Gulf Pine Catholic

28 Gulf Pine Catholic • January 24, 2025 Faith, fiction, and future writers: Catholic authorʼs school events spark creativity BILOXI -- While many contemporary books for young readers challenge Catholic values, Hattiesburg author Renee Lichtenhan crafts engaging middle grade novels that embrace them. Through her books and no-cost school workshops, Lichtenhan supports the mission of Catholic educators and parents to form young people in faith and virtue. Drawing inspiration from her years mentoring children as the Director of Religious Education at St. Thomas Aquinas in Hattiesburg, Lichtenhan writes adventures that weave virtue into stories. “I often compare my series to the American Girl novels which are each named for its main character, just as mine are,” Lichtenhan explained. “But rather than focussing on culture, each of my books spot- lights a particular virtue.” Her “I Am Girl” collection begins with Carabelle which reached #1 in its category on Amazon and explores forgiveness. Her second book, Violet , cen- ters on honesty, while her work in progress entitled Layla focuses on justice. “I love their open minds, hearts, and souls,” Lichtenhan said of her middle grade audience. “I Renee Lichtenhan, Catholic author of middle grade “I Am Girl” series. Sacred Heart Elementary students eagerly par- ticipate in Lichtenhan’s first workshop in 2018. Lichtenhan signing a book for a Sacred Heart student. wanted to write books that might encourage faith and virtue to take shape within that openness.” This commitment extends into her school visit program which entails an hour-long interactive workshop geared toward fourth-sixth graders. The children participate in several activities that spark creativity and inspire budding writers. The author also sponsors a creative writing contest exclusively for the students at the workshop, offering prizes and publication on the “Lil’ Bloggies” section of her website, www.ReneeLichtenhan.com. She ends the event with a book signing. After Lichtenhan’s appearance at Sacred Heart Elementary School, the school’s FaceBook post read, “We recently had the wonderful opportunity to host author Renee Lichtenhan at the elementary. Renee led a creative writing activity with our fourth- sixth grade students, sparking their imaginations and inspiring some amazing stories. The students worked together in teams and then had the chance to share their stories with each other. It was a fantastic event that showcased the creativity and talent of our stu- dents. Thank you, Renee, for a memorable day of learning and storytelling!” “I’m always grateful for librarians and principals who provide me with an opportunity to inspire the next generation of writers and readers,” Lichtenhan said. “I love showing children and educators how literature can reinforce our values as Catholics.” To schedule a school visit or learn more about the “I Am Girl” series, contact Renee Lichtenhan direct- ly at (601) -329-6075 or lichtenhan1@gmail.com. Her books can be purchased at most online book- stores or on her website www.ReneeLichtenhan. com. Cardinal Parolin Jordan From page 27 “This exhibition celebrates and sheds light on the origins and heritage as well as the enduring legacy and presence of Christianity in Jordan. It also shows the exceptional cultural wealth of Christianity in Jordan,” Annab said, adding that the exhibit will travel to various European countries after it debuts at the Vatican. Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, the apos- tolic nuncio to Jordan, told reporters that Christianity has a rich history in Jordan where Jesus was not only baptized, but he preached there. It’s where the Old Testament prophet Elijah was born and sought ref- uge, and Moses saw the Promised Land from the heights of Jordan’s Mount Nebo. “We have here (Jordan), in fact, the roots of Christianity. When I came to Jordan and began to travel to different places. I said, ‘Ah ha, I read that in the Bible. But now I can see that myself,” Archbishop Dal Toso told the press conference of his personal encounters. “I hope that our people can come and have the same experience I had seeing the places and also understanding the message,” Archbishop Dal Toso said. “I see this exhibition not just as a cultural event, but for us, it is a spiritual event because it can bring people nearer to the roots of our faith.” Dale Gavlak writes for OSV News from Amman, Jordan. Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi