“But Jesus called them to him, saying,
‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’.”
– Matthew 19:14
Dear Friends of Catholic Education,
For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian lives. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand this more and appreciate the great blessing of the Eucharist. Like any good thing, I want to share it with those I care about and love. As parents of six children, my wife, Mariza, and I want nothing more than to bring our children to the Lord and help them to begin what will hopefully be a lifelong relationship. What better gift is there to give to our most precious children?
I remember when our children were younger and Mariza and I would bring them to Mass. To be honest, it was far from a wonderful spiritual experience. In fact, managing that one hour was more like the source and summit of frustration and anxiety. Sometimes we wondered if it was worth it at all. At times, it felt like an insurmountable challenge to successfully manage the situation, let alone pray and participate. After all, when our youngest was born, the oldest was only seven years old. I wonder if we received indulgences for that.
I can remember one day at Mass sitting next to my son Jacob. I think he was about four years old at the time. When people began to line up and receive the Eucharist, he watched intently. After a little while, he tapped me on the shoulder without taking his eyes off of those receiving our Lord. When I looked at his cherub-like face, he asked, “Dad, do you know what the person is saying to them when he gives them the communion?” Knowing he clearly had an answer, I asked, “What buddy?” He responded, “He’s asking, ‘Do you want one?'” After a brief chuckle, I assured him he was correct. There would be time to explain more later. For that moment, I enjoyed the “out of the mouths of babes” experience.
God’s children desire to know Him. Each one of us wants to know our creator. As the primary teachers of our children, we, as parents, need to work collaboratively with those who will be instructing them. After all, we are on the same team working for the same goal; their spiritual, academic and social development. With this in mind, let’s work together as we respond to our Lord’s instruction to “Let the children come to me.”
Vincent Cascone, Ed.D.
Leaven Columns
| Name | Owner | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Leaven column March 13, 2020 | Sharon Madrigal | 3/13/2020 2:42:51 PM |
| Pray that our schoolchildren feel the Lord’s gaze on them | ||
| Leaven column January 24, 2020 | Sharon Madrigal | 1/27/2020 2:13:51 PM |
| School office plans to ‘Enflame Our Schools’ | ||
| Leaven column November 8, 2019 | Sharon Madrigal | 11/8/2019 12:08:29 PM |
| Within each school, super finds himself on holy ground | ||
| Leaven column September 13, 2019 | Sharon Madrigal | 9/13/2019 11:09:48 AM |
| Super embraces his new Catholic school families – all 42 of them! | ||
| Leaven column March 22, 2019 | Sharon Madrigal | 3/22/2019 12:11:53 PM |
| Outgoing super full of gratitude, best wishes for successor | ||
| Leaven column January 25, 2019 | Sharon Madrigal | 2/11/2019 11:37:43 AM |
| Super honors teachers, mentors of years past | ||
| Leaven column November 16, 2018 | Sharon Madrigal | 2/11/2019 11:36:14 AM |
| Faith plus reason equals the Catholic school difference! | ||
| Leaven column September 28, 2019 | Sharon Madrigal | 2/11/2019 10:33:13 AM |
| Family “lens” adds new perspective to ‘back to school’ | ||
| April 13, 2018 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 4/16/2018 11:11:17 AM |
| Catholic Schools are fortunately free to teach the truth | ||
| February 9, 2018 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 2/12/2018 4:49:09 PM |
| Knowing God has a plan for them give students hope | ||
| November 24, 2017 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 11/29/2017 11:21:23 AM |
| A clear view of the forest can guide us through the trees | ||
| September 29, 2017 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/4/2017 11:55:06 AM |
| Parents, teachers all grateful for Jesus’ presence in the classroom | ||
| April 14, 2017 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 8/7/2017 4:45:36 PM |
| Spiritual opportunities abound for education in our archdiocese | ||
| February 17, 2017 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 8/7/2017 4:44:22 PM |
| Schools recognized for inclusiveness in national study | ||
| November 25, 2016 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 11/28/2016 3:14:27 PM |
| Sometimes we need to stop and celebrate what we got right | ||
| September 30, 2016 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 11:03:17 AM |
| School year opens with new faces, time-honored mission | ||
| April 29, 2016 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 11:01:35 AM |
| Honors are meaningless if we’re not forming our students | ||
| March 18, 2016 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 11:00:27 AM |
| ‘Exceeding expectations’ is music to super’s ears | ||
| February 12, 2016 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 10:59:16 AM |
| Metrics must measure success by Gospel-based mission | ||
| December 18, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 10:57:33 AM |
| Education’s focus should be on creating good citizens first | ||
| October 30, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2016 10:56:13 AM |
| Our rubric for success is our student’s closeness with Christ | ||
| September 17, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/22/2015 4:56:20 PM |
| Year of Mercy offers chance for reflection, celebration | ||
| April 24, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 4/27/2015 3:04:59 PM |
| Love is the answer, discovers Catholic school principal | ||
| March 12, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 3/31/2015 3:04:54 PM |
| Husband’s illness kept family focused on what’s important | ||
| February 6, 2015 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 2/11/2015 3:20:14 PM |
| Be true to your school – or better yet, its namesake | ||
| December 12, 2014 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 2/4/2015 2:43:18 PM |
| Seminarian credits ‘make-up work’ with catalyzing his vocation | ||
| October 24, 2014 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 11/5/2014 2:39:20 PM |
| School visits gratify super – as does special encounter | ||
| September 12, 2014 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 9/22/2014 4:18:56 PM |
| The life of the soul: Catholic Schools take it seriously | ||
| March 28, 2014 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 4/9/2014 9:54:41 AM |
| Stress of semester can’t dilute solemnity of season | ||
| February 14, 2014 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 4/9/2014 9:53:48 AM |
| Judeo-Christian morality is the bulwark of successful democracy | ||
| December 13, 2013 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 4/9/2014 9:52:49 AM |
