The Advocate. A Message from the Superintendent. Celebrating Black History Month through Catholic Tradition. Inside this issue:

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1 DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The Advocate Celebrating Faith, Heritage, and Unity Volume 1, Issue I1I February/March 2017 Celebrating Black History Month through Catholic Tradition Inside this issue: The Changing Classroom: Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners The Tomorrow s Hope Foundation on Telecare 2 2 In February, we celebrate Black History Month, and we remember the contributions of individuals to our society. The Catholic Church is very connected to some notable saints, such as St. Katherine Drexel, who have diligently supported noble causes of African Americans. Black Catholics make up a large part of the Catholic Church in America. In fact, according to the National Black Catholic Congress, nearly 3 million Catholics of African descent live in the United States alone. St. Martin de Porres is considered the first Black American saint. Born the son of a freed black slave, at age 11 he became a servant of the Holy Rosary Dominican priory in Lima, Peru. In 1603, after years of begging and catering to the sick, he became a Dominican brother after his superiors dropped a stipulation which stated that, no black person may be received to the holy habit or profession of our Order. After becoming a brother, St. Martin de Porres established an orphanage and children s hospital for the poorest of the young. He is remembered for nursing stray cats and dogs to health as well. St. Martin de Porres is attributed with many miracles through his intercession. While his feast day is November 3rd, it is fitting that we acknowledge him during Black History Month. We can honor him in many ways, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or donating to a children s hospital. Saint Martin de Porres is just one of the many notable Black Catholics to celebrate during Black History Month. Saints Around the World 3 A Message from the Superintendent Celebrating our Culture During CSW Commemorating Holy Week Around the World What s New with the Hispanic Initiative Editor s Note 6 Mission a powerful word that has an in depth meaning. At NASA, it s a mission that takes a task from beginning to end which propels us into unchartered worlds to explore and investigate the heavens. To someone who has lost their keys, they are on a mission to find them. Some economists may be working on a trade mission to Europe. All of these are interpretations of the word mission. For those of us privileged to work in Catholic education in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, mission has a far deeper meaning. Our mission is to go out into the world and spread our faith, our Catholic faith, to all who will listen. To invite, to embrace, to speak God s love through our words and actions. God has made our mission very clear, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Matthew16:15) Our schools and faith communities are the manifestation of God s mission on earth. The people we meet who come from all backgrounds, are part of the wonderful mission we have been given. In our schools we are blessed to see God s world growing in the minds and hearts of our students and their families. We realize that quite often our differences become our strengths. We must always remember that each of us are God s own each called by name - each of us has a mission to fulfill, namely, to spread the gospel however we can. That is our mission, that is our faith. Gratefully, Dr. Kathleen Walsh Superintendent of Schools Diocese of Rockville Centre

2 Page 2 The Changing Classroom: Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners The Cultural make up of our classrooms is changing every day as we welcome more families of diverse backgrounds into our schools. Many students have a native language other than English. Among our schools, we hear Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Creole, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Vietnamese, and the list goes on! Students also bring with them an array of cultural experiences. Some culturally and linguistically diverse learners were born in the United States while others may have spent their early lives in another country. Because of this variety in language and culture, it is important to keep a few key points in mind: Take a positive stance towards learners. Strive to understand as much as you can about their cultural, language, and educational background and look for ways to build on students strengths. Build an empathetic, collaborative community of learners. Emphasize through teaching that all students backgrounds and beliefs deserve respect. Model this behavior and expect students to actively listen to one another and seek to understand peers thinking and needs. Support students language learning. Whenever possible, reinforce language with visual aids or kinesthetic movements. Welcome students to discuss the content in their native language. Support students in developing the confidence to ask questions. Pay attention to body language. Is the student uncomfortable and not understanding a lesson but is afraid to say? It is important to be aware of these signs as soon as they occur so as not to have them feel overwhelmed. Create purposeful learning experiences. Consider students language and academic backgrounds. Draw on their experiences in the U.S. or their experiences abroad. Be flexible. Know that sometimes things will be lost in translation whether it is with the students or their parents. Sometimes lessons for some students may need to be modified in order to help them understand. Do this in a way that does not make them feel like they are being a burden. Most importantly, expect every student to be an engaged learner. Show that you care by seeking support for anyone who appears not to be involved or is struggling. Enjoy learning about the unique students in your class; after all, they are a glimpse into our nation s future. Adapted from Klaus-Quinlan, Moker and Sally Nathanson-Mejia. Bridgin Words and Worlds: Effective Instruction for Culturally and Linguistaically Divers Learners The Tomorrow s Hope Foundation on Telecare The Tomorrow s Hope Foundation is celebrating ten years of supporting Catholic Elementary School students and schools. Together with some of our students, THF will be featured on Telecare, the Long Island-based, national Catholic television network. One of the episodes examines why the welcoming and nurturing environment of Catholic schools is inclusive of different cultures and beneficial to students. Make sure to tune in! SCHEDULED AIRINGS: 2/27 8:30pm; 2/28 11:30am; 3/5 7am; 3/6 8:30pm EPISODE 203 OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY 3/13 Time TBD EPISODE 204 THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIFFERENCE 3/27 Time TBD EPISODE 205 WHEN I GROW UP 4/10 Time TBD EPISODE 206 OUR BRIGHT FUTURE Episodes re-air for two weeks. Please check your local listings.

