Sowing Seeds: A Workshop for Kids' Apostolates

by Resti Ma. Bautista, MD

The Verbum Dei Catholic Center of Formation spearheaded this activity for children's formation teams based in Manila-Pasig and Pansol, Quezon City on January 18, 2025.  The workshop was facilitated by Teacher Cecilia and Doc Resti Bautista, who are Married Couple Missionaries in formation. The workshop had 25 participants, majority of whom are dedicated Verbum Dei disciples taking care of kids at the Missionary Journey at Pasig and the Kids School of the Word at Pansol. In addition, the Pasig Servant-Leaders were enjoined to participate, as well as the kids team for the upcoming Easter Encounter in Tagaytay. Also present were Sr. Juvy Tenorio, head of the MJ in Pasig and Fr. Iwao Ikegami, head of the kids apostolate in QC.

The day began with prayer guidelines centering on The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29).  The participants were exhorted to grow in 2 attitudes as we labor in our apostolates for children. First, to have an attitude of trusting in the Lord of the harvest, to trust that the Lord is doing the work of making the seeds sprout, grow and bear fruit. Second, to grow into an attitude of hope, understanding that the seeds we plant may bear fruit beyond our vision and even beyond our time. 

The workshop was filled with a variety of learning methods including art, self-evaluation, group discussion, storytelling and practice teaching. Learners received an overview of child development and obtained a basic understanding of developmental domains and characteristics relevant to our work as teachers of the Word. With Jesus the Good Teacher as a model, the participants learned about attitudes that would enable them to become effective teachers of children. 

The participants ended the day with many insights.  One expressed their amazement saying, “I learned that kids may not always remember what you said and what you taught, but they will always remember how you made them feel. To be a good teacher is to understand children well.”  Another participant pondered on “the value and power of the blank sheet of paper.”  And another was grateful to “learn ways to teach the kids about Jesus, creatively and effectively.” 

As we continue to work together in sharing the Word to children, may we “never lose hope in planting good seeds” (cf. Galatians 6:9).

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Maria Cecilia Bautista has been teaching young children for almost 30 years, her favorite class to teach is called “Jesus Discovery.”  Resti Ma. Bautista has been in practice for 20 years as a pediatrician, specializing in newborn medicine.  They are in the formation course in the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity. 

Link to workshop content, photos and insights from participants: https://padlet.com/restimd/sowing-seeds-1yt2k3ghax9rr1t0