For the nearly 400 homeschool parents and students attending the annual Mass and reception for homeschool families Oct. 24 at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge had a special message.
“Homeschooling is Catholic education, and we celebrate that,” said the bishop, who celebrated Mass, then mingled for hours with families. Joining him were Joe Vorbach, diocesan superintendent of schools, and all four assistant superintendents. “All of my colleagues in our office for Catholic schools are with me today, and that is a powerful sign for our homeschool families. We see them as an integral part of the diocese and mission of Catholic education.”
It was a festive occasion for diocesan families who worshipped together and enjoyed culinary delights, outdoor games, a puppet show and a theatrical production of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Burbidge in the audience.
“This is all so important for us,” said Rubia Ramos, who homeschools her daughter. “To have the bishop show his support like this gives me confidence to keep homeschooling.”
“It’s important for us to know that the church agrees with our mission in teaching our own children,” said Elizabeth Martin, a homeschool mom of four.
Dads also showed up in big numbers to express their support for Catholic homeschooling. “I don’t just delegate the education to my wife, we’re a team,” said Daniel Paris, who came with his wife Allison and their three sons. “I’m 100% committed to their formation and their development as disciples of Christ and that’s why I’m here.”
Peter Vizzini, father of six, said that all the dads who took the day off to push strollers at the homeschool Mass were making a statement. “It’s important, especially in these days where the role of the father is sort of denigrated in the public sphere, to see a lot of active fathers who are taking time on a weekday to celebrate this Mass,” he said.
“Moms deserve all the credit,” said Robin Poullat, whose wife Molly homeschools their seven children. “I think a lot of what we do is just trying to make their lives a little easier by doing the things that enable them to be successful. They put in a lot of work, and it’s not an easy job.”
“The main thing for dads is being there to support the family, whether it’s assisting with school, taking them to and from the co-op, or helping my wife if she’s overwhelmed,” said Gervais Reed, Jr., who came with his wife and four children. “I just feel confident that homeschooling is a good way to raise children with Jesus Christ as the center of their education.”
Many families took advantage of the ideal fall weather, spreading blankets outside to enjoy picnic lunches while children played on inflatables and others took in a puppet show.
“It’s really nice to be able to celebrate together and see friends that you haven’t seen in a while,” said Miriam Hale, a high school junior, who is homeschooled with her five siblings. “I rejoice in the fact that we’re together, that we’re able to do school in our own way and to have a community of others that choose to do the same thing.”
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge encouraged families to unify as a community of faith. “No doubt, it is the faith that we must hang on,” he said. “We must share with our young people, so they grow in the knowledge of our faith. And yet, Catholic education is about so much more. You parents, the heart of your education, the education you provide for your children, is really the forming, the making of disciples — disciples of Christ, who said to them and who says to each one of us — Come, follow me.”
