“Faith is a gift. No matter how many books you read, it is still a gift,” Bishop Alfred Schlert said in his homily to a gathering of homeschooling families. “That is one of the reasons we come together today — to give thanks for our faith because our parents passed it along to us; they gave it as a gift.”
The families were gathered for a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 1 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, celebrated by Bishop Schlert. Concelebrating was Father Kevin Bobbin, Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Pottsville; Chaplain of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville; and Chaplain to the homeschooling community.
While challenging the students and families to live out their faith, Bishop Schlert said, “So faith is a gift. You're being handed that gift today and every day through the good work you are doing at home and in school.”
He then drew attention to the variety of courses of study, including the sciences, history, and theology, pointing out the holiness of understanding where we came from and where God is ultimately taking us.
“The spiritual strength that God gives us through the Sacraments allows grace to build on nature,” said Bishop Schlert.
After Mass, families gathered in the parish hall for refreshments, where they mingled, ate, and took photos with Bishop Schlert. Books, stickers, bookmarks, and other gifts were also available.
Father Bobbin said the highlight of his seven years as Chaplain has been meeting many wonderful families. “There are so many remarkable families here who value faith and education. It has been a true joy for me to get to know them, both old friends and new.”
One of his most significant roles as Chaplain has been supporting individuals as they journey to the Sacraments.
Families across the Diocese homeschool in various ways — through hybrid academies, school district programs, and online courses.
Alexa McElwain, a St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield parishioner entering eighth grade, enjoys her hybrid academy for its mix of classroom learning and faith-filled activities. At home, her family’s nightly Bible lessons help strengthen their faith together.
St. Joseph the Worker parishioner Michelle Cilmi homeschooled her three daughters for some or all of their education after owning a Montessori school. She explained that she began homeschooling in 2014, the year after teaching her own daughter in the kindergarten classroom.
Cilmi began to tear up as she said, “It's been the greatest blessing in my whole life. I'm more proud of homeschooling than anything else I've done. It has been so great for our family as a unit, and also for the siblings. They have such a good friendship. And it has also allowed me to give them a Catholic education at home.
“I've learned to take real-life experiences and opportunities and inject them into the education system.”
Michael Cilmi agreed with his wife about it being one of the greatest blessings. “I would have never imagined doing it at first, but it's been tremendous to watch them grow together, and for them to be a part of the community,” he said.
For more information on connecting with the homeschooling community in the Diocese of Allentown, email Rhady Tulloch, Director of Marriage and Family Life, at rtulloch@allentowndiocese.org.
Photos by Shane McKevitt.
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