Saint John students learn about the Holy Trinity

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Deacon Dale Dillon and third-grade teacher Ms. McGovern after fielding some tough questions about Catholicism from third grade students at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School.

DRAPER – Third-grade teacher Ms. McGovern is teaching her students at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School in Draper about the Holy Trinity, triggering many questions about it and other aspects of the Catholic Church. "We begin by talking about mysteries of God’s creation, such as why did God make the sky blue and grass green, why do insects have so many legs, why don’t dogs meow and cats bark," she said.

As the discussion turns to the Holy Trinity, the students learn how Saint Patrick, bishop in year 431, taught the Irish people by plucking a shamrock from the ground. The students were then given an exercise to write about other aspects of the Catholic religion that were mysterious to them.

Abby asked, "Why isn’t Mary in the Holy Trinity?"

Bev asked, "Why do we have a Pope?"

Nick asked, "Why can’t a priest get married?"

Annelise asked, "Why can’t deacons consecrate the host?"

Marissa asked, "Why can only boys be priests and not girls?"

Gavin asked, "What is the Pope’s most sacred object?"

Carley asked, "Why do some altar servers carry candles?"

Tim asked, "Did Jesus create the cross?"

With so many compelling questions, Ms. McGovern turned to Deacon Dale Dillon of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, who visited the students’ classroom on Oct. 11 to field these questions and more.

The students also learned that they were created by God the Father; that the Son, Jesus, saved them and is their brother; and the Holy Spirit helps them bring God’s love and peace to the world.