Holy Cross School and Parish, Rumson, were blessed with a visit from two Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia from Nashville, Tenn.

Sisters Mary Michael and Mary Emily spent the entire school day visiting the classrooms and speaking to students about their lives as religious in a way they could understand.

The main message the sisters conveyed to the was: “God wants only one thing for you.  He wants you to be happy;”  “If you haven’t heard God talking to you, it’s because you haven’t been listening,” and “Look at the Crucifix. The outstretched arms of Jesus tell you He loves you.”

The sisters taught the students to raise their hands like Jesus on the Cross and offer a simple prayer, “I love you Jesus. Thank you for loving me.”

Later that evening, the sisters, both of whom are educators, hosted a mini-retreat for parents. In their work, they have seen the struggles of modern families and have made it their mission to help them navigate the challenges of parenthood.

Sister Mary Michael explained to the parents that prayer is like armor against the evils of the world, then reminded them that though they want so much to instill the faith in their children, “Jesus is the sewer of the seed.”

Only Jesus can plant the seed in His children, but is it the parents’ job to remove any obstacles to that seed taking root, she said. Sister Mary Michael urged parents to “unplug” [their technological devices] and instead, be truly present for their children and learn to make prayer accessible and fun for their children.