It was the kind of late-autumn morning that was made for playing hooky: bright, balmy, and unseasonably warm. But the young students walking into St. Ursula, Fountain Hill weren’t skipping classes; they and their families were taking part in the first monthly Mass for Homeschooling Families.
The Nov. 6 Mass drew about 40 participants. Inside the church, babes-in-arms gurgled, grandparents soothed squirming toddlers, and an occasional parent hurried a wailing child toward the exit doors.
“It is a joy and honor to witness all the children running around and making noise,” said Rhady Tulloch, diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life. “The doors of heaven are truly, really open at this moment.”
Father Brendon Laroche, pastor of St. Ursula, was celebrant. In his homily, he likened the Christian life to the careful planning and building of a tower.
“Building my life has to be like that wealthy man planning to build a tower. How do I achieve my goal? How do I live to achieve eternal life? Our Savior gives us all that we need to build the tower … that will take us up to heaven.”
When Father Laroche augmented his homily with an explanation of how one can obtain indulgences for the souls in purgatory, homeschooler Julie Sabler was especially pleased. “I had been talking [with my children] about visiting the cemetery and gaining the indulgence,” she said. “It’s great when something you teach as a mom is reinforced like that.”
Thea Aclo, homeschooling mother of three, commented that “Father Laroche has been incredibly welcoming to the hybrid academy and to the greater homeschooling community.”
The “hybrid academy” is the anticipated Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy, which will partner with homeschooling parents to provide a classical education in the Catholic tradition. Its students will attend classes two days per week and be educated at home three days per week.
Until Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy opens in fall 2025, the Mass for Homeschooling Families will provide a monthly opportunity for camaraderie and support. The Mass is open to homeschooling families with children of all ages, as well as families who are discerning homeschooling. All are invited to the post-Mass “bring your own lunch” social.
“Even for those not intending to go to the academy, I think it’s so nice to have a chance to get together,” said Aclo, who founded the Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy and will serve as its director.
“Gathering for Mass and a social gives us an opportunity to pray together, to have fellowship with other Catholic moms, and for the children to play together.”
Sabler said that there have not been many opportunities for her eldest daughter to spend time with girls her age. But at the Nov. 6 post-Mass social, “there was a woman who introduced herself and then kindly introduced my children to hers. When we had to leave for home, all the girls waved goodbye. It meant a lot, especially to my eldest. As every mom knows, it’s a blessing for a child to be with her peers and feel welcomed by them.”
Tulloch emphasized the Diocese’s commitment to offering opportunities and services to homeschooling families. “If you're already on the Mother of Hope Hybrid Academy mailing list,” she said, “you’ll start to receive quarterly newsletters from the Diocese that are specific to homeschooling families.”
To sign up for all homeschool-related mailings, email Aclo at [email protected]. The next Mass for Homeschooling Families will be Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Ursula Parish.
By Celeste Behe
