“My parents sent me to Catholic school to teach me about my religion. They gave me the opportunities to give me the most of the sacraments I can get at my age. I am thankful for the teachers that have taught me religion.” Mariah Pleta, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
On March 19, we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin. For the March Junior Saints, local school children drew pictures of the Holy Family and their own families, writing also about how families influence our faith and help us grown in holiness.
“St. Joseph really is quite a model for us because even though he found out that Mary was going to have a baby... he stayed by Mary's side." Holly Mott, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill“My family has influenced my life and helped me grow in holiness by allowing me to express my faith. They take me to Mass and they pray with me. They are supportive of my faith and they always teach me to grow in love to God.” Julia Palor, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland“My family has helped inspire me by being really supportive over my art and giving me enough confidence to try and improve more." Cabrina Fronda, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland “My family has influenced my life so much they have taught me so many things and they have helped me. I love my family very much," Raphael Lagdameo, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland“My family has influenced me in many ways to grow in holiness. They always encourage us to go to Mass on Sundays and I will try to do that more.” Lily Ritz, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. “My family has influenced me by showing me respect, and that hard work pays off. My mom and grandmother have shown me how to respect adults and my peers. They helped me stay out of trouble and not say statements I'd later regret. Both my parents were immigrants, but my dad was the one to give me the lesson on working hard. He told me anything I work for I will receive and that nothing is free. Both these skills have helped me grow closer to God.” Gabriela Manzano, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland“I love my family. I can be me in front of them. My mom pushes me to do my best. My dad does everything in his power to help me succeed. I look up to my older sister. Finally, my twin sister makes me be a better person. They motivate me to do my best in anything I do. I love my daddy, my superhero!” Brooke Hughes, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda, Maryland“My family is part of what makes my life happy. My family helps me, loves me, cares for me, and makes me really happy. My family also teaches me about God and helps me do what's right and helps me avoid what is wrong. My family also helps me know that there are people out there who care for me and love me. Thank you God for blessing me with my wonderful family." Tilly Cissna, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. “My family has helped me grow in so many ways throughout my life. My parents do their best to teach us to be great people and help us learn about Jesus and they help and nurture us in our faith. My sisters are also very supportive, even though we have our fights, as all siblings do, but we all love each other.” Kai Jackson, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland “Joseph is the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. He accepted to be Mary's husband in a dream. Even he was doubtful, he still remained loyal and faithful to God no matter what. He took the responsibility of taking care of and tending to Mary. His loyalty and his faithfulness to God influences me and helps me grow in holiness." Chukwuma Anaele, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland “The Holy Family has helped me throughout my life. They are great support. They are always there if I need them. I also could rely on the saints to pray for me as my intercessor." Kailey Nichter, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
