Finding your why

One of the reasons I've been on this blog less is because I've become quite involved in my son's small Catholic school, St. Joseph School in Medford.  I was raised in a family of Irish and Italian Catholics, attending weekly mass and holy days, but didn't attend Catholic school until college.  However, when I divorced and found myself craving a city life, but had reservations about the  urban school district, we enrolled J in St. Joseph School, the same school his beloved Papa had attended as a boy.

We had a few things on our side as we started out: 1) how exciting, you get to go to a school with YOUR name!  (at the time, J asked if his best buddy from daycare would be attending St. Max's...), 2) did you know these are the same classrooms and hallways that Papa went to... for the first year, J asked constantly to walk to school "just like Papa used to" 3) it was back in my parent's hometown which meant they felt comfortable with the change.  They help me do pickups and like to attend his events, so their familiarity with the neighborhood made for an easy transition.

I really didn't know much more than that.  Fast forward, and J is going on his 3rd year at St. Joe's.  He feels completely at home and is thriving in the small school.  The vibe is loving, the teachers are warm and the families are very nice.  We're making friends, we're part of a community and my son is safe and happy.

As I understand more about the challenges the Catholic schools are facing, I've become more involved.  For our small parish school, I've joined some other capable moms to get the Parents Club back and running.  We upgraded some of our school events which had become tired and needed some TLC and we are working on building a stronger community which can strengthen the future of our school. 

It's a challenge and a problem I'm not sure we can solve. However, I am committed to do my small part to put in the energy, time and resources to make it the best it can be.   Some have asked why I'm doing this.  I have been thinking about the answer to that question...  I suppose this is the best I can give right now:  I'm doing this because I believe Catholic schools matter.  I believe that they teach virtues of kindness, discipline and faith that are being lost today.  I believe that as a parent I have less time than my parent's had to instill those values and therefore appreciate the extra help of the Catholic school to support my son's foundation.  Catholic schools work.  The evidence is that they consistently outperform their neighboring city schools and for more than 100 years, they have been safe havens for immigrants and marginalized members of society.  Those members, when loved, nurtured and cared for by a Catholic educational institution, became great leaders in business, government and many industries.  I believe in my identity as a Catholic; I feel it is a community of warmth and generosity and like minded individuals.  At perhaps the time of greatest need in my life, I needed a safe home for myself and my son.  I found it in a Catholic school.   I am working to keep those doors open so others may, too.

Tis the season

From Halloween - New Years has become my busiest time.  This year I chaired J's school's Halloween Party which was a fun, but time consuming endeavor, and followed by Halloween, J's birthday, Thanksgiving with visitors and parties, and Christmas and all the festivities that surround it.

Every year teaches us something if we can soften.  My thoughts and ruminations on this blog over the years have been circling it.  As I get older, it gets slightly more clear.  The growth isn't linear, and the progress is far from perfection.  I most certainly have short tempered moments and days, days where I wonder what or why I'm doing it but those days get fewer and farther apart.  One seasons seems to be winding down and with the coming of my 40's it seems I'm welcoming a new season of greater purpose and more clarity. 

I'm better at boundaries.  I'm better at expectations.  I'm better at letting people in who should be there.  Those steps, small as they may seem, have been wonderful tools in a path towards peace. 

"It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."      - Agnes M. Pharo