We are part of a wide community of faith made up of people who have guided and inspired us. When we think about it, we can point to some people whose lives bear witness that goodness, kindness, and virtue exist in our world. They are part of a great cloud of witnesses to Christ’s love, evidence that we have a good reason for being hopeful in spite of all the disappointments and challenges of everyday living.

Our faith tradition recognizes the value of these role models: “But those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament. And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). In his encyclical letter Saved in Hope (Spe Salvi), Pope Benedict XVI reminds us to take courage from those who are role models of this hope.

“The true stars in our life are the people who have lived good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly, Jesus Christ is the true light… but to reach him we also need lights close by—people who shine with his light and so guide us along the way” (no. 49).

For Your Students: “Who is a star in your life, one who gives you hope?”

• Writing Activities: a) Write a story about that person. Share your story with your classmates. b) Write a note to that person, thanking them for being a sign of God’s love for you. 
• Art Activity: Draw and color a scene of a starry sky, with some stars big enough for you to write a name inside the star. Share your picture with the class or send it to the person who has inspired you.
• Interview with a Star: Identify a Saint or modern Christian disciple that you have learned about in your recent faith formation lessons. Imagine how that person would answer these questions if you could interview them today: “What is the reason for your hope?” “Who is a star in your life who gave you hope?” “What advice do you have for young people like me?”
• Explore the lives of some Saintly stars in RCL Benziger’s Saints Resource.

For you as a Teacher: This reflection can be an opportunity for personal reflection and appreciation for those who have given us hope, as catechists, teachers, and family members.

• Consider how Pope Benedict’s words apply to your vocation as a teacher in your Catholic school. 
• Who is a star in your life, one who gives you hope? Send him or her a note of affirmation and appreciation.
• Consider telling your students the story of your “star “and why they mean so much to you. How did they give you hope? How did that person reflect the light of Christ to you?

About the Author

Dr. Lauri Przybysz specializes in equipping families to live their vocation to be domestic churches and signs of God’s love. Lauri received the Doctor of Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and she has been both a Catholic middle school religion teacher and a faith formation coordinator at the archdiocesan and parish levels. She is the mother of six children and grandmother of 21.