| Among a myriad of changes one thing stays the same | ||
| October 18, 2013 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/23/2013 10:14:51 AM |
| Training allows staffs to grow spiritually | ||
| September 13, 2013 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 9/16/2013 9:43:21 AM |
| Friendship with Jesus at heart of Catholic schools mission | ||
| March 20, 2013 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 9/9/2013 4:30:17 PM |
| New technologies fueled by imagination of kids like ours | ||
| February 1, 2013 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 9/9/2013 4:29:24 PM |
| Super invites you to join her for Catholic Schools Week highlights | ||
| November 16, 2012 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 9/9/2013 4:27:41 PM |
| New curriculum focuses on knowledge – and its application | ||
| October 12, 2012 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/17/2012 2:58:04 PM |
| Religion permeates the curriculum at Catholic schools | ||
| September 7, 2012 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/11/2012 2:23:09 PM |
| Catholic schools educate more than the mind | ||
| March 23, 2012 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 10/11/2012 2:22:24 PM |
| Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you choose a Catholic school | ||
| January 27, 2012 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 1/30/2012 12:20:52 PM |
| Workshops help Catholic schools define, advance their mission | ||
| November 25, 2011 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 1/19/2012 8:58:39 AM |
| Veterans Day program demonstrated what Catholic schools can do | ||
| October 14, 2011 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 1/19/2012 8:57:08 AM |
| Catholic schools measure ‘outcomes’ differently | ||
| August 26, 2011 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 1/19/2012 8:55:54 AM |
| Catholic schools encourage kids to meet the Lord firsthand | ||
| March 25, 2011 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:44:38 PM |
| Sometimes the fruits of our ministries blossom before our eyes… | ||
| Jan. 21, 2011 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:43:35 PM |
| Do public school parents know what they’re missing?… | ||
| Nov. 5, 2010 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:42:43 PM |
| Teachers model discipleship to Catholic school students… | ||
| Aug. 27, 2010 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:41:46 PM |
| Teachers must aspire to witness Christ to those they encounter… | ||
| April 30, 2010 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:41:04 PM |
| Don’t let costs keep your child out of a Catholic high school… | ||
| Feb. 26, 2010 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:40:13 PM |
| From an early age, students integrate their faith… | ||
| Dec. 25, 2009 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:39:22 PM |
| Catholic schools help kids encounter the world through the lens of faith… | ||
| Oct. 23, 2009 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:38:29 PM |
| Catholic schools combine faith and reason for the common good… | ||
| Aug. 28, 2009 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:37:29 PM |
| Church’s contribution to society both deep and wide… | ||
| May 1, 2009 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:36:41 PM |
| A place where everybody knows his name… | ||
| March 6, 2009 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:36:03 PM |
| Parents’ letters attest to what we strive for… | ||
| Dec. 26, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:34:37 PM |
| ‘Whole Child’ focus nothing new to Catholic schools… | ||
| Oct. 24, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:33:42 PM |
| Academic success built on bedrock of spiritual formation… | ||
| Aug. 29, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:31:54 PM |
| Success stories illustrate the spirit of our schools… | ||
| May 2, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:30:05 PM |
| Special-needs children enrich our Catholic schools… | ||
| March 7, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:29:09 PM |
| Catholic schools do it all – and more… | ||
| Jan. 25, 2008 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:28:19 PM |
| Catholic schools: An investment in both our earthly and eternal futures… | ||
| Dec. 7, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:27:20 PM |
| The best gift a parent can give: a Catholic education… | ||
| Oct. 19, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:26:21 PM |
| Catholic school staff really does make a difference… | ||
| Sept. 14, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:23:51 PM |
| Catholic schools are first and foremost commitments of faith… | ||
| May 4, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:23:01 PM |
| Catholic schools must be a work in progress… | ||
| March 16, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:22:21 PM |
| Volunteer board members critical to success of Catholic schools… | ||
| Feb. 2, 2007 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:21:29 PM |
| Focus family life around values that last a lifetime… | ||
| Nov. 24, 2006 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:20:38 PM |
| Toughest job imaginable is also one of the most important… | ||
| Oct. 13, 2006 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:19:54 PM |
| Catholic school principals lead by spiritual example… | ||
| Sept. 1, 2006 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:19:08 PM |
| New school year launched with beutiful Eucharist… | ||
| May 12, 2006 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:18:25 PM |
| Are we teaching our kids life’ most important lessons… | ||
| May 14, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:08:18 PM |
| Teaching: It isn’t as easy as it looks… | ||
| April 9, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:07:15 PM |
| Easter preparations recall our ultimate goal… | ||
| March 12, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:06:16 PM |
| Overscheduling kids serves neither them nor our mission… | ||
| Feb. 13, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:05:17 PM |
| New Superintendent finds much to love about her job… | ||
| Jan. 16, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:04:31 PM |
| Keeping focus on our mission… | ||
| Nov. 28, 2003 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:03:38 PM |
| It’s never too late for faith formation… | ||
| Oct. 31, 2003 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:02:24 PM |
| Faith talk: always important, never easy… | ||
| October 3, 2003 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 3:00:54 PM |
| Academics only part of school’s mission, Jesus is the whole… | ||
| Sept. 3, 2004 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 2:59:46 PM |
| Super sees back-to-school through rookie’s eyes… | ||
| Sept. 5, 2003 Leaven Column | Amy Lanham | 12/1/2011 2:58:47 PM |
| Common vision critical to schools’ success… |