The third graders compose newspapers relating to Holy Week. Example of their work is posted below.
Student Essays
Human Life, a Gift from God
By Joe M
(Grade 7)
Think about a time when you received a gift from a friend. What did you do to thank them? Did you call them on the phone? Maybe you wrote them a letter or sent them an e-mail. Perhaps you even met them in person or did a favor for them. No matter what you did, you were probably very grateful.
Now imagine someone taking your gift, and ruining it. The present, given by someone who cared about you, and received with great gratitude, is wrecked. You cannot stop it, and you cannot get it back. This is the horror of abortion.
This happens every single day in our world. New children are conceived, and those of us already alive receive another day in which to love the Lord. The wonderful gift is life, and it is lovingly given by God. As Catholics, we thank God for His gift of life to us through prayer, and through loving, serving, and doing His Will. However, many on Earth do not get to enjoy God’s love for very long.
The “gift destroyer” is a group of people, by no means small, who are called Pro-choice. They are misguided; these people believe that because an unborn child cannot communicate, that he/she does not get to choose their own future, and therefore, the “parents” get to choose. We know this is not true, for God gives life to everyone at the moment of conception; the unborn, though not seen, are alive, and have as much of a right to life as you and me. Many children of Pro-choice “families” are aborted. They never get to see the beauty of a sunset, experience the joys of friendship, or cherish the wonders of the Eucharist.
As Catholics, we need to stop the destruction of life in our world. We can pray for abortion to end, call Pro-choice government officials, and take a stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. Thank God for giving you life by protecting those who receive it.
How To Be A Saint
By Elyse M
(Grade 5)
People have always wondered how they could imitate saints. It’s not easy to be one, especially since a lot of the saints we know were persecuted or martyred. I can’t guarantee that you’ll become a saint, but I can give you some tips.
*You need to want to be a saint. You need to be truly devoted and have the will to do whatever it takes to become a saint. It must be your greatest desire.
*Do good and resist evil. Even though it’s tough to do good often times, you should do whatever God wants of you, which is definitely not sin. Even if you have a few sins, you can still become a saint, because nobody’s perfect. After all, bad things are sometimes easier to do than good.
*Be humble, patient and giving. Don’t brag to others if you haven’t sinned much recently because bragging is just as bad as sinning. Be patient with others, no matter how much they irritate and annoy you. And be charitable to those who are needy.
*Follow God’s commands, such as the Ten Commandments, and follow your vocation. Do what God calls you to do.
*Pray to God. God didn’t make 24 hours for us to be lazy! He wanted us to give up some time for Him. Can’t we take off at least ten minutes for God out of twenty-four hours? So use your time wisely and reverently, and not only talk to God, but listen to Him as well.
*Be a good role model to others. Do the best you can to be good so others may see you and imitate your example.
*Follow the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Be kind and good to others so they will do the same with you.
*Forgive people who hurt you.
If you do all of this, you could find yourself leading a new life: a life of holiness and perhaps, a life of sainthood.
