Just for Parents
Children of the Light
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2008, “Light the Way,” reminds us of the responsibility entrusted to us at our child’s baptism—ensuring that our child “is to walk always as a child of the light.” Most of us can recall our child’s baptism as if it happened only a few months ago. We remember who was there and our child’s facial expressions or outcries. We remember how we felt holding our child as we presented him/her for this sacrament that welcomed our child into the life of the Church. We remember the water, the oil, the candle and the white garment.
During the rite of baptism, the celebrant presented a lighted candle to us, the parents, and the godparents. Someone from the family, usually the father or godfather, ignited the candle from the Easter candle, our sign of the living Christ. Then the celebrant said, “… this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart.”
Parents take this responsibility seriously and fulfill it in a variety of ways. We attend Mass as a family. We pray together at meal times and bedtime. We display religious symbols or art in our homes. We share Bible stories, especially those about Jesus’ life. We establish family traditions and rituals. We teach our children to share and eventually how to reach out to others. Most importantly, we do these things with the support of family, friends, and a faith community.
The Catholic school partners with parents in handing on our faith and teaching our children how to live it. Our children spend every school day in an environment of gospel values and prayer. An understanding that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect is fostered. Integrating religion across the curriculum allows faculty to help children grasp the interconnectedness of faith and life. In Catholic education, parents teachers and principals all work together to teach the importance of following the way of Jesus and walking as a child of the light.
Personal Reflection for Parents:
1. How do you live as a child of the light?
2. Who are the people that support and encourage you to walk as a child of the light?
3. Who are some people who are models of faith for you?
4. What hopes and dreams did you have for your child/ren at baptism?
5. How do you help your child/ren walk as a child of the light?
6. What has been the greatest resource or source of support to you as a parent in helping you raise your child/ren as a child of the light?
7. What hopes and dreams did you have for your child/ren when you chose Catholic education?
Discussion and Activities for Families:
1. Share baptism stories with one another. Get out photos and other keepsakes. Tell your child about your own baptism and share the details of your child’s baptism. Be sure to include why it was such an important day for you.
2. Talk about how your Catholic school helps all family members to walk as children of the light.
3. Talk about how each family member lives as a child of the light.
4. Talk about how you support and encourage one another to live as children of the light. How do you “light the way” for one another?
5. Name some ways that your family can “Light the Way,” at school, at work, in the community, on the playing field, or in dealing with people.
6. Read together Matthew 5:14-16. What is Jesus’ message?
7. Discuss and then choose a service activity to do together as a family that will show you live as children of the light and “light the way” for others. You might choose to do this activity during Catholic Schools Week or within the next month.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: A CHOICE AND AN OBLIGATION
By Jacquie
Jambor
Catholic Schools Week, celebrated each year in January, is a tradition that began in 1974. It celebrates the considerable achievement of the children, parents, teachers and administrators affiliated with the 8,000 Catholic schools throughout the United States. The celebration involves 2.5 million students and 165,000 teachers.
So, as we once again recognize Catholic education and all its accomplishments, consider this: Why do you send your child to Catholic school? For many parents, the answer may be as simple as “I went to Catholic school so my children will also.” For others, the question resurfaces each year as you plan for the financial obligations involved. Perhaps you’ve been questioned about your choice by non-Catholic relatives.
When we make school choices, we are entrusting our most precious treasure—our children—to those teachers and administrators. We trust them to provide a safe environment for our children. We expect our children to be physically safe and protected from ridicule and bullying. Fear is a major impediment to learning. Did you choose your Catholic school because it respects the dignity of every person and provides safety for your child?
No matter how fine a school is, no school can compensate for what is lacking in the family. As parents we are responsible for the spiritual, emotional, moral, intellectual, and physical development of our children. While your Catholic school nurtures this development as well, it cannot and should not replace your obligation. Did you choose your Catholic school because it partners with you in fostering your child’s development?
Education is an important element in every child’s life. Whether your child requires remedial assistance or eagerly searches out enrichment opportunities, you want that child to be in the best school possible. Did you choose your Catholic school because it provides a supportive as well as stimulating learning environment?
Without a doubt, religion is an essential part of Catholic schools on many different levels. The powerful influence of living each school day in an atmosphere of gospel values and prayer is invaluable. Life lived in a school community of believers shapes behaviors and attitudes. Examining social studies and current events through the prism of faith adds a critical dimension to learning. Did you choose your Catholic school because of its religious focus?
As you evaluate your reasons for choosing Catholic education, here are 5 things you can do to support your child and partner with your school.
- Know your school principal.
- Know and communicate with your child’s teacher.
- Volunteer at your child’s school.
- Participate in school programs and family events.
- Support the school’s rules and regulations.
Most importantly, support your child’s religious formation by regularly praying and attending Mass as a family.
