The end of August and of the unofficial summer season is an important moment for personal and family life each year. It is a time of joys and of concerns. Both are linked to the opening of the new school year.

 

The role of schools is vital in society. The formation of young people into stable, flourishing and happy contributors to society and their future families is heavily influenced by schools and educational experience. 

 

The annual reopening of school renews the opportunity for young people to be together with others in an intense and structured way. It links their own family and faith experience to the give and take of other individuals and families. 

 

These moments allow young people to find the way to integrate themselves into team and group activities. They learn to navigate and solve problems, to contribute, to stand up for their faith and values, and to identify what is good and healthy fun with others, and what is not.

 

Parents with school age children also find more opportunities during the school year to get to meet other parents. Recitals, athletic contests and meetings or volunteer activities at school are opportunities for a wider circle of contacts and discussions.

 

The summer break is not a time out from faith, especially attendance at Sunday Mass and family prayer. For the students in our Catholic schools and our religious education programs, the opening of school signals the next step in learning and practicing our Catholic faith. Of course, to be successful, that must join to and flow from the experience of faith lived at home, and Catholic education is intended to deepen and solidify the faith learned from the parents and family.

 

These are some of the most important challenges and joys that resume as schools reopen. At the same time, however, we need to be attentive and resolved when facing the challenges of this moment.

 

This year, for example, in the State of Illinois, new sexual education standards referred to as comprehensive sex education are allowed to be introduced in Illinois public schools. Where this curriculum is adopted by public school districts, children will be progressively exposed to ill-formed views and practices relating to relationships and misunderstanding of gender that are based in ideology and not on God’s plan for authentic love.

 

Parents and concerned guardians can take steps to protect their children by educating themselves to make informed decisions, by petitioning their school boards to reject this comprehensive sexual education and deciding to opt their children out of this education if their school districts choose to implement it.

 

Another danger of the new school year is the departure of our young people for colleges and universities. Experience shows that life at college is a severe challenge to the faith of many of our young people. The social atmosphere is heavily reflective of the sexual revolution and a drinking culture. That is often combined with a widespread disdain for faith and for personal restraint and discipline.

 

As a result, many of our young people feel alone and unsupported amid pressures to join in. They need the continuing support and encouragement of their parents and families to continue to witness to their faith. Parents should regularly ask their sons and daughters in college about and encourage continuing Mass attendance and the seeking out of good influences such as a local parish or a university Newman Center.

 

Ultimately, the goal of each of us is always the same. Stay faithful to Christ and the Church and do not wander from the path to salvation. Schools can be a great help or a great danger as we strive for heaven and to avoid hell. The beginning of the school year is a time to renew, recommit and resolve to use this opportunity well.