The Importance of Homeschool Community Support: Navigating Grief

Grief looks different for everyone—but no one is meant to carry it alone.

In this deeply moving episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes back Catholic author, speaker, and homeschooling mother of ten, Kendra Tierney Norton, for a candid and compassionate conversation about walking through grief while homeschooling.

Kendra shares reflections from her family’s 16-year journey through her husband Jim’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, hospice, and passing, all while continuing to homeschool and raise their children. Rather than offering formulas or platitudes, Kendra speaks honestly about what sustained her: faith, community, Catholic tradition, and the quiet strength of daily responsibilities.

Together, Kaitlin and Kendra discuss:

• Why grief cannot—and should not—be rushed or standardized

• How homeschooling can foster resilience during seasons of hardship

• The irreplaceable role of Catholic community in times of loss

• Why accepting help is not weakness, but humility

• How liturgical living and prayer anchor families during uncertainty

Whether you are navigating grief, caregiving, chronic hardship, or emotional exhaustion, this episode offers reassurance, wisdom, and gentle encouragement to lean into the support God has already placed around you.

Sponsor

Franciscan University of Steubenville At Franciscan University of Steubenville, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. ✨ Did you know? Nearly 20% of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background. 🎓 High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s Dual Enrollment Program. Learn more at franciscan.edu

About Our Guest

Kendra Tierney Norton is a Catholic author, speaker, and the voice behind Catholic All Year. She is a homeschooling mother of ten and has been a longtime advocate for liturgical living and faith-filled family culture.

🔗 Connect with Kendra:

• Previous podcast episodes: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts_category/kendra-tierney-catholic-homeschooling/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendra_tierney_norton/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholicallyear/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KendraTierneyCAY/

• Website: https://catholicallyear.com/

To discover support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Catholic Homeschool Blog, https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/

Catholic Homeschool Podcast, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/

The Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com

Homeschool Connections Community, https://community.homeschoolconnections.com/

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!