Mercy is showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even when others may not deserve it. Taught early, mercy becomes a way of life. Fill your family’s year with the compassion and kindness of this virtue:

Foster kindness. Grab chances to be kind. Teach youngsters to pitch in without being asked. Allow someone to cut in line. Walk away from an argument. Hug a sad friend.
Forgive quickly. Jesus said, “If you forgive others their [sins], your heavenly Father will forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Followers of Jesus forgive even before we are asked. Better still, forgive as God forgives: fully and fast.
Practice mercy. Choose a corporal or spiritual work of mercy and perform it as a family. Feed the hungry at a soup kitchen, give gently used clothing to a shelter, pray for the dead.
Pray for mercy. Prayer is powerful. Together, pray, "Lord I am a sinner; come with your mercy.” Also, pray a Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a short, comforting prayer that can be said on regular Rosary beads.

Dr. MLK, Jr. said, “the time is always right to do what is right.” God provides this moment, and what is “right” can be realized through prayer and mindfulness. What “right” choices can you make right now in pursuit of God?

St. Ignatius reminds us that “love consists of sharing what one has, and what one is, with those one loves.” And that’s what’s offered to all of us, to take this right moment right now, and show love to others. This sharing means that we recognize the unique qualities, talents, and skills of others, we live alongside others, and we share power with others.  

So, as you notice your breath in this moment, say to yourself, “love right” as you inhale, and as you exhale, say to yourself, “right now.” Do this 10 times in this moment. 

Offer yourself this practice throughout the rest of January and beyond. Prayers for love, peace, strength, and wellness go out to you all.

The votes are in! Saint Thomas More Catholic School is the winner of “Best Private School” in the Best of Decatur contest hosted by Atlanta Best Media's My Decatur magazine! 

After compiling thousands of readers' votes to determine Decatur's best institutions, My Decatur magazine named Saint Thomas More Catholic School the Best Private School in Decatur! 

According to Private School Review, for the 2024-25 school year, there are 32 private schools serving students in Decatur, GA. Thank you to all those who voted with love for Saint Thomas More Catholic School!

Check out our award in My Decatur Magazine - Best of 2024 Winners.

Saint Thomas More Catholic School is a Pre-K4 through 8th grade private Catholic school in its 74th year of living its mission as a “joyful learning community reaching out to the world as the hands of Christ.” Learn more about our school here.

Saint Thomas More Catholic School is pleased to announce that it has earned Cognia® STEM Certification from Cognia! Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“Certification as conferred by the Cognia Global Commission provides Saint Thomas More Catholic School a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school,” shared Principal Shaun Bland. “We’re so excited to have earned this recognition, symbolizing our commitment to foster innovation, critical thinking, and experiential learning for all of our students.”

To earn Cognia STEM Certification, a school must submit to an internal and external review. Earning certification from the Cognia Global Commission means that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing will hold their certification for a six-year term.

About Cognia
Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia at cognia.org.