Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are blessed with many wonderful families at St. Bernadette and in our grade school, St. John XXIII. I am inspired and amazed at the incredible sacrifices I see parents make as they bring their children to Mass, religious education classes, and to school each week. I am inspired and grateful for our parents’ dedication and desire to share God’s love with their children. The catechists and teachers at St. Bernadette and St. John XXIII are here to help you... BUT your role as your children’s primary teacher is your gift to your children. YOU have the awesome privilege and blessing to form the future of the world IN GOD’S IMAGE!

Don’t take my word for it. Listen to what various popes have said:

“Of course, the support and education of children is a right which belongs primarily to the parents.” Pope Saint John XXIII, 1963, Pacem in Terris

“Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking.” Promulgated by Blessed Pope Paul VI, 1965, Gravissimum Educationis

“And then we must encourage parents in their role as educators of their children — the first catechists and the best ones.” Pope John Paul I, 1978, Address to a group of American Bishops on their Ad Limina visit

“The right and duty of parents to give education is essential, since it is connected with the transmission of human life; it is original and primary with regard to the educational role of others, on account of the uniqueness of the loving relationship between parents and children; and it is irreplaceable and inalienable, and therefore incapable of being entirely delegated to others or usurped by others.” Pope Saint John Paul II, 1981, Familiaris Consortio

“However, it is very obvious that in educating and forming people in the faith the family has its own fundamental role and primary responsibility. Parents, in fact, are those through whom the child at the start of life has the first and crucial experience of love, of a love which is actually not only human but also a reflection of God’s love for him.” Pope Benedict XVI, 2007, Address to the Participants in the Convention of the Diocese of Rome

On this Mother’s Day 2026, we are reminded that motherhood is a calling by God, and it is a gift from God to our world. Today we give thanks to God for the gift of our mothers... and we remember also our mothers who have gone before us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace. Grant them, O Lord, we pray, a place of refreshment, light and peace.

Moms are often under-appreciated in their family role. Mothers are blessed and challenged as they serve their family in a very self-centered society. To be a generous and giving mother is a great treasure in our world. Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children and their family, are the antidote to self-centeredness. Mothers are one of the greatest weapons against the battle for the soul of the family.

Of course, authentic motherhood includes much more than bearing, feeding, and protecting children. Authentic motherhood is a life choice that involves sacrifice, respect for life, and commitment to passing on essential human and religious values. Motherhood, when lived well, enables us to live in a healthy society. Often, it is the mother who offers the first roots of the faith. A mother’s ability to share the faith with her children often has the deepest impact. Without strong faithful mothers nurturing their children in Godly ways, many of the faithful would be lost.

I hope that the mothers among us can give thanks for their vocations on Mother’s Day. And further, I hope as their children, we grow to respect that calling and uphold the institution of motherhood as the divine calling that it is!

Prayer in Gratitude for Our Mothers

Good and Gentle God,

We pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all women who have joined with You in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You, who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings. Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly. Give them the faithful support of their husbands, family, and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children. Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to You for help when they need it most.

May God bless all Mothers today!

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline

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