Turning Back to Mary

May Crowning - incredibly beautiful...100% Catholic. I loved our simple May Crowning at my previous school, as it was weaved seamlessly into the Mass itself, but the May Crowning at my new school was wonderful in different ways...

Carrying white carnations, the second graders donned their First Communion dresses and suits, while the 8th graders wore their red (boys) and white (girls) graduation gowns (minus the caps), joining the other students and teachers in procession from the school building to the church on a sunny afternoon. Upon entering the church, we joined together in singing "Immaculate Mary," which was followed by the reading of a Gospel passage from Luke and a short homily from our pastor.

We were in the middle of the consecration prayer to Mary, when I suddenly found myself choking up and holding back tears. I realized in that moment that within the past 6 months to 1 year I have not turned to Mary for intercession or help. What once was such a special devotion for me, having grown up with the Salesian charism and devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, was no longer a part of my life. And this saddened me a great deal. I am sure there are many versions of the prayer of consecration to Mary, but I would wager that the gist of the prayer, no matter what words you say, is the same - to give of oneself completely to Mary so that we may grow in holiness to be closer to her Son, Jesus. And I knew in that moment, Mary was touching my heart and whispering an invitation to return to her.

May Crowning continued in lovely and touching fashion with intercessions, followed by the song "Bring Flowers of the Rarest" during the crowning itself. When the song "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" started, I found myself once again on the verge of waterworks, only this time I couldn't hold back the tears. Every time I hear that song I think of my students throughout the years to whom I have taught the signs to that song, and my heart is filled with both utmost happiness and a deep longing at the same time. For some reason, that song makes me think I have made a difference in some students' lives, not through the song, but through my ministry in Catholic education. And it is a reminder of why I stay in Catholic education. I know it probably doesn't make sense, all of that being stirred up by one song, but for some reason it's true.

So now, on the eve of Mother's Day, I find myself with the deep desire to recommit myself in devotion to Mary. I am on the lookout for prayers/novenas of consecration, books, apps, or anything else that will help me stay on track, so if you know of any please let me know. (Obviously the Rosary is likely a good place to start.)

Mary, our mother, pray for us!

What You Love

When you get a chance to make a living doing what you love, that's pretty sweet.

This week, I felt especially blessed in this way for two specific times:

1) Sharing "It's a Wonderful Life" with my 6th graders - As a wrap-up for our final unit before the holiday break, we've been learning about moral decision-making. Tomorrow (after having watched the movie all week), students will complete a project in which they will determine the morality of some of the choices of George Bailey & others in the movie. In addition, they will look at how Hollywood portrays prayer, God, etc.
While watching the end of the movie today (with both classes), I teared up. There's something about that movie and its message about friendship and family being what makes us rich. When students left my class remarking, "That was such a great movie" and "This is my new favorite Christmas movie" (and actually meaning it), I knew it was worth the time we spent. These kids need to see holiday classics like this. Personally, I think it's one of the greatest (if not greatest) movies of all time.

2) Leading the 6th graders in signing "Silent Night" at the Christmas program - The kiddos did such a great job. The principal was nearly in tears when she told me how beautiful it looked. And one parent commented, "I wish I could have just watched you the whole time. You were so graceful." All of it made me smile - because I had shared something that I had grown up with and loved with my students, and now, they are loving it too. (In fact, I had to remind the 5th and 7th graders not to sign during the show because it wasn't their turn.)

It's not every day that I feel I am doing what I love; though, overall, teaching is something I find very special and worthwhile indeed. But this week, I feel like I am so blessed. I've been encouraged and able to share things I love - and that, in a profession, makes all the difference in the world, in my humble opinion...


"Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." (Pedro Arrupe)

Mary, Did You Know...in my sleep

Tonight, I'm pretty sure I'll be signing "Mary, Did You Know?" in my sleep...you know, whenever I get to sleep...(Don't you hate it when lesson planning keeps you up at night?)

Multiple times through x 4 station group rotations x 2 retreats (4th & 5th grades) + a couple times through during 7th grade family Advent event = a LOT of repetition

Oh, yes...and how could I forget doing it two more times this afternoon at the end of study hall with the 5th grade boys. It was completely voluntary. No, scratch that. It was in high demand. They were done with their homework, and what did they want to do? Sign. (I am not kidding - you cannot make this stuff up.) I couldn't keep a straight face - they were so darn cute.

I love teaching middle school, don't get me wrong. But some days I wish I could go back to teaching ones that are just a tad younger - 4th and 5th graders are such a fun bunch. So days like today and yesterday, when I had the opportunity to lead the retreats for those grades - these are the days when, though extra-filled, I feel extremely blessed and lucky. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of those retreats.

The 7th and 8th grade retreat is next week...so we'll see how that goes. I'm a little worried because the 6th grade retreat left a little to be desired - but, then again, I only had one other teacher helping me. (On Tuesday, I should have some additional help from the principal and maybe some other teachers - at least, my fingers are crossed for that.)

Have a great weekend!!