Growing in Virtue: A New Free Resource for All Prince of Peace Families

by popadmin | Aug 14, 2025 | Parish Life | 0 comments

Saturday, 20 September, 9a-12p in Croghan Hall
Join Sister John Dominic Rasmussen, O.P. and Fr. Christopher Smith to explore how Open Light Media’s free tools for all Prince of Peace families can help your children grow in character, emotional intelligence, and spiritual life—both at school and at home.

Why Virtue Education Matters More Than Ever

In education and parenting circles, “Social Emotional Learning” (SEL) and the “education of the whole person” have become buzzwords. But long before SEL was a trend, the Catholic Church gave us a roadmap for human flourishing: the virtues.

Open Light Media recognizes that Virtue Education is Catholic Social Emotional Learning. SEL and interpersonal neurobiology research have separately arrived at principles that align perfectly with the Cardinal Virtues:

• Self-Management → Temperance & Fortitude

• Responsible Decision-Making → Prudence & Fortitude

• Relational & Social Awareness → Justice

Through the virtues, the Church provides timeless guidance for our journey toward Heaven.

A Partnership for the Whole POP Community

Beginning this fall, all members of the Prince of Peace community—school families, Religious Education families, homeschoolers, and parishioners—will receive free access to Open Light Media’s engaging video-based resources.

The “Cultivating the Virtues” program invites participants to Learn, Live, Witness, and Pray about a new virtue each week. The bulletin will feature the “Virtue of the Week,” and both our school and Religious Education programs will integrate it into lessons. Parishioners and homeschool families are encouraged to watch the short, 2–3 minute videos from home to grow alongside our community.

Tools for Parents, Educators, and Caregivers

Open Light Media offers a rich library of programs designed to help Catholics of all ages live out the virtues:

• Raised in Grace – Foundational concepts of childhood development through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology and Catholic tradition.

• Learn the Virtues – A deep dive into the theological and cardinal virtues and how to cultivate them.

• Arise – A program for middle and high school students combining neurobiology insights with the call to holiness.

• And more – Opportunities for growth in virtue, vocation, and holiness for the entire family.

Don’t Miss This Special Event

We are excited to welcome Sister John Dominic—founder of Open Light Media and member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist—to share the beauty of educating the whole person: body, mind, and soul. She will unpack how the virtues and insights from interpersonal neurobiology work together to form resilient, faithful young people.

📅 When: Saturday, 20 September
🕘 Time: 9a-12p
📍 Where: Croghan Hall, Prince of Peace Catholic Church

Come be inspired and equipped to help your children grow in virtue—because raising saints starts with living the virtues together.