parents, young people, and all people of faith new opportunities to dive into the richness of our faith and to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Faith formation is not just for children preparing for first Communion or Confirmation, but for the post-confirmation student who wants to continue their journey of faith with other young people in their parish youth group. Faith formation encompasses the many classes, Bible studies, and faith sharing groups our parishes offer adults of all ages.

Perhaps you might consider checking out your local parish’s groups and ministries to see what might speak to you and your particular needs.

No matter where we are in our walk with the Lord, we all could benefit from the opportunity to go deeper and to grow in our awareness of the newness the Lord desires to bring to our lives each day. The beginning of the new school year can be hectic, but that is precisely why we need to rely on the Lord in a special way during this time.

Faith formation reminds us that we are not alone on this journey. Coming together in community to support one another in the Faith not only provides us with the support we need from our brothers and sisters but helps us to better recognize the presence of Christ in the busyness of daily life.

“The only joy in the world is to begin. It is good to be alive because living is beginning, always, every moment.” I pray that all of us would take advantage of this new beginning, so that the joy that comes from being loved and sustained by Christ may become our daily experience.  

This article highlights the impact of contributions made to the Diocese of  Saint Petersburg’s Catholic Ministry Appeal.