Holy Cross Regional Catholic School Uses Pope’s Visit as Teachable Moment

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Sept. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- This week, Holy Cross School will mark Pope Francis’s visit to the United States with activities of learning and prayer.

“The Pope’s visit to the United States is a teachable moment for all of us,” says Principal Mary Sherry. “Pope Francis is a living example of someone who lives out his faith in the world on a daily basis.  At Holy Cross, we speak to our students about the importance of being a person for others, for to whom much is given, much is required.”

Director of Religious Education Kaky Bowden has strips of material for a student activity revolving around Mary, the mother of Jesus.

“The Holy Father loves the painting called ‘Mary the Undoer of Knots,’” says Bowden. “The knots are created by tying strips of materials on which the children have written their prayers.  They will write what is weighing heavily on their hearts that they want to tell Jesus about.  We will then tie them to each other in knots. We will pray to Mary for her intercession to Jesus at the ‘Rally Around the Pole’ on Wednesday to hear our prayers.”

Holy Cross School’s ‘Rally Around the (Flag) Pole” is planned for 7:50 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23 in front of the school.

Bowden also points out that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website is full of good stuff about Pope Francis' visit. Resources for children and teens can be found at http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-catechetical-resources.cfm

According to the USCCB, Pope Francis will be able to see a large collection of Americans who have sent in prayers formed into a collection of knots once he gets to Philadelphia. Mary, ‘the Undoer of Knots’ is revered for her love and devotion to her son Jesus. She is known for her ability to “undo” the knots, the challenges, in our lives. Her love and compassion for us as the children of God shows us just how much she is the mother of the Holy Family and our Mother.

Various other activities at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School include the fourth grade class making a timeline for the Pope’s visit.  High School English classes will view one of his U.S. speeches online as a group. They will then write a reflection. School Chaplain, Father Jim Gallagher who is traveling to Washington, DC to see the Pope will discuss the experience with our students at the all school Mass on Thursday, Oct 1 at 8:15 a.m. in the school gym.

Adds Sherry, “This year, our spiritual theme is from Joshua 1:9 – ‘Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ This year we are talking to our student about stepping up and stepping out, and really living out their faith. At Holy Cross, we seek to provide opportunities for our student to reach out with God's love to others in need. Together, we grow in faith, love, service, and relationship with God. For most of us, reaching out and serving others does not always come naturally and easily, yet it is something we are called to do as believers.  If we are believers, then we need to act on that. Our faith MUST drive us to action. Pope Francis is modeling that for all of us.”

About Holy Cross Regional Catholic School

Founded in 1879, Holy Cross Regional Catholic School is a fully accredited college preparatory school for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.  Holy Cross has passed the rigorous accreditation requirements of both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and School Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI).  For more information, please see www.holycrossforyou.org  and/or contact Catherine Mosley, Director of Enrollment & Marketing, at (434)847-5436 or cmosley@hcfaculty.com.