St. Kateri teaches you to be kind

I am a fifth grader at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School in Niska­yuna. I started at St. Kateri when I was in second grade. My mom and I wanted me to go to a small school where children were kind to each other and didn’t hurt each other.

At first I was scared. I only knew one person. One of the things that helped is that we made ice cream in my class. I had two teachers that year, Mrs. Mueller and Ms. Haggerty. They were nice and soon I made new friends.

When I was in second grade, I got to be St. Kateri for our All Saints project. St. Kateri was kind and she is known as the Lily of the Mohawks. I wore a costume that included a headband with a feather and a brown dress. When I was in fifth grade, we had a retreat at the St. Kateri Shrine in Fonda. We took a hike and we got water from a spring that Fr. Bob blessed. This is the same water that St. Kateri used!

Third grade was a big year for me. That year I was baptized, made my First Reconciliation, and my First Communion. My mom was so proud that I continued my growth in my religion. For my All Saints project that year I was Mary, Mother of Jesus. Mary was surprised when the Angel Gabriel came to her and told her she would be the Mother of Jesus. During our Living Museum project, I was Rosa Parks. I admire that Rosa Parks taught us that no matter what color you are, we are all equal. Both Mary and Rosa Parks are good people.

During my fourth grade year, our class got to go on a field trip to the Crayola Factory. We also did a lot of math and read a lot of books. I also learned about St. Maria Goretti. She was so young when she died, but she had such a big heart; she forgave everyone. I am ok at forgiveness but I know I can remember St. Maria Goretti when I need help.

Fr. Bob visited our classroom this year and taught us about the Good Samaritan. This is a story of helping others. I try to help my friends when their feelings are hurt. This year I was able to be an altar server during school masses. I like carrying the Cross, but am nervous that I will drop it. I carry the Cross so that it is high and doesn’t hit my legs. I have never dropped it.

At St. Kateri I have learned many things about being Catholic. I feel happy that during Reconciliation God forgives me. I like the Our Father and the Hail Mary, especially when we say them during Mass. I know the Saints are good role models for me. 

This is my last year at St. Kateri Parish School. Next year I will be moving to a new state and going to a new school. My mom and I want me to continue to go to a Catholic school so that I can keep learning about God and my religion. I like to pray when I am at school, and so I want to go to a school where I can keep praying.  I know that if you believe in Jesus and pray to him he will always love and forgive you. I am glad I went to St. Kateri because I got to make new friends and made my sacraments. In my new Catholic school I hope to learn more about God and make new friends.

Ja’zelle Epperson is in the fifth grade at at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School in Niskayuna.