Mass
encourages, highlights homeschoolers
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
WYNNEWOOD — Dorothy Leach was encouraged when she emerged with six
of her seven children from Cardinal Justin Rigali’s recent Mass
for homeschooling families.
“It’s wonderful that the diocese recognizes the homeschoolers
and the importance of the parents educating the children,” said
Leach, who belongs with her husband, Brian, and their children to Sacred
Heart Parish in Oxford, Chester County.
The annual Mass, held this year at Immaculate Conception Chapel at St.
Charles Borromeo Seminary on Friday, Jan. 4, drew home schooling families
throughout the Archdiocese. It was celebrated on the feast of St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton, a pioneer in Catholic education.
In his homily, Cardinal Rigali encouraged the parents to rely on the grace
of Jesus Christ as they teach their children. He also asked them to pray
and work especially for an increase in God-centered families, and an increase
in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
For her children, Leach said, homeschooling, itself, is a blessing: “When
I hear them talking about different subjects amongst their peers, it amazes
me how much they have learned. … Apathy is not something that even
comes into their life.”
Leach began homeschooling when her son Brian, who is now 19 years old
and a college freshman, was 5 years old. She has continued with Emily,
now 17; Molly, 16; Haley, 13; Mary Grace, 12; Michael, 10 and Gabriel,
5.
Through the years, the children have grown in the Catholic faith as well
as academics. For their religious instructions, the Leach family collaborates
with Sacred Heart Parish.
One measure of the success of homeschooling is her family’s close-knit
bond, Leach said. The family also recites the rosary and prays morning
and evening prayers together.
For Molly, being with her family is the best part of her education. “We
all share the same values,” added the 16-year-old, who is currently
working on a pro-life research paper.
The Leach children also have time for leisure activities. During Brian’s
high school years, for instance, he played football and worked as a lifeguard.
Also attending the Mass were Peter and Susan Vink and their six children:
Sarah, 16; Peter, 13; Andrew, 10; Samuel, 7; James, 4, and Daniel, 1.
The Vinks belong to St. Peter Parish in West Brandywine, Chester County.
Homeschooling for their children means “the whole curriculum is
centered around Christ,” said Vink, who helped coordinate the Mass.
Along with the grace it affords the families, the Mass also helps publicize
the fact that the homeschooling community is growing, he said.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old Andrew Vink said a highlight for him was meeting
Cardinal Rigali.
His brother Samuel was also all smiles — although he was actually
dwelling on an accomplishment of the previous day, when he earned an orange
belt in karate.
“I broke a piece of wood. That was the test,” Samuel said.
Apparently, it was one test he didn’t mind taking.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine can be reached at (215)
587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.