“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”               —Proverbs 22:6

How do you pass on the faith to the youth?

It’s a question frequently on the faithful’s minds. Especially, when the world seems to be getting darker and bleaker. But fear not. There’s a variety of ways to pass on the faith to the next generation. But one of the more effective methods is play-based learning.

Answer questions when your kid has them yet let them be creative in their play.

For example, my oldest daughter was excited to receive her Shining Light Doll Mary ragdoll. I told her it was the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mom.

“No, I think she’s his best friend!”

Having a theology background my initial thoughts were to correct her but I was curious of her thought process so I let it go.

Later in the day, she had a baby Jesus ragdoll (my younger daughter received the baby Jesus doll) in a sling on the Mary doll.

My daughter recognized that Mary was a mother and a friend.

This experience happened a couple days ago. Today, is the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. She was the first witness of the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus. This earned her the title, Apostle to the Apostles. Reflecting on Mary’s witness along with the perspective of my oldest daughter earlier in the week prompted me to think of Mary Magdalene in a different light.

While she’s a great witness for the faith at a more human level Mary was Jesus’ friend. Perhaps his best friend (sorry Saint Peter!).

Sainthood is nothing more than finding lasting friendship with God.

I’m thankful for the testimony and faith of Saint Mary Magdalene, the creativity of my daughter, and for Shining Light Dolls in gifting me beautiful and simple Catholic-themed Ragdolls for my kids to play with and to help them learn about the faith.  

P.S. Find more Catholic-themed toys by visiting: shininglightdolls.com/thesimplecatholic

P.P.S. Receive a 10% discount at checkout by entering the code THESIMPLECATHOLIC