Dear members of Schola Rosa,

What a great trip we had to the McCarthy farm!  How good to see the children have some freedom to run and dig and have simple and child-like fun! 

I hope you all had as much fun as we did.  We have so many wonderful and caring children, though we know of course they are just children and will act as such - even and especially mine.  I am constantly reminding my older ones not to berate and pick on the younger ones, but to look after those that are younger. 

If you have older children our co-op is such a great opportunity to encourage them to see the younger generations as real people and to teach them to think of others outside themselves, both younger and older.  I am so edified by the Moms who go out of their way to teach the children especially boys to open doors, carry heavy loads etc..  And the Mom's who teach their girls to be sensitive to people's feelings, to speak kindly and to include the younger children in their games.  I do know it does not come naturally to boys and girls in such a culture as ours, but if they are always given reinforcement of this message by their dad or grandparent it does help them grow.  So it is also great to see the Dads who can be to be involved in this effort of ours. 

Thank You to all of you who are trying so hard and May God Bless all of your efforts! 

PS do not be afraid to insist upon raising children who are not allowed to behave in the cultural norm.  Do not be afraid to discipline a bad temper, or a bad attitude.  It can change.  We have worked hard to change this in our own household as they do spend a lot of time with the public schooled children.  Do not give up the good fight!  St. Michael and all the Archangels ..
Pray for us!