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“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” (Mother Teresa). On different occasions during the Sacrament of Baptism I’ve noticed a mother or father (or grandparent at times) helping a youngster make the sign of the cross as we began the ritual. More than likely the youngster (usually a sibling of the one to be baptized, or a cousin) doesn’t realize the significance of this simple and yet profound Catholic ritual; a prayer onto itself. For the parents and grandparents it is important, a significant aspect of the foundation of our Catholic-Christian faith. Such desire and hope on the part of parents, adults, grandparents—passing on the faith—is instrumental to efforts of Catholic Schools, and Religious Education programs. Entering Catholic Schools Week, we recognize the value and hope of parochial education, supplementing the efforts and faith shared by families within their homes and daily activities. Our staff and teachers and volunteers within our Catholic Schools—and Religious Education programs—-are dedicated, hoping to form and strengthen their students’ Christian faith and character. Grateful for such dedication and hope on behalf of the our teachers and staff and volunteers, Catholic Schools Week gives us pause to recognize the faith and desire of the families who initially form the foundation of a child’s understanding of God, the Christ Jesus’ compassionate presence at their side, and the gift of prayer. As a child grows into the teen years, early adulthood and the independence and relationships that follows—encountering blessings and struggles along the way—faith and the gift of prayer will remain a foundation within their lives. With so many distractions in the world and issues to be confronted, regardless of how far one drifts away from their faith, the foundation of prayer and Christian values will remain the “life preserver” so to speak. As Pope Francis reiterates, “the true joy which we experience in the family is. Not superficial; it does not come from material objects, from the fact that everything seems to be going well.” He emphasized the role of faith shared in family life, and the vital importance of family prayer to call forth God’s grace for strength and gratitude. Catholic Schools reinforces that foundation and hopefully strengthens the family’s Christian character, shared faith and prayer. Personally, my family was blessed with the presence and efforts of Sr. Ralph, Sr. Agatha, Mrs. Monson, at our little St. Joseph School—and their time shared with students in CCD. Highlighting the efforts, the hope, the dedication and sacrifices of the staff, teachers, parents and volunteers within our local Sacred Heart School and Catholic Education programs, may we continue to prosper the foundation of Catholic-Christian faith and prayer within the lives of our youth and families. My knuckles never received the harsh slap of a wooden ruler, but those patient Sisters provided me with plenty of time to ponder my actions while on detention. Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets reminds us of the humanity within education even as technology seems an essential aspect of the classroom experience: “Kids don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
Next Thursday is the Feast of St. Blaise and the accompanied Blessing of Throats. As has been the custom, the Blessing will be offered on that weekend, before and after the Masses in all churches. Of the many and various Blessings traditionally offered in our Catholic faith, the Blessing of Throats seems the most “oddly” unique. Of course the Church offers the Blessing of Pets on the Feast of St. Francis (Oct. 4th), in addition to the Blessing of the Nativity Scene on Christmas, the Blessing of the Advent Wreath, the Blessing upon Mothers and Fathers on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day respectively, the Blessing of Seeds before Spring planting, the Blessing of a Home, a Blessing of rosaries and other religious items, the Blessing of new Lectors, Altar Servers and Eucharistic Ministers to name a few. Also, the Church offers some fairly unique ritual blessings: Blessing of a Gymnasium, Blessing of a Boat, Blessing of Tools, Blessing of a Factory, Blessing of a Library, Blessing of Fishing Gear, Blessing of a Communication Center or station, Blessing of Livestock. And of course, the blessing of water thus providing a symbol of our baptismal calling as we sign ourselves with the Holy Water entering church. Formal “Blessings” instituted by the Church are signs “perceptible to the senses, have God’s word as their basis and are celebrated from motives of faith. . . .they are signs above all of the spiritual effects that are achieved through the Church’s intercession.” "The blessing of throats is an ancient custom offered on or near the Feast of St. Blasé (who has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those struggling with illnesses of the throat). In the United States the annual blessing of throats is a traditional sign of the struggle against illness in the life of the Christian. Oh yes, lest we forget: “Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord.” May God Bless, Fr. Tim "The hard soil and four months of snow make the inhabitants of the northern temperate zone wiser and abler than his fellow who enjoys the fixed smile of the tropics." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
