Everyone always told me I should be a teacher.  After all I like kids and enjoy teaching; I have many happy childhood memories of playing school with my dolls and stuffed animals.  As I grew older though being in that role on a daily basis had no appeal to me.  Instead I listened when a wonderful Career Counselor told me I could turn my love of my RA job into a career.  After grad school, I spent 7 1/2 years working at a mid-size state university in New England before moving to the private sector where I can blend my love of technology with my passion for student affairs (without the parent phone calls).  Three children later, every facet of my life revolves around education: sharing my values and loves with them and weaving life and practical lessons into every daily activity.  When a dear friend’s move abroad meant the children’s church school program in our parish would end, I knew that it was finally time for me to step into a more formal role as teacher.

I have always found comfort and certainty in the rhythm and sameness of the church year.  Knowing that every year we’ll explore the same themes and then dig just a little bit deeper.  We’ll sing the same songs, but they will be tinged with a new layer of meaning.  We’ll follow in the paths of those who have gone before us.  The history behind our traditions ground me and keep me centered. Knowing that I’m shushing my children (and feeling terribly embarrassed by what I see as their unruly behavior) just as generations of other mothers have done makes it a bit easier.  If they were able to make it through, I can do the same.  Sharing these same lessons with our parish children allows me to participate in the legacy of those who came before me.  I asked each of my church school classes to select a class patron saint who would become part of our weekly class.  The chosen saints are St. Mary of Egypt and St. Jacob Netsvetov.  My challenge is to help them learn about and internalize the lessons these saints have to share with us.