“If she makes some theological mistakes it won’t matter because they are too young to understand,” the Monsignor noted as he assigned Angelina as assistant to Sister Dolores’ kindergarten class.  Angelina was content to let Sister Dolores lead the catechism lessons and was surprised by how much she herself was learning. She enjoyed mostly her time outside with the kids when she could overhear their conversations with each other; she listened, in particular, for evidences of childish doubt.

In April of that first year Sister recommended and Monsignor agreed that Angelina could be trusted with the class while Sister did her week-long retreat at Noroton on the Sound. And so it was that Angelina prepared her lesson on “understanding yourself even though it may be hard when you’re so young.” She allowed her students to bring any props and costumes that they might imagine expressed themselves either as they were or what they might become. A photographer then took their picture and the photos were placed carefully on the classroom door and the kids allowed to chatter as they looked at each other’s fantasies.

The photos were still up when Sister returned and was alarmed enough to call Monsignor, who too was concerned with allowing such young people such freedom of imagination.

Angelina took the reprimand seriously, did her Hail Mary’s, and prayed that night to be delivered from the evil of her own imagination.