I was raised in a loving, Catholic family. We went to Mass every Sunday, prayed the Rosary weekly as a family and attended Catholic school. We all played sports, served Mass and participated in Catholic youth groups and other faith building programs. I am grateful for the opportunities my parents provided for us to develop and grow as individuals. And I am even more thankful for their living witness of faith.

I will never forget the times my dad took me to Mass then out for breakfast, nor the mornings when I saw him get up early to read scripture. I fondly remember my mom teaching us to pray before meals and at bedtime. She sometimes read to us the lives of the saints and helped us understand that Jesus also called us to be saints through our good works and loving hearts.

Decent in sports, I enjoyed the healthy competition but found studies to be where I naturally excelled, especially in high school. That wasn’t always the case. While studies came easy during the first years of elementary school, and I got good grades without having to study, by third grade, my grades began dropping, because I hadn’t been applying the gifts God had given me.

Providentially, that year I had Sister Mary Honoria as my homeroom teacher. She challenged me to work with greater discipline and always seek higher. An excellent mentor, firm but kind, she clearly cared and wanted me to see me succeed. One of the greatest lessons she taught me, though, had nothing to do with studies but rather with my faith.

One day a friend and I started horsing around while in church with our class, until Sister Honoria motioned for us to follow her. My heart pounded in my chest, as I thought she was taking us to the principal’s office or to punish us. To my surprise, she brought us before the tabernacle and asked us who was inside it. I remember looking down at my feet and admitting that Jesus was. Sister Honoria then asked me, “Do you believe Jesus is happy with how you are treating Him in His own house?” She asked us to genuflect in front of Jesus and let Him know we were sorry and would work to improve. I vividly remember genuflecting with true faith and love for Jesus and telling Him I would improve.

Parents, directors of religious education, teachers and catechists play a vital role in shaping the faith and character of young individuals. Their passion for the Catholic faith, Jesus and the Eucharist not only imparts knowledge, it also serves as a source of inspiration and guidance. These dedicated individuals have the power to transform lives and instill values that will last a lifetime.

Catholic educators also play a crucial role in today’s world, particularly in the face of secularization and the erosion of traditional values and faith. They ensure the faith is not lost or diluted, but is instead passed down in all its richness and beauty. They have the privilege of introducing young minds to the depth and beauty of Catholic theology, helping them develop a personal relationship with God and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to defend and live out their faith in an increasingly secular world.

Let us be grateful for and remember to pray for all Catholic parents and educators, that they receive the grace and strength to continue fulfilling the great mission Our Lord has entrusted to them.

Father Jacob Dumont, L.C. is a priest with the Legionaries of Christ and holds a master’s degree in philosophy and theology. In his 15 years as a priest, he has served in young adult and youth ministry as well as in leadership positions within the Legionaries of Christ. Currently, he is the local superior for the Legionaries of Christ community in Cincinnati and the faith development director for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

This article appeared in the February 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.