Heading to State {Swimming Update}

Zac takes his mark at the start of the 100 butterfly at a recent dual meet.

Zac approaches his second turn in the 100 butterfly.

Zac's teammate, Tristan, competes in his second 500 freestyle race of the season, rather miraculous considering the initial diagnosis after his terrible car accident in September.  More about his recovery, his determination to help other teens, and details about his plans for the future here.

Going to State!

Zachary's been named to the traveling swim team, heading to the state meet; a goal he set for himself at the beginning of this varsity swim season.  He's an alternate at the moment, with hopes of earning a state qualifying time at the district meet in about two weeks.  In the hopes of shaving seconds off his time(s) at districts, he'll shave his head, face, arms, legs... In the meantime, he's letting his hair go rather wild... not the clean cut young man we're familiar with around here!  Perhaps a good case for St. John Bosco?

Today the Church  for St. John Bosco, patron saint of boys, youth, and Catholic publishers and editors.  Called to the priesthood from a very young age, Saint John Bosco spent his life ministering to children on the streets.  

"My sons, in my long experience very often I had to be convinced of this great truth. It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself, and to threaten a boy than to persuade him. Yes, indeed, it is more fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient with them. . .

See that no one finds you motivated by impetuosity or willfulness. It is difficult to keep calm when administering punishment, but this must be done if we are to keep ourselves from showing off our authority or spilling out our anger. . .

They are our sons, and so in correcting their mistakes we must lay aside all anger and restrain it so firmly that it is extinguished entirely.

There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips. We must use mercy for the present and have hope for the future, as is fitting for real fathers who are eager for real correction and improvement.

In serious matters it is better to beg God humbly than to send forth a flood of words that will only offend the listeners and have no effect on those who are guilty."  ~Reading from Divine Office, Jan. 31, from a letter by St. John Bosco, priest

Saint John Bosco, you reached out to children whom no one cared for despite ridicule and insults. Help us to care less about the laughter of the world and care more about the joy of the Lord.  Amen.




Coming tomorrow: an update on Ezra's diving season...