This is not a shameless plug, but my book is telling. It is not meant to be a legal brief, religious text or expert opinion with 12 steps or more to follow. It was not meant to evangalize anyone into my faith practice. It is my story with relevance to my chosen profession, yesterday, today, and most likely in our tomorrows. Patterns exist. We can make connections.
I was a teacher. Unlike many, I do not want to throw the baby out with the bath water. I think public education is a life saver for most. I keep to a limited scope of subjects when writing. I do expect accountability when failures happen. An accounting means explain. Sometimes it includes consequences.
There are many ways to address school problems. Curriculum, policies, laws, politics, parenting, teacher preparation, training and police all factor into the success or failure. So does faith.
I turned to my faith in 1998. The practice had been established in childhood. I still turn. You know I at least listen to Mass daily on YouTube or read the daily Scripture. I often post links.
The two names or inspiration names in these two videos, I have known of for years. Father Groeschel, a Catholic priest (deceased in 2014) and David Jeremiah, 85 years old, who still pastors Shadow Mountain Baptist Church are pictured. I have listened to both many times. These voices seem like AI.
I came upon these two videos by connection. I wanted to find out more on the priest who died last weekend. Faith factored in.
The first video I feel is a very good reflection of the event, faith filled, no jumping to conclusions about why he died. People speculate.
There is one priest named in it that Shannon Wright has a connection to by date of death, March 24. Both murdered at work, one at the altar, one at a school, many years apart.
The video draws no conclusions as to causes in the priest's death on October 17, 2026. There are YT videos of his homily too since it was a televised Mass. It is said he talked about death in his last homily. It is hard to find the homily without the tragedy. My mom and I spoke of death, not hers, on the last visit we had in 1981. My dad was the sick one. My mom had a debilitating stroke after I left that day. She was declared dead about 36 hours later.
I do not know if these videos are AI generated. It seems that it is a collaboration piece. There are other related videos.
https://youtu.be/AGNJT41jASQ?is=pY8Wt968kJ3oIHbD
The second video relates life experience for anyone who steps out in faith. It is about the journey which can be lonely or solitary at times. The servant, if staying on course, will hit roadblocks and haters. The servant is not greater than the Master. ASK a whistleblower. Read about leaders in the past. Some of them were murderers but God used them. They had to do some work first.
This video mentions ordinary, tired, changes, sheep, caves as classrooms.
https://youtu.be/XD3Ys5SsS3k?is=MBeStr9HK_SsjNDX
These videos are recommended for listening. Recommended for reading, God Calling. Dorothy, inspired to give me the book in 1998, said it was read in AA, the 12 Step Program. My copy is worn, yellowed, and held together by an old rubber band. The covers are in pieces.
Dorothy, my friend, lost her college aged grandson to death with an unsolved reason. His body parts were found in a landfill in NJ.
To whom do you listen. Who inspires you? Are any of us prepared to die for another or suddenly. I ask that question of myself.
In trouble, I turn to my faith. In 1998 and again in 2004 I did not want to kill the bug up my bonnet with any substance that clouded my judgement. I had work to do. I trusted that bug had purpose.
Are you being called to do something that seems ordinary? Will it bring trouble? There is one man about to learn.
The father in Bend, Oregon will need to lean in to his faith. The crowd will not always be friendly. He may need silent times. If you know him, pray and give support. I bet he does not feel like a hero.
I remember Shannon Wright but her family remains mostly silent through all these years. I consider Shannon Wright heroic. Does her family? I will not ask them. People mourn in different ways.
This is an interesting link. Can you believe a former lawyer and a child are involved. Listen.
https://youtu.be/kW0z5YrTSP8?is=SHqGIdoq3N-BYPW
On September 14, 2026 another priest's homily talked about the Crucifix. During the Consecration, he wept openly. He was speaking at a school Mass. The video went viral. The priest explained in writing the experience.
https://youtu.be/wlqIgQFLFAI?is=H-WzWl2D7XWJtt7l
I do remember weeping while reading a Scripture passage from the lectern at a Saturday morning Mass many years ago. I gathered my composure but I did see a Sister begin to come to my aid.
Our spirits can be moved. Scripture and Mass are powerful. Our spirits can be inspired by living humans doing their work.
Do not immediately jump to conclusions without prayer. God works in mysterious ways.
We really only get pieces of the puzzle.
Jesus wept from the Cross because he could see the whole picture. He warned the few who stayed by His side.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Make connections, maybe these videos will help. Always consider the source.
From the Teacher's Desk with love
Marian R. Carlino
October 24, 2026