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.

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 its foundation and as the guiding principle in all its functions and activities, findelity to the teachings and sacred traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly to the Pope, who, as successor to St. Peter, is the universal teacher in matters of faith and morals, and to his bishops teaching in union with him.
• Vibrant - TORCH supports homeschooling as a vibrant and positive educational alternative - not as a negative reaction against public or parochial schools. Homeschooling is viewed as a way of nurturing, training, and educating children, to pass on Faith and culture to the next generation.
• Spiritual - TORCH encourages all members to have ongoing spiritual formation and to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and 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 organizes activities that meet the needs of the members. Each chapter has one or two leaders who coordinate the planning of activities and the welcoming of new members into their chapters.
• Apostolic - TORCH believes that its members are called to evangelize through spiritual and corporal acts of mercy in everyday life. TORCH is committed to building the Church by working from within the heart of the Church.

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 positive homeschooling ideology.

Through TORCH's monthly newsletter, members publicize TORCH events; read about Catholic culture; pray for expectant mothers listed in St. Gerard's column and more. Reachers have contributed articles ranging from curriculum to support group ideas to personal adventures in the Faith. Fahters even have their own special column, "For Dads by Dads," highlighting their role as spiritual heads of the family.

Benefits of a $20 per year membership include an 11-month subscription to the national newsletter, a discount on Home School Legal Defence Association (HSLDA) dues, and more. Please sent a check with your name, address and telephone number to TORCH c/o 1306 Christopher Court, Bel Air, MD 21014.

TORCH Contacts & Chapter Leaders in Maryland

For more information call 410-465-1581 or send an email to timandmiki@comcast.net.