Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

The long summer break from schools for children has developed over time for a number of different reasons. Most people probably think that summer vacation has its history in farming, but the reality is that the busiest time of the year for farmers was at spring planting and fall harvesting, not the hot days of summer. A bigger influence is actually the heat itself. Especially in heavily urbanized areas, and in much of the south, the summer heat was oppressive.  Many families who could afford it sought to take refuge from the heat by going to cooler climates or out to the water. Attendance during the hottest months became so poor in some places that it was decided to normalize a summer break. The heat continues to be a factor since schools can save quite large sums of money by either not feeling the need to install air conditioning units, or not having to run those units for an entire school building during the hottest days of the year. Other reasons like opportunities for teachers to have professional development, economic factors, or tradition help continue the summer vacation trend. 

 

But just because children are not at school does not mean they should not continue to learn. In fact, since there is a break from public schools, summer can be a good time to focus on the sacred and the spiritual education. Totus Tuus is one such opportunity. It is a Catholic summer youth program that helps young people grow in their understanding of their faith and to strengthen that faith in Jesus Christ. During one week together, children have an opportunity, led by selected and trained college-age team leaders, to dive deeper into what it means to be Christian. To learn what Jesus taught, to pray and give praise to God, and to live in the joy of His redeeming love. 

​

Since school is not in session, the younger students in grades 1-6 can meet during the day from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. – much like a regular school day – and devote this time to prayer, study, and plenty of fun activities as well. Because many of the older students in grades 7-12 may have jobs or other obligations during the day, they meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Since we do not have enough students to do two separate programs, there will be one Totus Tuus program in Milaca this year. We will have a shuttle bus for morning pickup and afternoon drop off for the younger students from Mora or Ogilvie, if any parents are interested in saving some driving time.

 

I invite and encourage all parents of school-age children to bring their children to this school of faith. Though there is no law or government forcing you to send your children or face severe criminal penalties, the consequences of not doing what you can to raise your children in the faith can be eternal. Vacations and breaks are good things, and we should enjoy them, but there is also a time to make sure we take our faith seriously (remembering we can still have fun while doing so). 

 

Peace in Christ,

Father Timothy