Canadian Graduation by Renee Blokzyl

At the close of June 1995 we had two great reasons to celebrate our first anniversary as a TORCH chapter and our group's first High School Graduate. Back in May, some of our members came up with the brilliant idea of starting a tradition of Catholic Homeschooling Graduation. We also decided to make this graduation what it should be "Catholic and Christ Centered."

Members present at our First Friday picnic gathered around to brainstorm for ideas to use in such an endeavor and we solicited volunteers to begin the sharing of tasks. Many of our "Dare to Proclaim Your Faith" teens took active part to help celebrate this day for their graduating friend. We chose a Sunday afternoon for the occasion. With the Church Hall booked and decorations planned, we created invitations using a computer graphics program and mailed these to all the TORCH support group members. We also made smaller versions (card sized) for the graduate to mail and hand out to family and friends. Members were asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre for the table and, if desired, make a contribution towards the support group's gift to the graduate which was a large Bible Dictionary. (This graduate already owned her own New Catholic Catechism, which was our first choice.) Group funds were low but in the future we will use fund-raisers to ensure appropriate funds for such items. We ordered a large cake with Congratulations written to our first TORCH of the Fraser Valley support group graduate. We purchased program covers featuring a graduation cap and diploma on the cover with the words "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received" on top. Inside was a graduation program for the afternoon that the graduate handed out to the guests as she greeted them upon arrival. As a keepsake of the event, one of the ladies created a fabric painted "guest book" banner that stood on an easel. It was beautifully enhanced with artistically hand-painted details of a scroll, cap, and congratulations to the graduate in calligraphy. Inside this scroll, all the guests could sign in using felt pens.

The afternoon began with a welcome and the singing of the anthem, "O'Canada." As two of our teen violinists performed "Pomp & Circumstance," the graduate entered dressed in a white cap, gown, and corsage. She took her seat in the front row next to her family where a seat was reserved for her. Our emcee shook her hand and welcomed her. Then the program proceeded with an opening prayer. Scripture readings from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Phillipians 4:4-9 were then read by a young man in our group. Several talented families entertained us with three musical selections concluding with an Irish Blessing. The Grandmother of the graduate read an article on spiritual self esteem and the 'Will of God,' while her Grandfather followed as the Guest Speaker. His talk touched on areas of Vocation, the Will of God, the balance in a person of three things the mental, spiritual, and the physical, merits of homeschooling, and personal things pertaining the graduate. The parents presented a Catholic Support Group diploma to their daughter (another tradition our group will use even though she had her own) and a Valedictory address given by the graduate followed. She is a very self-confident young lady who really inspired others as she spoke. One of her friends from the "Dare to Proclaim Your Faith" group presented the gift from the support group. The presenter was the original designer of the "Dare to Proclaim Your Faith" logo. On behalf of the group, she created a new, very special card for the "Dare to Proclaim Your Faith Graduate." The card, like the original logo, illustrated the Host & Chalice, representing Catholicism, and a book representing homeschooling. For the special card, she added a cap and diploma in the foreground to represent the Catholic Homeschooling graduate.

Everyone then enjoyed the blood flowing again, so to speak, by clapping along with a few, upbeat violin selections. The emcee gave his closing remarks after which a young Bag Piper, complete with Scottish kilt and all, escorted out the graduate. The 90 group members and guests in attendance applauded loudly and almost everyone commented what a great day it truly was. We were even blessed with good weather.

As the mother of this beautiful graduate, I can attest to the high energy and excitement in the Hall that afternoon. Most of all, my husband and I and our six children have all agreed that the love and support given to our family will always be remembered! Catholic Homeschooling has been such a blessing for all of us. Next year there will be several graduates in our group and as this tradition continues, we hope to include a Mass beforehand and the presence of a priest for the celebration. (None we had invited could attend this year, the only disappointment for sure.) The support group will continue to celebrate and offer support.

To all future Catholic homeschooling graduates, please remember what Proverbs 3:5-6 says. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not: In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths."