“We’re Back!” the principal excitedly shouted.  And then immediately followed up with a request: “Can you help us renew our commitment to Catholic Education?”

      It was just before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.  We were coming off the heels of the COVID pandemic – kids learning 6 feet apart from each other, wearing masks, and behind plexiglass.  Everything had been canceled – after-school clubs, grade-level socials, even attending Mass as a school community. But things were looking up.  Desks were a little closer together, masks were no longer required, and the plexiglass had been removed.  Now that learning was “back to normal,” it was time to revitalize the Catholic component.  But – how?  The principal at my children’s school turned to the parents. “Can you help?” 

      A large group of parents answered the call.  We arranged babysitters & carpools, and showed up in droves.  We were ready!

      The result of this strategic brainstorming session?  A group of passionate mothers formed The Catholic Family Community, lovingly referred to as “The CFC.”

      The mission of this group is:

To grow in love by prayerfully equipping families to connect with our school and parish communities so they can fully live out their faith and build the domestic church within their homes.  

…It’s kind of a mouthful.  The short version?  We help Catholic families live their faith!  How?  I’m glad you asked.

     We organize events for the school and parish community based around the Liturgical Year. 

As the school year begins:

At the beginning of each school year, the CFC gives each student a gift.  One year, it was a Cross keychain; another year, it was a Saint Benedict Medal.  The gifts are placed in a basket and blessed by the pastor during the Back-to-School Mass. They are then distributed to each student.

Advent Activities:

      Just before Advent, we hold an Advent Wreath decorating event prior to the annual Parish tree lighting.  Advent Wreaths, candles, and decorations are provided, along with prayer guides and instructions for using the Wreath at home.

Lent Activities:

      During Lent, we hold a Passion Lunch.  The story of Christ’s Passion is read, and a food item goes with each part of the story.

Communication

      In addition to holding events, we create and distribute a monthly magazine called “The CFC Post.”  It started with a featured saint and any upcoming events.  It now spans nearly 12 pages!  It details holy days, saints, Eucharistic Miracles, and parts of the Mass.  Arguably the most important part of this magazine is that it provides simple, fun, and engaging ways for the families to celebrate their faith at home.

       It can be hard to balance it all – faith, school, work, Mass, projects, basketball practice, dance class, homework, AND parents are apparently expected to feed their children every single day.  By offering these events and The Post, the CFC can take at least one thing off parents’ plates.  And, as we all know, once the faith component is prioritized, everything else seems to fall into place.

How To Start Your Own CFC At Your School

      I can’t say enough good things about The CFC; I am blessed to be a part of such a dedicated, caring, and amazing group of God-fearing women.  I strongly encourage anyone reading this to consider starting a group at your own school!  

• Meet with your principal/pastor and run the idea by them.  
• Connect with other parents and see who is interested in helping.  
• Make a plan for the upcoming school year (what events will you hold, and when?)
• Will you provide any resources for families (prayer cards, handouts, info about certain feast days, etc)

      I’m going to end with the same way I began – with a powerful request:  

“Can YOU help renew the commitment to Catholic Education?”

May this be your invitation to step forward and help others live their faith boldly.  God Bless You!

Image: Photo by David Ramírez on Unsplash