Keeping Us Connected Newsletter

August 22, 2025

Dear Saint Mary Friends,

Many a parent is happy school is soon starting back up. Their children will grow in many exciting moments of hope, achievements, learning, friendships, etc.

But there are also some worries.

At the risk of contributing to sleepless nights, let’s reflect on some important aspects in sending our children back to school - whether it’s to 1st grade, middle/high school, or college.

A brief internet search shows common parental concerns across the board. There may be differences according to a child’s age and grade-level, but by and large, they are as follows:

1. Safety

2. The Juggling Act: balancing responsibilities

3. Academic performance worries

4. Social and emotional well-being, peer pressure, bullying, mental health

5. Time management and self-care

6. Extracurricular activities, friendships

7. College debt and job potential

Prayers

All of these are valid concerns for every parent. They’re at the forefront of your minds and of mine, too. The clergy of St. Mary’s join our prayers to those of all parents and grandparents for their children in this coming school year. With that in mind please pray this video prayer for our children returning to school.

Beyond Academics

No school or teacher, no matter how good, is as concerned for a child’s well-being as parents are. This is particularly true regarding care for the beauty and well-being of their child’s soul. Apropos this truth, it’s important to know the answer to some critical questions regarding a school’s philosophy. – whether Catholic, public or private.

What is a human being?
What is the human body for?
Are academics rooted in the truth and reality of nature and the human person?
Does a school teach actively against the Faith?
Do school personnel see themselves as complementary to a parent’s primary role?
For College Students: Is there a vibrant Catholic Chaplaincy on Campus?

Knowing the answers to these questions can promote family conversations and help parents form their children (especially from an early age) in a healthy human and Catholic life.

One Last Thing – College Students

For those parents and students who agree, please send us your college email addresses. This way St. Mary’s can keep in touch by periodically sending something encouraging, prayerful, instructive, and grace-filled. Families just have to opt in.