March 11, 2021
Lenten blessings to all of our Catholic school families!
Sunday, March 14 marks the one-year anniversary of the pandemic that has affected our schools. Since then, we have returned to learning and made it through six months of in-person instruction. We have much to be proud of – courageous school leaders and pastors, diligent teachers, and committed families. In these final four months of the academic year and with spring’s approach, may we have renewed hope that even brighter days lie ahead.
Travel
Once again, a season of travel is upon us, so I offer a request to use good judgment when planning out-of-state trips. Our mitigation strategies have been very effective in the past, and as other states lift restrictions, we need to remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks in our schools.
Vaccines
Gradually vaccinations have become more widely available, and you are encouraged to get signed up so you can receive the vaccine when it becomes available to you if that is your choice. The Vaccine Connector offered through the Minnesota Department of Health is a helpful resource for getting signed up, permitting you to be notified when it is your turn for the vaccine.
Year of Saint Joseph
On March 19 we honor the Feast of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. This year, this feast takes on a whole new meaning as our Holy Father Pope Francis has declared 2021 as the Year of Saint Joseph. In his encyclical Patris Corde, Pope Francis outlines the virtues of this holy saint and humble man. If we learned anything in 2020, perhaps it was humility, a sense of knowing we were not in charge. We also experienced a new feeling of family when the world stopped, and family became everything. Had we paid better attention, Saint Joseph would have taught us these lessons long ago.
Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph's qualities beautifully. A beloved father. A tender and loving father. An obedient father. An accepting father. A creatively courageous father. A working father. A father in the shadows.
Each of these images provides a picture of unsurpassed parental holiness and speaks to the important role of dads in our Catholic schools. One caveat - I'm not forgetting about the amazing work of our moms. Remember, I'm one of you. But there is just something life-changing about having the faithful witness of a dad in a child's life. So dads, this time I’m especially writing for you.
Saint Joseph was beloved, revered by Mary and Jesus. So too, are you. Study after study tells us the most significant influence on a child's development of faith is their father's role. Please, dads, talk about your faith, pray out loud, and model reception of the sacraments. Your children are watching, and you – and what you do - are beloved.
Pope Francis called out Saint Joseph as a tender and loving father, the protector who went many miles to keep his family safe. Dads, you are called too to make sacrifices. In our Catholic schools, we know that you do that – in volunteer hours, in paying tuition, in seeing to the health and safety of your family and community. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Saint Joseph was obedient to the will of God, even when it came with challenges. He was “creatively courageous,” listening to the angels and trusting the voice of God speaking through them. In this last year of uncertainty, how many times have you prayed for wisdom and heard God give it to you? How have you been a man of obedience and courage?
You may, at times, be a father in the shadows – the one who silently does the work that no one notices. You may be stepdad or even a mother who takes on the role of father as well. Be reminded that, whatever your circumstances, we are called to be God’s shadow and follow the Son. This is Pope Francis’ special message for us and our children.
In celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a number of resources including a Novena to Saint Joseph that you may want to check out.
Let us ask Saint Joseph to intercede for all of us, especially our tender, obedient, courageous, and beloved dads. You are guardians of our domestic churches, and we are grateful for you. Many thanks to all of you dads, moms, and special family members who build up our Church and protect it, as does Saint Joseph.
In Him,
Dr. Michelle Kramer
Office of Schools
Diocese of New Ulm