3 Volume 1, Issue I1I Saints around the World Page 3 Saint Casimir He rebelled against the rich, fashionable clothes he was expected to enjoy and he wore the plainest of clothes. Poland & Lithuania Feast Day: March 4th Prince of Poland, the second son of King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria. Despite pressure, humiliation and rejection, he stood by his commitment to God. When he was sent by his father to head an army to take over the throne of Hungary, a young Casimir turned back. As a result, his father banished him to a castle in Dobzki, hoping that imprisonment would change his mind. This only encouraged him more to pray, study and help the poor. Prayer: Saint Casimir, help us to remember that our true King is Jesus Christ and always serve him joy and love. Help us to turn to our true Father for guidance and protection. Amen. St. Casimir Saint Dominic Savio Italy Feast Day: March 10th Patron Saint of Choirboys and Juvenile Delinquents. He joined St. John Bosco as a student at the Oratory in Turin at the age of 12. He impressed with his desire to be a priest and to help John Bosco in his work with neglected boys. A peacemaker and an organizer, young Dominic founded a group he called the Company of the Immaculate Conception which helped John Bosco with the boys and with manual work. Dominic became the youngest saint to be canonized on how he lived his holy life. This was seen greatly based on a book written by John Bosco: The Life of Dominic Savio. Dominic would say, I can t do big things. But I want all I do, even the smallest thing, to be for the greater glory of God. Prayer: O Saint Dominic Savio, model of purity, piety, penance and apostolic zeal for youth; grant that, through your intercession, we may service God in our ordinary duties with fervent devotion, and attain the grace of holy joy on earth, that we may one day love God forever in Heaven. Amen. St. Dominic Savio St. Louise de Marillac Love the poor and honor them as you would honor Christ Himself, is the foundation of the Daughters of Charity. France Feast Day: March 15th Patroness of Christian Social Workers Co-founder, with Saint Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. Prayer: Loving and compassionate God, we celebrate with great joy the faith and works of our patroness St. Louise de Marillac. Instill in us the fire of her love, the tenacity of her belief, and the tenderness of her care for the most abandoned. Draw us together into the light of your presence and help us to trust in the power of your Spirit, leading us to ever closer to you, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen. St. Louise de Marillac

4 Page 4 Celebrating Our Culture during Catholic Schools Week Catholic Schools Week is such a fun time to share what we love about our schools! Each one of us can be a bridge of encounter between diverse cultures and religions, a way to rediscover our common humanity. - Pope Students of Our Lady of Providence in Central Islip were invited to wear traditional clothes from their various cultures. Students at St Rose of Lima School in Massapequa learned about the cultures of others around the world. On this day, they spent the day learning about China and Chinese culture and traditions. Do you have a cultural event you would like to share? naufiero@drvc.org and we may feature you in the next issue of The Advocate. For the opening Liturgy of Catholic Schools Week, St. Thomas the Apostle School celebrated the rich cultures that make up their beautiful community. The Prayer of the Faithful was spoken by St. Thomas students in four languages: Polish, French, Spanish, and English.

