From the Pew to the Classroom - A New Family's Journey
I'll never forget that first Mass at St. John's. A summer Sunday four and a half years ago, my husband Chris and I
ducked into the right arm of the main church and were happily surrounded by smiling little faces and a quiet buzz of
grace. Still newlyweds, blessedly expecting our first child and new to Silver Spring, we were hoping to find a parish
that would feel like home to our budding little family. We admired the gurgling babies on shoulders, the unruffled
parents of unruly toddlers and the teens actually singing the Gloria and clamoring to serve at the altar. We looked at
each other: maybe this was the place?
At the Sign of Peace, a bubbly blonde mom that I now know was Sheryl Kreischer admired my maternity top (that as a
first-timer, I confess I was wearing very early and conspicuously) and told us that St. John's was awesome for families
and that the parents had a lot of fun socializing. A father of (then) four gorgeous children that I know today was Bill
Mullholland kindly sought us out, introduced me to his wife Allison and they have remembered our names every Sunday
since. We noticed our kind neighbor Jack Ellis serving as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. Scanning the
bulletin, we saw notices about CYO, Scouts, Junior Legion of Mary and information about the parish school. A couple
Masses later, we were a registered family.
As our first child Charlie became a toddler, gained a little sister and neared the age of three, my husband I started
to consider pre-school. Was it necessary? I was home with the kids, talking with and teaching them all day, and they
had pals from the neighborhood and play groups. I read everything I could Google or obtain from the libraries (including
the parish library - my sincere apologies if you were waiting on Maria Montessori's book those three, OK, five months I
had it checked out.) I hounded parents in Safeway, CVS, the pediatrician's office, the community pool. I pity any
parent with a child three years and older that struck up a polite conversation with me in 2006. I attended every
pre-school orientation in the six neighboring zip codes, every school fair in the county.
But it was the experienced parents that we sat near each Sunday that were the best sources of information and calm.
"Rowan is just doing so well."
"Mrs. Herron is WONDERFUL."
"Have you met Tammy Robinson? She is great."
"Check out the school web site and the newsletter,
I just wrote an article."
"I am doing a craft with the four year olds next
week if you'd like to come to the school with me
to assist and check it out."
One Sunday at Mass I suddenly realized that my anxiety was unfounded and self-indulgent. Having an accredited,
award-winning Catholic school with a three-year-old program in my beloved parish church is a tremendous blessing. It
is an affordable, mellow program, with two loving and experienced teachers that genuinely enjoy their jobs. The veteran
parents that I so admired had already created a community of caring in their commitment and involvement in the school
and religious education programs. How comforting to send my little guy out into the world on his own for the first time
into the warm, familiar embrace of St. John the Evangelist. As I exited the right arm of the church that morning and
passed the wooden Christ with His hands raised in praise, I felt those hands removing the worries from my chest.
Today, all four of the members of my little family love being a part of the St. John's school community. In his first
year as a pre-kindergartener, Charlie adores the school, his teachers, his friends and every inch of that happy yellow
classroom. He knows the names of all of his classmates' siblings, parents, pets, the staff, the big kids who bring the
milk and ensure that everyone crosses safely. He anticipated his fourth birthday this year with extra zeal because of
the coveted birthday crown that Mrs. Herron and Mrs. Robinson bestow on the children to commemorate their special days.
He was a bit miffed that I attended the parent teacher conference and got to have his beloved teachers all to myself,
without him!
My younger daughter Eve, not yet two, dearly loves dropping her brother off and spending a couple minutes surveying the
action and dreaming of the day when it will be her turn. Since the teachers in their eminent patience welcome parents
and siblings to the classroom seasonal celebrations, she jauntily sits at the table next to Charlie about once a month
for treats and crafts, very pleased with herself. She doesn't yet say much, but "Eve school" is one of her favorite
phrases.
My husband Chris had a super time at the parent potluck night at the beginning of the year, meeting Sr. Kathleen, the
teachers and the other parents. We sprung for a sitter (a St. John's alumni teen, of course) and leisurely toured the
school. We were both so goofily happy to have our child, and our entire family, members of such a wonderful place. I
look forward to drop-offs and pick-ups at the school because I get to visit with the other parents. We trade tips and
babysitting, set up play dates, shoot the breeze and freeze our toes in the parking lot, but as I drive home my heart is
always warm.
I do not take for granted how truly Christian - capital C, pertaining to something that is allied to Christ - and
catholic - lowercase C, meaning universal and inclusive - the environment of St. John's school is. I believe that the
fine education our children receive and the kind community our families enjoy is a rare gift. Thank you to everyone
who has made a new family to the school and parish feel so welcome and accepted, with a special shout out to the
families that always sit on the right for Sunday Mass. We will try our best to follow your example.
