I am often amused by how young kids can mutter and mumble their way through Mass, while their parents are entirely embarrassed by their child’s inability to be quiet. Sometimes, mom and dad will offer an apology to me after Mass. I always try to reassure them that I am not bothered. I try to remind them this is their child’s attempt at joining in with the rest of the congregation as we sing and respond and pray our way through the Mass. I nearly laugh out loud when I hear a young one join in with “Yay!!” when we sing the Alleluia. I am equally amused when I hear, every now and again, “All done!” right after the prayer after Communion. The energy and enthusiasm that can be unique to young children warms my heart.

I suppose that’s why I like to spend some time in our parish school when I’m having the occasional down day. The joy and the energy that I see in students helps to brighten my day when it is needed. On such a day, I will sometimes tell the parish office staff that I’m going to school for a few minutes for a dose of “vitamin cheer”.

Like any of our parish ministries, the ministry of providing our parish school is a commitment that requires the goodness of God and the hard work of dedicated teachers, staff and families, and the fervent prayers and generous support of so many. The choice to have a parish school is really a kind of balancing act within the context of parish life. For our parish, it is perhaps the largest outward-facing ministry that we provide, meaning that it has the ability to touch the lives and bring Jesus to a wide number of people, including members of our parish community and those who do not call the parish home. It is a ministry to those who are “churched” as well as to those who are “unchurched”. We seek to care for those who are religious, those who are spiritual, and even those who count themselves among the “nones”—those who do not yet have a relationship with God and the Church.

Within the rooms that comprise our preschool and school, we have nearly 150 young theologians, scientists, mathematicians, linguists, Scripture scholars, musicians, athletes, actors, teachers, learners, leaders and servants. They are children of God of all ages. They are filled with life and love, zeal and joy. Each time I walk through the halls, worship with them at Mass, join in a classroom discussion, or visit with them before or after school, they bring joy, because they bring Jesus. What a blessing! And so, our journey in FAITH continues.