The answer lies in a simple look at childhood. At birth, children are completely dependent, relying on parents for all basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. The relationship is one of complete reliance. Ideally, as infants grow into toddlers and beyond, a trust in the words and deeds of parents is galvanized. Children instinctively just know that parents want what is best for them and will do whatever possible to make it a reality, yet, as the years pass, self-reliance becomes the prevailing mentality. Taking control of one’s life is a rite of passage, which leaves the parents in the proverbial backseat.

That same seat is where many of the faithful relegate God as those years pass. Of course, it is not malicious, but to rely on and trust in God with the completeness and perfectness of a child would require an uncomfortable exercise in humility, giving up the control we so desperately desire. This, though, is exactly what God wants for His children. He wants us to know in our hearts that He is our Father — a Father Who loves us implicitly and desires us to be with Him. In short, Christ doesn’t want us to think as a child; rather, He wants us to trust like one because trusting in His promises imbues our hearts with a steadfast hope.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines hope as the virtue “by which we desire the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as our happiness.” (1817) The importance of hope was highlighted last year during Jubilee 2025, and to honor the jubilee, the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama’s Catholic Schools Office chose the theme “Anchored in Hope” for the 2025-2026 school year. Explaining the theme, Catholic Schools Superintendent Margaret Dubose noted, “Hope and belief in Jesus Christ anchors our schools, centers all that we do, and provides our central and pivotal mission.”

The central mission of diocesan Catholic schools is best realized through the very children sitting in the classrooms. To get this perspective, the second and eighth grades at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood were asked a few questions about the virtue of hope.

For the second grade, the students were given a worksheet and asked to draw a picture and write a sentence, answering the question: “How is Jesus an anchor of hope for you?”

Not surprisingly, for the second graders currently preparing to receive their first reconciliation and first Holy Communion, the sacraments were forefront in their minds. Young Isabella wrote, “He forgives my sins and helps us keep trying.” Bowie, Bella, and Ana all shared Isabella’s sentiments, with Rajdeep, Jackson, and Rowan writing, “He helps me make good choices.” Grayson, Emma, Samantha, Julie, and Wendy all responded, “He gave us the Eucharist,” and Thomas, Wyatt, and Matthew wrote, “He gave us the Church.”

In addition, Nora wrote, “He died on the cross.” Addie declared, “He can help me when things get tuff,” and Molly noted, “He holds me closely.” Elijah explained that Jesus is an anchor for him because Jesus helps him find the way. Along the same lines, Lillie wrote, “He helps us keep trying.” Many others, including Callen, Isabella, Abrian, Vivian, Jake, Abigail, Silas, Alexa, Beau, Thomas, Lacey, Libby, Sam, Ryan, and Ellie, mentioned a gift such as bravery or the saving of a family pet. Catherine and Camryn both mentioned being kept safe from the devil. Lastly, Jane added, “He holds the anchor in the sand, so the devil does not harm us.”

While some responses were repeated and others were unique, the uninhibited thoughts shared by the second graders epitomize the trust and humility which the Lord desires for all the faithful.

In that regard, the students’ older counterparts did not disappoint. When completing the assignment to answer how Jesus and their school serve as anchors of hope, the eighth graders gave genuine and thought-provoking responses. Unknowingly, one student, Maggie, echoed second grader Jane, writing, “To me, Jesus is the strong wind in my sails when I need the extra push, and He can also be the anchor wedged firmly in the sands of faith.” Other students shared Maggie’s view, highlighting the symbolism of the anchor. Sophie wrote, “No matter if there is a storm or a hurricane, my anchor does not move,” and Lily pointed out, “Without Jesus, we would be lost at sea, alone.” Looking to the future, Rayne added, “He is the role model we strive to be, moving closer and closer to being completely anchored with Him in Heaven.”

Many eighth graders also emphasized trust. Madyson wrote, “Regardless of the difficulties I encounter, trusting Him guides me toward peace.” Her classmate, Lucy, didn’t mince words, writing, “God has a greater plan, and that hope keeps me moving forward.” The unwavering trust in God was also expressed by Lawson, Victoria, Amelia, Ronan, Michael, and Erin. Price succinctly stated, “He is my strength when I’m down and my light when it’s dark,” and Hope remarked, “He keeps me stable. … If I choose to learn more about Him, His creation, His miracles, and every other tiny but powerful thing He has done, life will make more sense.”

Underscoring humility, Jackson wrote, “I realize that I cannot do things on my own, but I need Jesus to guide me. … His love will never change, even if we sin greatly.” Leah agreed, writing: “He shows me how to love Him, serve Him, and help lead others to Him. He shows me this through Scripture, the sacraments, and His loving guidance. Each day, I learn that hope means placing my trust in Jesus Christ and not relying on my own abilities and strengths.” Savannah profoundly added: “The love and grace He gives me helps me know that His plan for me is magnificent and great. I do not know what my future is, I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but what I know is that I have hope and faith in God, my Savior and Father!”

Pivoting to their school as an anchor of hope, many students, including Ella, Bella, Rylee, Ayrton, Tristan, and Leo, mentioned how Our Lady of Sorrows leads them closer to God and provides a community. Jack elaborated: “We also grow closer to Him by praying every morning, lunch, and afternoon. This gives me hope that I can spend eternal life with Him because I can have a deeper, more active relationship with Him.” Girhaldy also noted, “My school is an anchor of hope for me because if I ever feel sad or hopeless, there is always someone I can talk to.”

For others experiencing troubles, such as Rachel and Scarlett, the school provides role models. “This school,” wrote Rachel, “has helped me through many troubles and has become my anchor of hope in more ways than one. One of many examples is the teachers are very nice and talk to me not like I’m an inferior being, but a person they love and respect. ... OLS is the embodiment of Jesus.”

Madelyn summed up the school best, writing: “Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School is very much anchored in hope. Everything we do is somehow intertwined back to our religion. … OLS teaches us daily to learn new virtues and use them in all we do. These virtues help us grow towards sainthood and keep us anchored in our Catholic faith. In everything that we learn at Our Lady of Sorrows, I know that no matter what happens, as long as I hold on to hope, I won’t drift away.”

From second grade to eighth, the honest and heartfelt words of all the students reinforce those of the superintendent: “Hope and belief in Jesus Christ anchors our schools.” And, it is that anchoring that will enable our children, in all diocesan Catholic schools, to grow into adulthood never losing sight of the meaning of Christ’s words: “Trust Me when I tell you that whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God as a child will not enter into it.”