Where Do We Find Our Hope?

“They that Hope in the Lord will renew their strength,

they will soar on eagles’ wings;

They will run and not grow weary,

walk and not grow faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Recently, the Office for Schools hosted a convocation for all Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of San Diego, with over 1,100 people in attendance. It was a joy-filled day celebrating the impact of Catholic education, and re-affirming our mission and vocation to teach and guide our students as future leaders. Father Scott Santarosa, S.J., pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Logan Heights, delivered the Keynote Address. During this Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis (before his death) as the Year of Hope, Fr. Santarosa suggests we look to three constant sources of hope that do not disappoint: Mary, the Holy Family, and Catholic Schools. In addition to providing an excellent faith and academic education, Catholic schools remind students that they are loved. Further, Catholic schools have been sources of hope in our nation for more than 400 years, since the first school was founded in 1606 by the Franciscan friars in St. Augustine, Florida.

This week, we end the first quarter of the school year. Students new to our school had to learn how to adjust to routines and navigate new friendships. The transition to middle school is always a challenge, trying to understand numerous teachers’ expectations and develop much needed organizational skills. As with all new things, some master changes quickly, and others need a bit more time. Our faith teaches us, however, that we should never give up, we must persevere through struggles, and we must place our trust and hope in God and in one another.

The teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Order of Jesuits to which Fr. Santarosa belongs, are centered on the Examen, a reflective prayer to recognize God’s presence in our lives. Usually prayed at the end of the day, the Examen is an excellent way to set goals, and I encourage you to try this with your children as they head into the next quarter:

• Step 1: Give thanks – for all the gifts God has given you (this step is important and

  should be done first!)

• Step 2: Ask for light or guidance – to understand God’s plan

• Step 3: Reflecting on the day (or week, or quarter) – to see where improvements can be made

• Step 4: Seeking forgiveness – for any mistakes, unkind actions/thoughts, or lack of effort

• Step 5: Resolving to improve – I am responsible for my own success; what will I do to

  make changes for the better?

The Hallow App (https://hallow.com) is an excellent source for Christian and Catholic prayer. St. Michael’s School provides teachers and middle schools students with an annual subscription, and we encourage parents to join the millions of people nationwide who have benefited from its content. There you will find a tutorial on how to pray the Examen, as well as other sources of prayer, meditation, and music. I highly recommend this resource for your own spiritual growth and as a source of hope.

Deo Gratias, Kathy