All Diocesan Articles

Celebrating Mrs. Meyer

Posted on January 31, 2020 in: Reflections

Celebrating Mrs. Meyer

Sometimes life has a way of surprising us and making us wonder what God has planned for us. If we rely on our faith to get through those difficult times, amazing things can happen. In August, our beloved fourth grade teacher, Kathleen O’Brien, was called by God to her eternal rest.

All at St. John School in Old Saybrook were shocked and saddened. While overwhelmed by her loss, the school still had to find a new teacher for the fourth grade. In faith we know that God works in mysterious ways. At the same time this was happening at SJS, another amazing teacher had just found out that her school was closing.

Mrs. Meyer had been preparing for a new school year in Mooreland Hill School in Kensington, Connecticut. She felt unsure of what lay ahead, but her daughter asked her where she could see herself teaching. The answer was Saint John School. When Mrs. Meyer made the call, Mrs. Breault, SJS secretary, said, “God sent you to us.” When she spoke to Mother Elaine, she knew she had found a new home.

At the start of classes, Mrs. Meyer asked her students to prepare “All about Me” posters. It was a fun way to get to know each other.

Mrs. Meyer believes in a hands-on style of learning. While learning about the saints, one student suggested making banners with each saint’s information. The first saint was Saint Padre Pio! The banners have the saint’s information and Bible verses.

The class also requested a prayer corner in the room. The corner has pictures of places of comfort, like a church and home. How wonderful that the students requested this space!

Believing that reading to the class encourages students, Mrs. Meyer has read “Waiting for the Magic” to the children. One of the main characters is a dog. The next book she picked to read is called, “The Poet’s Dog.” Sensing a theme, Mrs. Meyer admitted to the students to having three lovable pet dogs at home!

The study of science is enhanced by special jars on the window wall containing different liquids. By adding new things to the jars, the students learn by observing changes.

They are asked to document their observations and figure out the reasons for the changes. When asked what special skills she brings to her job as a teacher, she listed her positivity and her desire to reach each child on some level every day. It’s not surprising that her daily blog is entitled “Joyful at St. John School.” Nor is it surprising that her license plate proclaims “Smile!” There is no doubt that God smiled upon SJS when He sent Mrs. Meyer to us.

-- By MARYLOU ZINSER


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

June Belongs to the Sacred Heart

Posted on June 04, 2025 in: Reflections

1131

June Belongs to the Sacred Heart
The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that draws us into the tender, burning love of Christ for all humanity. As this month begins, we are invited not only to contemplate His pierced heart but also to allow our own hearts to be shaped by His mercy. The Sacred Heart is more than a symbol; it is the very center of our faith, offering consolation, healing, and renewal. In a world often marked by indifference and division, devotion to the Sacred Heart calls us to live with compassion. We are encouraged to see others through the...

Read More

A Prayer for Father's Day

Posted on June 12, 2025 in: Reflections

1104

A Prayer for Father's Day
Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love.  And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

Read More

Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
    June 16, 2025 My dear friends in Christ,     This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).  This day reminds us in a particular way of the great gift of the Holy Eucharist.  The Eucharist has been called God’s gift par excellence because it is the gift of Jesus Himself and of His saving work.     Jesus is present to us in many ways---- in the Scriptures, in all the sacraments, in the assembly of the faithful gathered to pray at Mass, and in the prie...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Prayer for Our Nation
With Pope's Support, Vatican to Publish Document on Synod's Final Phase
Pope Leo XIV’s Marriage Advice? Keep Calm and Pray the Rosary
Archdiocese Is Selected for National Parent and Family Faith Project
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV Recommend This Book, Which Warns of a World Without God
Marriage Encounter Experience- August 15-17
Calendar of Events

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294