More than a Class
By Caroline Williams Waisanen
When reflecting on the gift Mighty Max has been to our family for the past 4 years (and thankfully more to come!), what immediately comes to mind is how The Catechism emphasizes: "Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years" (CCC 2226). As Catholic parents, my husband and I have found Mighty Max to be truly instrumental in helping us carry out this duty while simultaneously reminding us to be childlike in our own faith.
For our family, Mighty Max isn’t just one hour a week during the school year - it has equipped us with faith-based tools that are developmentally appropriate for our three young sons that we can continue to implement beyond the classroom. The themed classes are beautifully planned and executed by Miss Sarah. Through sensory play, activities/games, songs, crafts, and a book during snack, each lesson captures the children’s attention while helping them learn about and grow in their Catholic faith.
One time following a lesson on the saints, our oldest had a revelation after engaging in a not-so-loving interaction with his brother: “I need to make kind choices so I can go to heaven and be Saint Harrison.” While our middle son had previously observed us genuflect before entering our pew at Mass, it wasn’t until he practiced this gesture of reverence during our visits to the Church with his class that Sawyer began genuflecting on his own. Although our youngest has yet to be officially enrolled, some of Everett’s favorite songs are from Mighty Max - most likely due to him hearing them so often beginning in utero. While this faith formation class is geared towards our young children, the benefits stretch beyond this age range.
Mighty Max has brought me the added bonus of friendships I deeply value with other moms. These ongoing relationships (with other caregivers too!) bring such a strong sense of community rooted in the foundation of our Catholic faith. The unexpected blessings don’t stop there; however, there have been moments in Mighty Max in which I have felt the Holy Spirit guide me to “let go and let God.” Recently, there was a particular week in which my emotions and anxieties were high due to certain world events. The theme at Mighty Max that week was “Teddy Bear prayers” and the playful nature of that morning reminded me of John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
I have admittedly taken my faith for granted at different points throughout my life. Participating in Mighty Max with my kids, while helping them grow in their faith, has also helped me grow in mine. There is something uniquely special about the environment Miss Sarah fosters in this program. Being alongside other families in similar seasons of life as we all come together for the ultimate purpose of being the first heralds of the faith for our children has been a true blessing.