Raised in Grace - Openlight Media

Nurturing growth from the inside out.

A way to place the gradual and hallowed process of childhood development, as well as modern neuroscience, under the aegis of our Catholic faith and Christian anthropology.

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Recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society for faithful Catholic education.

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WHAT IT IS

Integrating development with the grace of Baptism.

Being human is complex, but flourishing is possible with the right foundation. Raised in Grace: Made for Wholeness^® blends cutting-edge neurobiology with Catholic teaching to provide a scientifically grounded, faith-based developmental roadmap to raising children who are happy, holy and integrated.

Raised in Grace surrounds the gradual process of brain and nervous system development with an environment that draws upon the grace bestowed upon children at their Baptism. Educators, in collaboration with parents, need to understand this God-given process and take responsibility for nurturing childhood development in the context of healthy, loving relationships.

Scientific findings reveal that when the emotional and relational world of the child is attended to first and foundationally, all subsequent growth unfolds in a manner that leads to well-being, with an openness to learning, faith, and finding one’s purpose in adulthood.

The Raised in Grace logo reflects this: the feather — representing the vulnerable but profound development of the child — is surrounded by two hands, illustrating the collaboration between God and adults to hold that child in a space of protection and connection.

THE GOALS

What the program sets out to do.

Grace and dignity first

Integrate intellectual, social and emotional learning with truth and Catholic sacramental grace, holding central the God-given dignity of every child.

A still point of grace

Help educators and parents practice the vital co-regulation that calms the childhood nervous system, protects mental well-being, and opens access to higher cortical learning.

Relationship is primary

When adults are rooted in faith, hope, and love, they are more equipped to create a “holding environment” where children know they are seen, cared for, protected, loved and understood.

Knitting together

God continues the “knitting” begun in the womb well into the mid-twenties, and adults entrusted with the care of children collaborate in wiring the brain for goodness and health. The cardinal virtues help build neuroplasticity and give children the brain fundamentals they need to face the forces of today’s culture.

Attachment over stress

Attachment builds neuronal connections; stress breaks them down. Understand the stress response in the body, how stress affects the classroom and behavior, particularly addictive behaviors, as well as how to return a child to the calm needed to engage in learning — and life.

A paradigm shift in discipline

Address disregulated behavior with less emphasis on compliance and more on discipleship, teaching virtue and protecting secure attachment.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Practical tools for every age.

From early childhood to adulthood, Raised in Grace provides resources for educators, parents, and young people to nurture healthy development, build emotional intelligence, and live virtuous, integrated lives through Catholic wisdom and neuroscience.

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Educators, in collaboration with parents, need to understand this God-given process and assume the responsibility of nurturing childhood development in the context of healthy, loving relationships while protecting children from forces that undermine their growth.

Dr. Karen Villa

Clinical Neuropsychologist · co-author

Getting started is simple.

Raise children in grace — and support human flourishing and secure attachment, intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Schedule a demo to discover more about ISEL.