Beloved Family:
“Credit,” in this world, is often most immediately associated with business and commerce. “What’s your credit rating?”—a question posed in a potential transaction of lending. For disciples of the Lord, I would suggest that we follow the example of a young man from Miami, Florida, who has just led his college football team to a national championship: Fernando Mendoza. He gives evidence of being all about giving credit to God—acknowledging that all good things, not just championship accolades, come from a source way beyond us. That, to me, is a beautiful illustration of the call to give credit where it is due: recognizing our reliance on the Father who created us, the Son who has redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us, in all parts of our lives.
No family is without challenges; I have learned that Elsa Mendoza, the matriarch of the Mendoza family, lives with Multiple Sclerosis. Evidently, she waited a very long time to share the diagnosis with her children. In a long note to Fernando, she wrote: “No amount of years could have prepared me for how hard a conversation it ended up being.” In the midst of trial and suffering, we have the opportunity to acknowledge the sustaining grace the Lord provides to aid us in navigating the storms.
As we step into another Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank God that we are able to sponsor a day school as an important component within our parish-wide catechesis. Celebrating Saint Mary School does not, in any way, require us to speak negatively about our other local schools. My sister recently retired after forty-two years as a public-school teacher. I have no doubt that she—as well as the many teachers within our parish—have been intentional about bringing their faith to the classroom.
Still, I cannot help but rejoice that within our St. Mary environment, we are able to speak the language of faith unapologetically. Obviously, we bring that same intentionality to Wednesday evenings, through Anchor and Edge. I hope you will respond to our invitation to come over to the school between the 8 am and 11 am Masses this Sunday, January 25 and interact with some of the Saint Mary School faculty, as well as with fellow parishioners.
This week, the liturgical calendar gives us several saintly role models that tie in beautifully with the celebration of Catholic education. Saint Angela Merici (Tuesday, January 27) worked with unmarried young women in Bresci, Italy. Saint Thomas Aquinas (Wednesday, January 28), Doctor of the Church, is the patron of Catholic schools. Our own Dr. Seifried, who teaches religion to the upper grades at St. Mary, has hosted a “St. Thomas Aquinas Festival” for several years. The event gives students the chance to try their skills at jousting (a very safe form) as well as fielding philosophical questions.
Saturday, the week rounds out with the memorial of St. John Bosco. He had a special charism for working with indigent boys in Turin, Italy. His “total dedication” program brought boys together for prayer and recreation; he also taught night classes in reading.
This may be a very good occasion on which for each of us to ask: “How am I making room in my life for young people?” Of course, parents and grandparents can be mighty occupied within their own families. Beyond those familial ties, programs such as the Strive program through Catholic Charities and OHuddle Inc., to the best of my knowledge, are always looking for mentors. Bring it to prayer. Our young people need us, and we need them!
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
