November is just one part of the seasons of the year that enfold God’s creation.

November is also a time of transition.

The American celebration of Thanksgiving lasts but a day (or until all the turkey leftovers are gone). We often measure the importance of that celebration by how many of our loved ones could attend, the size of the turkey, or the appearance of our favorite casserole or pies. In other words, it’s about the meal – as it should be. On this holiday, we acknowledge that those blessings come from God.

After two years of not being able to gather together, it was a joy, this year, to attend a Lenten morning of recollection led by renowned artist Oblate of Saint Francis de Sales Brother Mickey McGrath. Brother Mickey took us through the Stations of the Cross, using his own inspired artwork, helping us connect the stations to our own experiences and what is happening in the world today.

Parents and grandparents often share with me that they pick up on language, gestures and attitudes among their children that are not coming from home. They are, they say, coming from social media videos, and the influencers who have become almost daily guests in the lives of many of today’s children.

Many years ago, I was confronted with a question that continues to impact my faith today. The question was written on a sign hanging in a parish office.

“If someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

After spending an afternoon at a concert and following up with a meal and some downtime at a local diner, two of my adult sons returned home expecting to, possibly, see three little munchkins waiting past bedtime to greet their dad and uncle. 

Looking back on my childhood, I might say I was an eclectic Catholic. My mother was raised Syrian Orthodox, and my father was Roman Catholic. I was baptized Roman Catholic, and we participated in Sunday Mass at St. Teresa of Avila Church near my home. But aside from Mass and C.C.D. classes until fifth grade, I had no sense of belonging to that church.

Your school may be part of a parish, or your students may come to your school from a variety of parishes in the region. Aim to foster your students’ involvement in their local parish. Every parish, whether or not they are associated with your school, is called to be a welcoming family that supports your school’s work of catechesis and faith formation.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28