5 Commemorating Holy Week Around the World Customs and traditions vary from place to place, and Christians commemorate Holy Week in different ways. Nevertheless, Holy Week is when all Christians observe the anniversary of the last days of Jesus life on earth: His passion, death, and resurrection. Some countries, such as Spain, the Philippines, Portugal and others in Latin America, commemorate Lent with much fervor. Catholicism was the official religion in Spain, and Spanish missionaries brought Catholicism to the Americans and the Philippines. Processions in the Streets Many cities in Spain and Latin America have processions as a way to represent the life of Christ to every person on the street. They are a powerful way to express eternal gratitude for the sacrifice of our Lord. Some processions include: The Palm Sunday procession, The Procession of Silence, The Via Crucis on Good Friday, and The Encounter of Jesus and Mary on Easter. Music Probably one of the most popular Lenten songs in Spanish-speaking countries is Perdona a tu Pueblo, Señor (Spare Your People, Lord). It is often sung during the Procession of Silence, the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross), and Mass. Alfombras Many cities fill their streets with beautiful ornate carpets called Alfombras, which show the devotion and faith of Catholics who dedicate this work and effort to receive the Lent Procession with Alfombras in Guatemala. blessing of the holy images that process into the neighborhoods. This tradition symbolizes the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, when people spread their coats on the ground and waved palm branches to receive Him. This is a fusion of both religion and culture, dating from the pre- Columbian era. The carpet motifs also include indigenous designs, animals, and flowers, depending on the custom of each country. Pilgrimages In Italy, during the forty-day season of Lent, some Catholics make a pilgrimage to basilicas all over the city, visiting one church each day. In certain holy places, some even walk on their knees to experience pain and offer it up to Jesus. There is also a tradition of the Seven Churches Visitation, or Visita Iglesia. This takes place after the Mass of the Lord s Supper on Holy Thursday, when the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle at the main altar and placed in an Altar of Repose for Good Friday into Holy Saturday. The faithful go on a mini pilgrimage to pay a short visit to the Blessed Sacrament at its altar of repose in seven nearby Catholic churches from Holy Thursday night through the morning of Good Friday. This custom originated with Saint Philip Neri in Rome, who would go with his companions to visit the four Major Basilicas and three Minor ones during Holy Week. Lenten Dishes Sure, we know Lent as a time of sacrifice, but it can be a sweet season too. The capirotada is a traditional Lenten dessert in Mexico which is a bread pudding made with fruit. The ingredients have a symbolic meaning: the bread represents the Body of Christ, the syrup stands for His blood, the cloves symbolize the nails on the cross, the cinnamon sticks symbolize the wood of the cross, and the melted cheese represents the Holy Shroud. May you and your family enjoy the traditions you cherish this Blessed Holy Week. Page 5 Why Easter Eggs? What does Easter have to do with eggs? For the early Christians, eggs were a symbol of resurrection and eternal life in Christ. Hen or duck eggs were painted, and each color had a meaning: Red = the blood of Christ Ivory = the shroud Green = rebirth Blue = the peace of the Easter season Yellow = the early light of the day of resurrection Purple = the passion of Christ (color of Lent) Even though Easter customs vary around the world, the decorating of Easter eggs is common in many countries. In Mexico and parts of Central America, people fill plastic eggs with confetti and crack them on each other s heads!

6 The Advocate DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 128 Cherry Lane Hicksville, NY Phone: x naufiero@drvc.org What s new with The Hispanic Initiative? The Department of Education has begun to introduce a new set of schools to our Hispanic Initiative: Holy Angels Regional School, Patchogue; St. Christopher School, Baldwin; St. Edward the Confessor, Syosset; Our Lady of Wisdom, Port Jefferson; and Our Lady of the Hamptons, Southampton, have all secured Advocates to help them reach out to the Latino communities on Long Island. More schools will also be joining shortly and are in the process of translating brochures and information to distribute at Spanish-speaking Masses. We continue our marketing efforts with Fe Fuerza Vida, and also Latinus Media Network and advertising in their Latinus magazine and social media outlets to try to reach families in the Latino community. We were also a part of La Fiesta Radio s morning show, Levantate con Ana Maria y Junior to answer questions about our Long Island Catholic Elementary Schools and encourage listeners to learn more. Amazingly enough, this is already the third issue of The Advocate that I have had the pleasure of releasing. The reaction to the cultural coverage has been very positive, and each time I get more excited about publishing the next edition. Our schools are participating in more cultural events, and I love to see the pictures of the proud kids as they wear the traditional dress from their country or bring in one of their favorite meals from home. These are beautiful memories that we can hold on to. While A Note from the Editor... enjoying the privileges that we have in the United States, we can still keep the stories that make us who we are. In the next edition of The Advocate, we will be begin featuring a monthly student spotlight. Whether born in another country or a child of immigrant parents, we hope to demonstrate successful stories that can result from hard work and dedication. If anyone you know comes to mind, feel free to tell me about them, and maybe they will be featured in a future issue of The Advocate. As always, if your school is participating in a cultural event or you know of anything cultural related that you would like to talk about in the April/May issue of The Advocate, please feel free to send it my way! Blessings, Nora Nora Ferreira-Aufiero Advocate for the Hispanic Initiative Recommended Resources The Hope of Lent: Daily Reflections from Pope Francis By: Diane M. Houdek With prayer reflections drawn from the words of Pope Francis, this Lenten companion helps you prepare for the Easter season. With Scripture citations for each day of the season, selections from the Pope s writings, and ways to bring the Pope s message into your life on judgment, justice, forgiveness and mercy, The Hope for Lent will lend a moment s meditation to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to be surprised by God s mercy when we least expect it. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland By: Tomie depaola The story of Patrick's life, from his noble birth in Britain, to his being captured and taken to Ireland by a group of bandits, to the "dreams" that led him to convert the Irish people to the Christian faith. DePaola also retells several well-known legends, including the story of how Patrick got rid of all the snakes in Ireland.