By Anne Taylor
The world is moving faster than ever. Whether we rewind or fast-forward, change is inevitable, and we
seem to be speeding ahead at light speed. Every generation witnesses industrial and cultural shifts, but
many elders I’ve spoken to feel that we are living in a unique, unprecedented time. We may be
witnessing the end of an era—one where many still cling to innocence and true imagination.
As a child growing up in the 1980s, visiting Walt Disney World in Florida at the age of eight was a
life-changing experience. I vividly remember the fantastical Peter Pan ride at the Magic Kingdom and my
favorite character, Figment, from ImageWorks at Epcot. Figment—a purple dragon with orange horns
and wings—embodied the spirit of imagination. I can still hear the song: “One little spark, that’s all it
takes to make imagination start!”
Epcot’s futuristic displays, like water flowing from bathroom sinks at the wave of a hand and lighted
streams of water jumping through the air, left a lasting impression on me. Technology was on the brink
of something big, and our imaginations were sparked in ways we could have only dreamed of.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, when technology became embedded in our homes and schools. Corded
telephones and bulky answering machines became obsolete, and dial-up internet quickly gave way to
faster connections. My eldest daughter attended one of the first public schools in Minnesota to
implement technology on a large scale, distributing iPads to students in seventh grade. It was
revolutionary—everything they needed was at their fingertips.
However, this rapid technological advancement came with challenges. As students became more
tech-savvy, firewalls intended to protect online access were easily bypassed, and concerns arose over
student privacy and the content being taught. Surveys on sensitive topics like sexuality, mental health,
and family life were introduced, often with little transparency for parents. The trust between teachers
and parents, once a cornerstone of education, began to erode.
Today, the challenges facing our children are even greater. Teachers and parents alike are being asked to
navigate complex social issues, and the innocence of childhood seems under constant attack. From
inappropriate lessons in the classroom to controversial figures being praised during literature classes, it
is clear that our children’s imaginations and emotional well-being are at risk.
But it’s not just public schools. Charter schools, too, are failing many students. A recent Star Tribune
article titled “Charter Experiment Failing Kids” reported that despite more than $1 billion in taxpayer
funding, Minnesota’s charter schools are underperforming. Only 13 of the state’s 203 charter schools
have consistently exceeded state proficiency test averages since 2016.
As Catholic parents and leaders, we are faced with the daunting task of holding on to our faith and
values in a culture that seems increasingly hostile to both. It’s tempting to say, “Stick to the sacraments,
and you’ll be fine,” but more is needed. We must get creative in how we nurture the next generation’s
faith.
I’ve met many Catholic grandparents and neighbors who have taken it upon themselves to support
children from broken families, providing stability and love where it is desperately needed. Even if the
sacraments seem out of reach in some cases, there are ways to foster the love of Christ and Catholic
values through simple, everyday actions.
For example, homeschooling offers many insights that can be applied by grandparents. Turning off the
tech and building a home library filled with classic literature and books about the saints can ignite a
child’s love of learning. Don’t forget to read aloud—children will soon want to join in!
Gardening is another wonderful way to engage children with God’s creation. You don’t need a huge
space; even a few pots on a windowsill can be enough. Nature teaches us to recognize and marvel at
God’s work. Cooking and baking with grandchildren can also be a meaningful way to celebrate feast days
and learn about the saints while sharing a meal.
When school is out for the holidays, take advantage of low-cost learning opportunities, such as exploring
newlanguages or teaching geography through road trips. Even if your grandchild never leaves the state,
creating maps and planning routes together can foster a deeper bond—and remind them that the
sacraments are a roadmap to Heaven.
The world may feel overwhelming at times, but we must persevere. There is still good in the world, and
weare called to pass on our faith, love, and the culture of the Church to the next generation. We must
remain sharp in mind and heart, and trust that God will guide us in fulfilling our purpose.
St. Philomena, pray for us!
