New Post at PC

New post over at my other Catholic blog - Principally Catholic.

Grease Monkey

I am not mechanically inclined. However, with the current state of the economy and a 12 year old Caravan, I have tried to become more so. My son has inherited my mechanical ability.
However, this past weekend, the brake pads on our "clunker" needed to be replaced. My 12 year old son wanted to help. I knew if I did the job by myself, it'd take me 3 hours. With his help, I figured another two.

To my admiration, and with very little supervision, my son jacked the van up and removed the front wheels while I worked on the brake pads. He fetched tools and was attentive. He even jacked it up a third time two hours later when we discovered one of the pads was grinding horribly.

I know we aren't supposed to work on Sundays, but that time I spent with my self-proclaimed "grease monkey" was the best I have had all summer.

God Bless.

cross posted at Catholic Dads

"In the Business of Making Saints"

I have a new job. Actually, it's the same job but in a different place. To be more specifically vague, I have a new employer, at a different school, with similar respopnsibilities but a different focus.

Last week, school started at the Catholic school where I am the new assistant principal. It has been the best three first days of school since I started teaching. There were a number of reasons why, I think.

1. The staff was energized and well-prepared to go back to school.We went to Mass on Wednesday (first day of school) and Friday (The Feast of the Assumption)
2. I have a new focus on why I am an administrator.

Obviously I am there to help "run the school." But let's face it, a good school is run by the teachers and front office staff. I am kicking myself for not starting our in the Catholic school system. I'd have fewer grey hairs if I had.

But I think the real reason I, and the staff and the parents are there (or here on Earth for that matter) is to make these children saints.

In his homily on Friday, Father Joe reminded the children of that fact. God wants us, anyone involved with children, to be "in the business of making saints." How simple and concise. But, how do we do that?

Set The Example

Unless we are trying to become saints ourselves, how can we ask our children to do so?

• Do you know your faith?
• Have you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and understand it?
• Do you break open the Word of God every day?
• Do you pray by yourself AND with your family?

If you answered anything but YES to any of the above, you are not trying to become a saint.

Teach Them

Parents are the primary teachers of their children. A solid Catholic education is essential in making a saint. They can receive that from a Catholic school or CCD classes. But in addition, it MUST be taught at home. What should be taught?

The FOUR "R's":

• Reading - We all know how important this is! Read with them, especially Scipture.
• WRiting - Have them write letters instead of email or instant messaging once in awhile. Patience is a virtue.
• ARithmatic - There are different ways of teaching Math, just like there are different ways of learning Math. Understand how your children learn and are being taught.
• Religion - What can you teach them about their faith? Educate yourself. Attend Adult Catechesis classes. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Know your faith.

We are all in the business of making saints.

What an AWSOME job.

Cross-posted at Principally Catholic