Fr. Timothy Mulcahey LC checks the “souls” of fifth graders (clockwise from Father) William O’Brien, Nicholas Alves, Luke Bick, Hugh Cole, Garrett Martin, Danny DeSimon, John O’Brien, and John Esswein.

Chesterfield, Missouri, January 15, 2007. Fifth grade boys at Gateway Academy recently learned about the fragile nature of their souls through a very hands-on lesson.  On the initiative of their teacher, Mrs. Lynn Schmitz, Each student was given a hollowed-out egg, which symbolized their soul, and was challenged to protect their souls for two days and nights. 

Throughout the two days, the boys were reminded never to leave their souls alone, to ‘feed’ their souls 3-4 times daily with prayers and sacrifices, and to also help protect the souls of their friends. Teachers frequently heard students asking one another, “How is your soul doing?” as they passed in the hallways. 

While very few eggs were returned intact, the exercise opened the door for numerous conversations about the nature of their souls.  Ensuing discussions included how priests accept great responsibilities for our

	Gateway fifth graders (left to right) John Michael Filla, Nicholas Alves and Luke Bick keep a protective hand on their eggs/souls.

souls and how God fixes broken souls.  Students learned in a very tangible way that no one’s soul is complete for a lifetime, but that God mercifully provides the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist to fix our broken souls. The fifth grade boys ended the lesson understanding that our soul is a precious gift from God and requires a lot of work to protect, but our soul is worth our lifelong attention.

Gateway Academy is located in Chesterfield, Missouri, and is celebrating 15 years of educational leadership. Gateway Academy was founded by a lay board of directors and implements the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ.