Ingrid Larson remembers her parents being very involved in Sunday School when she was growing up. In fact, her dad was the Sunday School superintendent for years. So, Ingrid has done her best to carry on this tradition at St. James. She has taught Sunday School or Faith Formation for about 25 years. For the last few years, she has taught second-grade Faith Formation.
“It’s such a big year because they receive their First Holy Communion,” Ingrid says. “I love watching them on that special day.”
And as she notes, teaching Faith Formation is a great way to be involved in the future of the Catholic Church.
“It’s a way to be a model of the Catholic faith,” she says. “I see some of them at Mass, and that’s just so fun to see them. I also see some kids when I substitute teach at the school.”
Teaching is truly one of Ingrid’s gifts. She taught special education for 33 years, most of those at Dawson.
Ingrid and her husband, Gary, have been married for 37 years and have two children, Brent and Sonja. Brent is married to Alyssa, and the couple is very active at St. James. Sonja teaches in the Twin Cities. Ingrid helps out with Brent and Alyssa’s children so they can also teach Faith Formation as well.
Sharing the love of Jesus with the students is what Ingrid most enjoys.
“I want to help them understand that they are precious people of God,” she says. “Jesus wants us to be their friend and for them to follow Him. I try to be open with them and there for them.”
Ingrid has experienced many heartwarming moments over the years of teaching. She remembers a child who was nervous about First Reconciliation — but they reported that they prayed about it, and they weren’t nervous anymore. Ingrid loves when they have open prayer time. Hearing what the students pray for is so heartwarming.
“I feel like the Holy Spirit is leading me to help them,” she says.
Watching younger people step up to become catechists has also been satisfying to Ingrid.
“I’m glad that a lot of people have looked at their talents and gotten involved,” she says.
Ingrid’s stewardship extends beyond the classroom. She reflected on her talents and decided she should become a cantor because she enjoys singing. Ingrid also plays the flute at Mass periodically. This spring’s mission with Deacon Ralph Poyo gave her the extra push to use more of her musical talents. She also serves on the Stewardship Committee.
Take a look at your talents, as Ingrid has done, and consider becoming a catechist or getting involved in some other ministry!
To become a catechist, contact Faith Formation Coordinator Ann Voller at areaffcoordinator@holyfamilyarea.org or 320-226-5205.