Get Up, and Do Not Be Afraid

The homeschooling seed was planted about thirty-eight years ago when my mother, Mary Ann, courageously decided to homeschool her four children. It was not an easy decision in the 1980s, but she did it!

Through prayer and God’s guidance, she found Seton. Her unwavering example and my education in the Seton program led my husband Neal and me to choose the same path for our family.

Homeschooling with Seton has kept us grounded amidst the chaos of life, and the entire experience has molded us into the family we are today. We trust that God, in His awesome goodness and mercy, provides the grace we need daily and guides us through it all. We are the Vacchiano family!

The Road Traveled

Neal and I (Helen) met twenty-five years ago while working for the Sherwin-Williams Company in Cleveland, OH. We married in 2002 and were blessed with Adele in 2007 and Gabriel in 2010. Since our marriage, we have lived in Ohio, Utah, and Maine.

Adele is entering 12th grade this fall, and Gabriel is entering 9th grade. It amazes us how far we have come and how both children have grown individually since the advent of our homeschooling journey by conquering their challenges and discovering their paths.

We have found that the greatest benefit of homeschooling with Seton is the ability for each child to discover their strengths through trial and error, manage their progress through each subject at a pace they set, and have the freedom to pursue and explore their interests.

In the three years we have lived in Maine, Adele competed on the YMCA Swim Team and became certified in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR. Through Our Lady’s Rosary Makers ministry in our parish, she made over 80 rosaries for the missions.
Adele enjoys theater and dance and has performed various roles in The Nutcracker for two seasons with her ballet school. In addition, homeschooling with Seton has provided ample time to expand her love of creative writing, history, and art.

Art and Faith

Gabriel began serving Mass when we lived in Utah and continues to serve at our parish here in Maine.

He has played basketball and soccer through the YMCA for several seasons and currently plays soccer for the Acadia Fire FC. At home, Gabriel enjoys practicing on his guitars and electric drums. Due to Seton’s flexibility, he has time to develop his interest in telescopes and learn as much as possible about the universe.

Homeschooling has yielded many opportunities that have nurtured our family life. Living in Utah for ten years afforded us numerous opportunities to explore many national and state parks within and in neighboring states. The list is long, but our excursions include Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, and Custer State Park.

Because of our love for these parks in Maine, it did not take long to venture out and hike together to drink in the spectacular views in and around Acadia National Park.

Our most recent and memorable road trip was this past September when we drove from Maine to Eddystone, PA so that Gabriel could receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Rite.

While there, we spent an entire day in Philadelphia, touring historic landmarks and museums. Seeing all the cool stuff we have been reading about in history for so long was neat!

My Favorite Part

The strengthening of our Catholic faith can be attributed to our many years of homeschooling with Seton. Prayer is critical in homeschooling. Do not let anything get in the way of this vital requirement!

We love that Seton ensures a solid foundation of the Catholic faith by incorporating it into each subject with religious art and short prayers to pray before beginning an assignment.

This daily practice strengthens the armor of faith and reminds us that it can be continued beyond the classroom. My favorite part of our day is our family Rosary after dinner. “Reciting the Rosary is the most important appointment of the day.” ~ Blessed Carlo Acutis

For those prayerfully considering homeschooling, believe you can do it! God is in control – always. For those who find themselves overwhelmed in their first or tenth year of homeschooling, remember, you are never “behind” but always right where you should be.

Even after 12+ years of homeschooling my children, I must remind myself of this daily. There will be moments when you will want to give up. Instead, recall Jesus’ words to His apostles at the Transfiguration, “Get up, and do not be afraid!”