Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes (TORCH) was founded in 1990 by a few families in Baltimore who got together to support one another in homeschooling and traditional Catholic family life. As the homeschooling movement has grown tremendously in just a few years, so has TORCH, with hundreds of members supporting one another in home education and in their Faith. Membership in TORCH is open to non-homeschoolers as well, who share a love for the Church and her teachings and sacred traditions.
| Mission Traditions of Roman Catholic Homes (TORCH) is a national homeschool association that supports the needs of families in their journey in education for eternity. TORCH hopes that, through a vibrant and visible witness of a community of homeschooling families, we can bring Christ to the world. TORCH was founded in 1990 by a few families in Baltimore who got together to support one another in homeschooling and traditional Catholic family life. As the homeschooling movement has grown tremendously in just a few years, so has TORCH, with hundreds of members supporting one another in home education and in their Faith. Membership in TORCH is open to non-homeschoolers as well, who share a love for the Church and her teachings and sacred traditions. "Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it." (Gravissimum Educationis #3) |
TORCH & the Domestic Church
TORCH promotes Catholic traditions by sponsoring family activities that celebrate our rich Catholic heritage. Activities may include a colorful May Procession and a fun-filled birthday celebration for our Blessed Mother. Families may come together to teach their children traditions and history of the Church, devotion to the Blessed Mother, the lives of the saints, and reverence for the Pope. Various clubs, from St. Jerome's Book Club to Little Flowers Girls Club to Writing Clubs provide endless opportunities for wholesome, Catholic socialization as well as character formation. Local chapters also offer monthly Homeschooling Forums and Parents' Nights Out to discuss curriculum ideas and to fellowship. Above all, TORCH aids families and individuals into a closer and more intimate union with Jesus Christ.
The Pillars of TORCH
The TORCH philosophy is built on five pillars:
- Catholic - TORCH has as the guiding principle in all its functions and activities, fidelity to the teachings and sacred traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly to the Pope-successor to St. Peter and universal teacher in matters of faith and morals-and to the bishops teaching in union with him. TORCH is committed to building the Church by working from within the heart of the Church./li>
- Vibrant - TORCH views homeschooling as a vibrant and positive educational alternative-rather than as a negative reaction against public or parochial schools. Homeschooling is a way that parents can nurture, train, and educate children and pass on the Faith and culture to the next generation. TORCH believes that the same vibrant spirit should be echoed by homeschoolers within their parishes to help build up the community of the faithful.
- Spiritual - TORCH encourages all members to have ongoing spiritual formation, to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and to increase their knowledge of the Catholic faith. TORCH upholds the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model for virtue: perfect in faith, hope and love; humility; obedience; simplicity; and collaboration in the redemptive plan of Jesus Christ.
- Organized - TORCH chapters organize activities that meet the needs of its members and are at the service of parents who are either considering homeschooling or seeking a family-oriented association with a Catholic identity. Each chapter has one or two leaders who are well-versed and committed to the TORCH mission and philosophy. They coordinate the planning of activities and the welcoming of new members into their chapters. Regional coordinators facilitate the work of the chapter leaders in their geographic areas.
- Apostolic - TORCH is faithful to the Catholic Church's evangelizing mission. Our apostolic perspective is reflected in programs that focus not only on the spiritual, intellectual, and human formation of its young members, but also on the apostolic-to expand the Kingdom of Christ. Such apostolic activities include group visits to nursing homes, making rosaries for the missions, going on missions of evangelization, and organizing parish Vacation Bible Schools and youth clubs.
TORCH Across the County
New TORCH Chapters continue to form nationwide and internationally. By being affiliated with the TORCH umbrella, each chapter is part of an organization whose name and philosophies are representative of an authentic Catholic family and a positive homeschooling ideology.
Through the TORCH website, and through local chapter communications, members publicize TORCH events; read about Catholic culture; pray for expectant mothers listed in St. Gerard's column and more. Topics range from curriculum to support group ideas to personal adventures in the Faith.
Benefits of a $12 per year membership include access to an interactive and supportive website, a discount on Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) dues, and more. Please log on http://www.torchhomeschooling.org/ . to the TORCH Web Site to become a member today.
TORCH Contacts & Chapter Leaders in Maryland
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