Editor’s Note: When I approached Sharon Watts about this feature, I didn’t know she was a Sunday School teacher for decades and this is her final year. Sharon, thank you for sharing your story and for your unwavering commitment to our community.
Each year in our Religious Education classes, we talk about something very simple, yet very powerful: the ripple effect. I ask the children to imagine dropping a small rock into calm water. At first, it seems insignificant—but then they watch as the ripples spread outward, touching far more than the point where the rock first landed.
Kindness works the same way. A kind word, a helping hand, a moment of patience—these small actions create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. Be kind to one person and watch what happens. That kindness is shared, passed along, and multiplied. This lesson has been at the heart of my work as a Sunday School Catechist for nearly 25 years, and for the past 10 years as the Religious Education Coordinator at Holy Family Parish.
As I prepare to step away from these roles in 2026, I find myself reflecting on the many ripples that have shaped my own journey. The children, of course, have been at the centre of it all. Their curiosity, honesty, laughter, and growth have been a constant reminder of why teaching kindness matters so much. My hope and prayer is that these years have been as meaningful for them as they have been for me. I have also been deeply blessed by the unwavering support of our Parish Priests over the years—the late Father Jack Dolan, the late Father Monte Peters, and Father Bill Brennan. Each of these gentlemen has been a ripple effect in my life. Through their encouragement, guidance, and faith-filled leadership, they made it possible for me to serve with confidence and joy. Their influence extended not only to me, but to every child and family touched by our parish community. …
As I prepare to step away from these roles in 2026, I find myself reflecting on the many ripples that have shaped my own journey. The children, of course, have been at the centre of it all. Their curiosity, honesty, laughter, and growth have been a constant reminder of why teaching kindness matters so much. My hope and prayer is that these years have been as meaningful for them as they have been for me. I have also been deeply blessed by the unwavering support of our Parish Priests over the years—the late Father Jack Dolan, the late Father Monte Peters, and Father Bill Brennan. Each of these gentlemen has been a ripple effect in my life. Through their encouragement, guidance, and faith-filled leadership, they made it possible for me to serve with confidence and joy. Their influence extended not only to me, but to every child and family touched by our parish community. …
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