Bob,

It is hard to imagine Alex being able to CONTAIN his love of the faith! I'm sure his enthusiasm will be quite contagious to his students.

Tammy

Unless he walks out when they argue with him. But not to worry, he'll be back soon!

Dear Daniel,

Actually, I parted company with my last principal when I was told I could not counsel someone at the school who was being bothered by Jehovah's Witnesses.

The principal took my head off when she found out I had sought and obtained permission from a priest to do this!

I was told I was close to teaching "religious hatred" etc. etc.

For fear of losing my position, I removed myself from the entire situation involving that person.

I felt I betrayed a trust and a request for assistance.

I then submitted my resignation.

If the situation ever arose again, I would handle it differently.

And I'm a bit smarter now then I was then .

I know the Administrator might argue on that point, but I really do think so!

Alex

Dear Friends,

It just occurred to me that perhaps our classes should begin with a consideration of Lent.

How would one present some issues like fasting, penance etc. without becoming too heavy?

Alex

Way to go, Alex. I like a man who sticks it to his principals; I mean sticks to his principles.

Dear Iconophile,

Yes, I feel I did commit a sin in failing to do what I ought to have done.

But your comment, no matter how many smileys you couch it in, is unworthy of a Christian, in my view.

Alex

Aw Alex, the first time I try to joke with you again after the big blowout and you get offended. I promise to not tease you again. It was just a good pun that I couldn't resist. I think you did the right thing, actually.

Dear Daniel,

I know that's how you tease - but I still feel very bad about that whole situation and my failing to do what I should have done. You are absolutely right though - I gave in on my principles.

It was a sin on my part, the kind that is not easily forgotten.

I hope I can be faced with a similar situation in the months ahead to see if a redress is open to me in some way.

Anyway, have a great time in Florida . . . oops, that's me, not you!

God bless,

Alex

Alex- I just reread your post and I realize that I had misunderstood it; I thought when you said you removed yourself from that person you were talking about the principal, not the student. I can see now how you might be sensitive about it . As I have myself been a victim of sloppy readers I should have been more attentive. Sorry.
Have fun in Florida. I am tempted to tease you about starting Lent with such a penance, but in light of my resolve not to joke around with you any more I won't do it.

BETTER TAKE YOUR UMBRELLA!

Dear Pani,

Yes, it was a bit wet and even cold in your Florida . . .

But I'm back and preparing for this Saturday's religion class - four hours of morning fun!

Alex

Dear Friends,

FYI, a report on my religion class yesterday.

It was truly wonderful.

The class was a trial to see if "I could cut the mustard."

I spent almost four hours lecturing before a class of 75 students plus several teachers, parents and Catholic administrators.

(There was a half-hour break at 11:00).

I spoke about everything and everyone, with frequent interruptions for questions such as premarital sex, the situation in Ukraine, why we believe in God, the Passion of the Christ etc. etc.

At the end of what turned out to be an arduous class - they all got up and gave me a standing ovation . . .

The principal saw this and said "We've never had anyone get a standing ovation before . . ."

She then invited me to be a full teacher of religion with the school. I said, "yes."

I was tired and my throat still hurts. Although I must say I love talking. Yes, a surprise indeed . . .

I've plunged into this with my whole heart.

I'm constantly thinking about new themes for classes and topics.

I got up at five this morning pondering more topics.

In any event, I just wanted to say I've a lot of work to do and I'm going to do it, with God's help.

As I write this, I've got books and papers all over my work space and I'm going non-stop.

I couldn't be happier.

From now on, I"ll only post here on spiritual topics, if I've the time and motivation (oh, my blood is racing!) rather than to ones that will get me in trouble or that I think are "political" or "gossipy" in nature.

I should have disciplined myself in this regard long ago.

But this is what I want to do and I'm energised, people, I'm energised for the Lord!!!

God bless you all, you wonderful people of God, and may the Lord continue to use you in His way, as I know He already is!

Your excited servant,

Alexander Roman, PHD
Religion Teacher