March is a month of transition, when winter’s chill begins to give way to the warmth of spring. For Catholics, it is also a time of reflection and renewal as we journey through Lent toward celebrating Easter. This season reminds us of the hope that comes with new beginnings and the promise of resurrection. This hope is beautifully reflected in children’s eyes, who see the world with wonder and anticipation.
The Innocence and Hope of Children
Children have a unique ability to see the world through a lens of hope and possibility. Their innocence allows them to trust in the goodness of others and to believe in the promise of a brighter future. In and through our faith, we are called to nurture this hope and to guide our children in their spiritual journey. We teach them about the love of God, the importance of prayer, and the value of compassion and kindness.
The Eyes of March
The “eyes of March” can be seen as a metaphor for how we look at the world during this time of year. Just as the month of March bridges the gap between winter and spring, our faith bridges the gap between despair and hope. We are reminded that even in the darkest times, there is always the promise of light and renewal. This is a powerful message for children who are just beginning to understand the complexities of life and faith.
A Personal Story: Katie and St. Patrick’s Day
Let me share a personal story about my daughter Katie and her St. Patrick's Day celebration. With her large, brown, bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm, Katie embodied the hope and joy we associate with this special day. As an adolescent every year, she looked forward to dressing in green, decorating the house with shamrocks, and learning about the life of St. Patrick.
One year, Katie decided to make a special St. Patrick’s Day card for our elderly neighbor, Mrs. Buck. She carefully drew a “masterpiece” of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland and wrote a heartfelt message inside. According to Katie, all her artwork pieces were “masterpieces.” Our regular Sunday visits to the art
museum after Mass nurtured this confidence, where she would marvel at the great works and declare that her creations were just as impressive.
When she delivered the card, Mrs. Buck was deeply touched and shared stories of her childhood celebrations in Germany. This simple act of kindness brought joy to Katie and Mrs. Buck, reminding us of the power of hope and love. Katie’s belief in the value of her art and her generous spirit brought a smile to everyone’s face and highlighted the beauty of childlike faith and creativity.
Shamrock Craft: A Symbol of Faith and Hope
To further encourage children in the Catholic tradition, here’s a fun and meaningful shamrock craft that includes Bible verses and saint cards:
Materials Needed:
· Green construction paper
· Scissors
· Glue
· Markers or crayons
· Small decorative items (glitter, stickers, etc.)
· Printed Bible verses and saint cards
Instructions:
1. Create the shamrock: Cut out three heart shapes from the green construction paper. These will be the leaves of the shamrock. Cut out a small rectangle for the stem.
2. Assemble the shamrock: Glue the three heart shapes together at their points to form a shamrock. Attach the stem at the bottom.
3. Decorate: Let the children decorate their shamrocks with markers, crayons, glitter, and stickers. Encourage them to be creative and make their shamrocks unique.
4. Add Bible verses and saint cards: Have the children glue a printed Bible verse or a saint card on each shamrock leaf. These can be verses emphasizing faith, hope, and love, or cards depicting saints known for their acts of kindness and hope.
5. Write messages: On the back of each leaf, have the children write or draw something that represents faith, hope, and love. These can be simple words, symbols, or drawings with personal meaning.
6. Display: Once the shamrocks are complete, display them in a prominent place at home. This serves as a reminder of the values of faith, hope, and love.
Conclusion
As we journey through the eyes of March, let us remember the hope and innocence of children. Let us nurture their faith and guide them in their spiritual journey. And let us celebrate the small acts of kindness and love that bring light to our world. In doing so, we can find hope and renewal in the promise of spring and the resurrection of Christ.