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A typical Friday morning at St. Ambrose School in Latham starts with a 9 a.m. liturgy for the students, led by Rev. Francis DuBois. The Mass includes the traditional elements, and also provides the chance for the students to act out the lessons they will take beyond the church doors.

"It's very special," said Sister James Marie Carras, PBVM, the school's principal. "I think we're one of the few schools that still have Mass every Friday."

Last week, the take-home message concerned anger. After Father DuBois read the Gospel, the sixth-graders performed a skit they wrote depicting ways to handle irritating situations.

"People that go to church are wimps!" said one of the students, portraying himself as Billy Bob, a bully. 

Another cheek
After challenging one of the "church-going" kids in the group to a fight, one kid accepted his challenge. But instead of using his fists, he gave Billy Bob a hug.

"It's easy to hate and a lot harder to love," he said, "but that's what I'm going to do."

Afterward, Father DuBois spoke to the students about dealing with anger. He offered one scenario: A woman was in the middle of an intersection when her car stalled. There were cars behind her and one man began honking his horn at her. "If you were the woman, how would you react?" the students were asked. 

Real life
Their answers varied, but none of the students seemed sure about handling the situation. 

"I would ask for help," said one little girl.

"I would be really nervous," said another.

One eighth-grader fully admitted, "I don't know what I would do."

After taking answers from a handful of students, Father DuBois told them what the woman did.

"She got out of her car and said to the man, 'I would be happy to honk your horn for you if you could be so kind as to get my car to start.'"

The children collectively nodded and smiled their approval of the gesture.

"Anger is much easier to deal with if we remain calm and keep a friendly attitude," Father DuBois added. It was another lesson learned at St. Ambrose.[[In-content Ad]]

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