Launching Faith: A Journey to the Son

Within the vibrant community at The Catholic Church of St. Ann, lies a bright light of faith known as Launch. Through the guidance of dedicated teachers and the wisdom of age-old texts, Launch propels young souls on a journey to the Son. With hearts ablaze and spirits uplifted, children from three-year-olds to fifth graders find their place within the program's embrace and embark on an adventure of faith, destined to soar to new heights. Through a blend of modern teaching techniques and timeless wisdom, Launch sets the stage for an immersive experience. “It's fun!” said Launch catechist Kristin Lewinski.  “The Launch Staff has created an engaging environment that is fun for both the children and the catechists.  They provide great resource materials and an easy-to-follow teaching framework”. “Being a launch family is like joining a pre-filtered parents group that has the same ideals and morals as you do. It’s the ability to instantly feel comfortable with arranging play dates or family get -togethers knowing that the families have the same values and they expect the same, good citizenship behavior from their children” said Launch parent Heather Ramirez.

In the Flight Training room, voices rise in joyful praise, filling the space with melodies of devotion. Children paint their faith, dance to the rhythm of their beliefs, and act out stories of old with newfound zeal. Technology intertwines with tradition as young hearts explore the depths of their faith through interactive mediums. “Many times after we’ve taught a lesson and then the class comes together to work on the class project to apply their knowledge (IE Saints’ Project). It is awesome to see how each student has learned and processes the knowledge they were taught”, said Launch catechist Brian Bennett. “Learning from this type of ministry work has allowed me to strengthen my personal faith by reviewing the questions and answers that my children have each week. The curiosity of my children allows me to review and reassess my understanding of the teachings of the church and explain our family beliefs in a way that my children can digest”, said Launch parent Heather.

And while religious education might be a common theme within churches, volunteers describe their participation as a calling; “I feel I've answered a calling even though I was initially hesitant for a variety of reasons - I had never taught before, the timing wasn't right, etc., but I continued to feel the call and am glad I decided to do it.” said Kristin. “I see Jesus acting through every single Launch teacher. Their empathy and compassionate hearts are seen each week as they guide the children regardless of where they or the children are in their faith journeys. They continue to have the hard conversations and ask the tough questions,” said Kristin. “Jesus showed us with his own works and help of apostles how we should live a faithful, kind, and loving life. I feel that I am acting as his hands and voice when I am sharing the Catholic Faith with the Launch children. I am also blessed to have a great co-catechist to be a disciple of Jesus. We are both doing His good works.” – Brian. 

In every corner of Launch, the fire of faith burns bright, illuminating the path to enlightenment where the seeds of faith are planted, to bloom into a future filled with hope and love; what we consider to be a bright future of long-lasting fruits. “It’s an honor to help these beautiful children grow in faith.  In addition to helping the children learn the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers, I like to teach them the response to a Baltimore Catechism question "Why did God make you?", which is: "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in the next." 

 I hope this is something they can carry with them into adulthood and that they will trust that God will help them see how they can serve--- just like He showed me how I can serve as a Launch volunteer.” Kristin Lewinski.