About Us

CHOSEN, the Catholic Homeschool Support and Enrichment Network, is the oldest Catholic homeschool support organization in the Greater Portland area. We are a registered 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, not affiliated with any parish.

Our vision is to connect homeschoolers in the Greater Portland area with one another in a supportive community. This includes working with individual homeschool families as well as any Catholic parishes, co-ops, or other homeschool groups to share curriculum, upcoming event details, and resources to make schooling easier.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission and Vision

Mission Statement

Inspiring and empowering Catholic home educators at every stage.

Vision Statement

Creating a connected community where Catholics support each other in the primary duty of their vocation as parents — to educate their children.

CHOSEN

CATHOLIC — As a Catholic community, we are loyal to the Pope and the fullness of the Church’s teachings. We welcome anyone to join us provided that they respect the beliefs we share as professing Catholics! For a better understanding of the truths we uphold, click here.

HOMESCHOOL — Homeschooling has changed a lot since 1989. We are committed to supporting all parents regardless of how and where they choose to school their children. We are happy to work with any Catholic parish, co-op, hybrid program, homeschool support group, or ministry.

SUPPORT — Homeschooling is not easy, we all need support to get through! We are here to support each other in our commitment to live and teach our children the fullness of our Catholic faith and also to encourage and strengthen one another in our vocations, especially in the sanctification of our family life.

ENRICHMENT — Outside of school time, families need opportunities to interact and grow in both their faith and humanity. We coordinate events and gatherings that allow additional time for kids and parents to interact; making new friends, sharing ideas, and learning from each other as well as reinforcing lessons learned at home and at church.

NETWORK — A strong support system is one of the key components of a successful journey into homeschooling. We connect you with the resources you need to survive and thrive in your homeschooling journey.

Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking.

~ Vatican II, Decree on Christian Education, 3.

Our Patron Saints: St John Bosco & Bl. Margaret Occhiena

St. John Bosco

“Remember that education is a matter of the heart, of which the Lord is the master.”

St John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) is well known for his loving approach in educating orphaned and poor young boys and teens in the 19th century. His “Preventative System” required the educator to first form a relationship with the students and then rely upon reason, religion, and loving kindness to educate them. Whether it was preparing his boys for a trade, college or the priesthood Don Bosco worked tirelessly giving all he had.

Prayer to St Don Bosco:

St Don Bosco pray for us as we journey through the adventure of homeschooling! Remind us that your gentle loving approach to education worked to improve the lives of many children and most importantly, it brought souls to God as those children learned of unconditional love through your example.

To learn more about this amazing saint, click here

Bl. Margherita Occhiena

“Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”

As mothers, we strive to give the best we can to our children. Bl Margaret was no different. As a widowed farmer’s wife with 3 small boys and a mother-in-law to care for, Bl Margaret rallied the boys and saved their farm. Though poor and illiterate, Margaret was known for her wisdom in the Catholic faith and did her best to impart her knowledge to her children. Her boys had very different temperaments which caused some strife. In fact, to keep the peace at home, she had to send her youngest (the future St John Bosco) away so that he could follow his calling to study and become a priest. When Bl Margaret was 58 she left her home and joined John in Turin where he was working as a priest. Together, Bl Margaret and St. John co-founded the Salesian Apostolate where poor and orphaned young boys were cared for and educated. Known as “Mama Margaret” or “Mama Bosco” she was as loved by the boys in her care as her son St John Bosco was. Bl Margaret died just as she wanted, poor and in the service of God. After receiving last rites, she was reported to have reminded the boys, “Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”

Prayer to Blessed Margaret:

Bl. Margaret, please remind us to look to your example of love that prepared a great saint for his vocation. Gently nudge us to remember that each of our children is uniquely special to God and that He has a plan for them. Mostly, Bl. Margaret, please remind us that, “Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”

To learn more about Bl Margaret click here