Despite expectant rain clouds overhead, hundreds of homeschooling parents and children flocked to Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville May 13 for a special Mass and reception for homeschool families with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.
Bishop Burbidge was unable to attend the annual event last fall due to a scheduling conflict. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to minister to the homeschool community, he scheduled another Mass for May 13. The date coincided with the anniversary of the first appearance of Our Lady of Fatima, as well as USCCB President Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s recent call for prayer and fasting nationwide in response to the leaked Supreme Court draft in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge thanked the parents for being the first and best educators of their children in the faith.
“This requires perseverance, dedication and even some patience,” said Bishop Burbidge. “Throughout these past two years, due to COVID-19 and its impact on schools, many other parents came to realize what you know about homeschooling. It is hard work. I think people have come to a better understanding and appreciation of what you do. While you may not always see the immediate and visible results you desire and sometimes may doubt the impact you are having, be assured that Our Lord will always bless your efforts and sacrifices and use them in miraculous ways to touch the lives and hearts of your children.”
At the end of Mass, Bishop Burbidge joined the faithful in praying the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary. Families took turns leading the mysteries in both English and Spanish.
Homeschool mom Mary Hambleton led a decade with her five children, Jane 11, Bernadette, 10, Dominic, 7, Simon 4, and baby Michael. She has been homeschooling for nine years.
“It’s very helpful to have the Bishop’s support. The Mass was very encouraging,” said Hambleton. “Patience is a gift I ask for daily.”
After the rosary, Bishop Burbidge processed out of the front of the church with Father Thomas P. Vander Woude, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, and Father Isenberg, vocations director. The faithful joined them around a statue of Our Lady of Fatima for a May crowning. Children were invited to present Mary with a flower while Bishop Burbidge offered a blessing. Families then dispersed across Holy Trinity’s beautiful campus and grounds for an afternoon of activities and light refreshments organized in conjunction with the Catholic schools office.
“We wanted it to be a family event just like the October event,” said Renee White, assistant superintendent for the schools office . “All of the activities that are planned —from making candles to rosary remaking to the chalk contest — all of those things really fit into that. In addition, there is going to be an Our Lady of Fatima presentation so all of the activities are family-friendly activities. We could not have done it without the dedication and enthusiasm of parish members Paulina Albizures and Trevor Rowland.”
Alberto Calimano, founder of the pro-life ministry Juntos Por la Vida, attended with his family. They belong to the Hispanic homeschool co-op group at St. Gabriel Mission in Manassas. He was particularly touched by the inclusion of the rosary for the unborn and Fatima Memorial in the day’s activities.
“Fatima predicted all of what is happening right now, especially for the lives of babies that are being taken away, and with this Roe v. Wade decision that is coming up, hopefully it’ll be all for life. In our ministry, we try to teach people about the gospel of life and the importance of family, especially as a post-abortive couple, my wife and I try to make that our focus,” said Calimano. “Homeschooling has been such a blessing. I like what Bishop said about the family being the first teachers at home and we take that seriously.” Calimano and his wife are very active in the diocese’s first Hispanic co-op, which has grown to 30 families in just a few years. “I would recommend it to anybody.”
Kassock is a freelancer in Fredericksburg.
