"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Tomorrow is Election Day! Voters across the country will make their voices heard as they choose who will represent them at the national, state, and local level. Free and fair elections are the hallmark of our government, and our constitutional federal republic has been the model around the world for 248 years. Students at St. Michael’s School will also participate in a mock election, making a choice between the top two presidential candidates, so they can begin to learn about the importance of exercising their right to vote. As we educate our students in Faith, Knowledge, and Character, we recognize our responsibility to live out our mission for them: “…to become future leaders in the Church and community.”
Throughout the history of our great country, there have been heated disagreements. You may recall the animosity between Founding Fathers’ Alexander Hamilton, leader of the Federalists, and Thomas Jefferson, a Republican; or the assault in the Senate chamber when Representative Preston Brooks used a walking cane to attack Senator Charles Sumner prior to the Civil War. Our nation has survived and grown through a multitude of differing opinions, and we will once again, despite what our media espouses.
It is our hope that we can instill in our children the benefits of diversity of thought, and the importance of listening and treating everyone with dignity and respect. A pastor recently recommended that members of his congregation should “look twice” in the eyes of those who hold different views, and recognize Christ in that person. That advice is worthy of our consideration.
We have compiled a short slide presentation, linked below, that will be shown to all students, which includes a video for grades K-3 on the election process, and a separate video for grades 4-8 on the Electoral College. The slides also include some Catholic resources and conclude with a prayer.
In the days following the election, when the results are made known, some of us will be joyful, and some of us will be upset. As parents, I am asking you to be mindful of the conversations you have around your children regarding the candidates and the outcome as they often come to school repeating words they hear at home. Younger children are not informed enough to understand the meaning of harsh words, or the fear and anxiety of the adults around them. Our great nation has withstood division in the past, and will likely continue to stand strong. While our new president may lead us down a path that may not be to our liking, we have the opportunity to let our voices be heard again in four years.
Election 2016
In Mission, Kathy