Photo by Makenna Nichols
RALEIGH, N.C. — Members of homeschool families filed into Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Dec. 10 to celebrate Mass with Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama. The annual tradition, often called the Homeschool Mass, includes lunch and what’s known as the family gift.
The gift of a Marian rosary holder was nestled inside a blue box for each family, and the gifts were shared in the narthex of cathedral. The holders were created by Bayleaf Signs and Wonders and given to each family by the diocese, said organizer Cynthia Wallace, who added that the gift included a message and a reflection by St. Louis Marie de Montfort.
During Mass a reading was shared by homeschool student Emma Whilden, and Lucy Rubach, also a homeschool student, offered the prayers of the faithful. Young choristers, many from St. Joseph Parish, led the congregation in singing hymns including O Come, O Come Emmanuel, I am the Bread of Life and Immaculate Mary.
“I have heard from multiple homeschooling families, moving here from out of state, that our annual Homeschool Mass offered by our bishop is a national rarity,” said Wallace, who noted that the diocese could be one of only four or five that hold this type of annual celebration.
During the homily, Bishop Luis commented on the beautiful sunny day and discussed how celebrations often arrive with challenges. Advent, for example, is a time that challenges people and helps them prepare. So, too, he said, are birthdays, First Communion celebrations and other occasions.
He discussed Mary and Joseph’s search for a room at an inn, and how that search resulted in Jesus’ birth in a manger, which was dark and dirty but became beautiful and life-filled by their presence.
Bishop Luis encouraged those present to offer their sacrifices and challenges and to surrender their hearts to Jesus this season, without conditions. “Be transformed … live joy … that is the way in which we need to prepare ourselves,” he said.
Photos
Photography by Greg Mintel and Makenna Nichols
