By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the gift of Faith
“… but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, ‘Be holy because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
I get excited and nostalgic with the start of a new school year! The weather is hot, so we know it is summertime, but the sounds heard outside are calling for a return to the classroom. Even the bugs outside on an August afternoon are making noises that seem to recognize it’s time for fall sports. I remember picking up our kids during their two-a-day practices for volleyball, soccer and football, and when I heard those sounds, I knew the relaxing summer was over.
Our routines change when the school year begins, and the extra traffic with school buses begins to roll. It all seems to happen effortlessly, but there is a lot of planning and coordination that takes place long before the school bells ring. The responsibility of educating our children and supporting all their activities over these 10 months is a joy, but at times overwhelming. Educating children is an essential part of life; these days and memories will always be treasured.
Before the Fourth of July merchandise disappears from the store shelves, the school supplies are being stocked. The nostalgia kicks in as I pass by the aisles and remember the excitement shared with our kids when it was time for new school purchases.
Helping children navigate through the challenges of the school year is the responsibility of all adults, not just the classroom teacher, but parents, grandparents, coaches and neighbors; everyone is needed to build up the confidence of our children.
In planning our homeschool curriculum for this year, I decided to focus on leadership. What qualities make a good leader? What is the outcome on society of poor leadership? I teach religion and history, so I have an opportunity to make a connection about the importance of leading a virtuous life in everything we do. The accounts of salvation history and world history both provide great examples of people that exhibited moral character and succeeded, and those who lacked good judgment and failed.
We are blessed by the witness of holy men and women who successfully lived God’s plan for creation, family, marriage and religious life. The obedience and wisdom of each canonized saint guides us to a better understanding of truth and eternal life. Our children benefit from reading the stories of these remarkable people of faith.
I spent the summer reading and studying about the lives of saints. I chose 10 holy people to highlight during the academic year of 2024-2025. We will learn 20 facts about the life of ten different saints, and then summarize them with a report. What can we learn from their witness? Why were they good role models? What gave them strength in times of struggle? What inspired their love for God?
Each account of miracles proven through the life of a saint provides a life lesson. We learn so much from their obedience in following the teachings of Jesus: a need for forgiveness, a second chance, a strong prayer life, sharing the importance of catechesis and Catholic education, caring for the sick and poor, providing spiritual guidance and saving souls. I encourage everyone to read more about good and holy people, you will be blessed! You are called to be holy in every aspect of your conduct, and you too can be a witness! Amen!