RaleighDioceseHomeschool.org

Bishop Celebrates Annual Mass for Home School Families The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the annual Diocesan Mass for home school parents, Saturday, September 19 at Saint Joseph Church in Raleigh. Noting the parable of the seed and the sower in the Gospel reading of the day, Bishop Burbidge said, “We all hope to be the rich ground so that we will produce abundant fruit in our lives.” He spoke of the importance of approaching all that we do with humility, discipline and confidence. Commenting on the latter, the Bishop noted, “Confidence is needed because sometimes it appears that our hard work and efforts do not pay off or bring benefits. Yet God assures us that His Word and grace are sufficient.” Bishop Burbidge expressed his gratitude to the parents for the responsibility they are assuming as the primary teachers of their children in the way of faith. “You may not always see immediate and visible results, but trust in God’s promise that through His divine assistance the seeds you plant will grow in ways you can never imagine.”
Are You Homeschooling a Special Needs Child? Homeschooling a child with special needs can begin a journey of faith that unveils many unforeseen blessings as well as puzzling uncertainties. Special needs children, like all of God’s children, must learn to function in the world to the best of their abilities without losing sight of their ultimate purpose: entry into the kingdom of God. Teaching the special needs child about life skills, academics, and the faith, however, is not always a process that follows a set curriculum, methodology, or timetable. Patience, flexibility, perseverance, a sense of humor, a strong personal faith, and encouragement from the faith community are attributes that can help parents on this unique journey. We would like to hear from moms and dads who are homeschooling a special needs child and who would like to share their experiences with others on the same journey. Do you have questions you’d like to ask other Catholic homeschoolers, or teaching tips or lessons to share on to manage your school day, or suggestions for how to nurture your and your child’s spiritual development day by day? We’d like to hear from you and help foster a support network in the Raleigh Diocese for homeschool families with special needs children. Please email us to indicate your interest or to submit your ideas for such a network. Thank you and God bless! Katie McDermott ktmcd@nc.rr.com
Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010. With the announcement of this year for priests the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars. Read more: www.usccb.org Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut Resource Packet from the Diocese of Raleigh: www.dioceseofraleigh.org/docs/yfp/ResourcePacket809.pdf Vocabulary, biographies, writing contests, and more! An amazing collection of captivating and informative materials. Great for homeschool families! .
Retreat with Sister Rose Homeschool parents throughout the Diocese gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for a morning of inspiration and conversation. Sister Rose invited us to join her in deepening our relationship with Jesus. We were beautifully reminded of how intimately and deeply He knows and loves each of us individually. Many inspiring ideas were shared as to how to keep this awareness alive in the midst of our everyday responsibilities. The retreat was followed by lively and informative discussion. We were all concerned about improving communication for homeschool families, and went home with a charge to spread the word about RaleighDioceseHomeschool.org. We also took some time to share questions and concerns with implementing the new Home-Based Catechesis program in our local parishes. Sister Rose encouraged families to be patient as well as persistent in implementing the policy. We were all encouraged to create a friendly relationship with our DRE right from the start. Signing up for HBC also opens lines of communication with the diocese. Look for information about the “Year of the Priest” arts contest. Conversation continued as we retrieved our children and had a picnic under the trees in the playground. Several of us took the opportunity for a short visit to the adoration chapel. Surely our prayers continue for a blessed future of Catholic homeschooling in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Policy for Home-Based Catechesis Click on text at right to view the policy >> Sign up at your parish this fall!