The singing voices were angelic, the Massgoers adorable and the pews full of squirming at the biannual Mass for Homeschool Families at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville Oct. 27. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Mass for the families, followed by socializing, moon bounces, crafts and a puppet show.
The Mass was celebrated on the day Pope Francis called for prayer and fasting for peace. “When we take a look at our world, when we look at our nation, we see war and violence and division,” said Bishop Burbidge in his homily. “It’s so easy for us to despair, to think that nothing can change, to be overwhelmed. But we don’t think that because we’re people of faith. We trust that the Lord means what he says — ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ The one who can transform hearts can transform hatred to love, division to unity and war to peace.”
Alec and Kaitlyn Whittle, parishioners of St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax, came to the Mass with their two boys Samuel and Nicholas, whom they plan to homeschool. “We want to raise our kids in an environment that fosters sainthood,” said Alec. “In a world where people don’t really promote or respect homeschooling, it’s nice to be encouraged to homeschool from your bishop. It’s nice to see you’re not alone,” said Kaitlyn.
Katherine Canfield, a parishioner of Holy Trinity, came to the Mass with her five children. Though she was never homeschooled and loved her educational experience, she felt God calling her to homeschool her own children. “There’s so much I wanted them to learn at home,” she said. “I realized I really found joy and passion in teaching them as well. It’s a perfect fit for us.”
