Dear Friends,
I share this note with you as Catholic Schools’ Week comes to a close. What an absolutely wonderful week our faculty, staff, students and parents shared in. Over fifteen parishoners joined us on Tuesday, the 30th of January, to share of their talents and hobbies. Our students ( and those parishoners) delighted in hearing about coin collecting, rug and tool making, cake decorating and so much more. Thank you to Scott Norton, Mrs. Anne Iacino, Mrs. Marguerite Zaccara, Mrs. Lucy Bascetta, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. Audrey Battista, Dave Wilcox, Mrs. Leona Mangione, Ron Jaworski, Mrs.Ann Brochu, Mrs. Colwell and Mrs. Jarvis, Dr. Melissa Durstin, Jorge Aldrete, Mrs. Bridget Shanley, Jed Otto, John Speziale, and Mr. Anderson. The sharing of their time and talents was greatly appreciated by all.
On Monday, the 1st, we observed Nation Day. What a treat it was to look across the parking lot and see Master Sargent Chris DiVita home from his tour in Afganistan. It truly made the flag ceremony that was led by our scout troops even more special. That afternoon, each class of students traveled around our school building visiting other classrooms. Each class of students had researched a state, and had shared information about that state. Impressive presentations by all!!!
Throughout our school year, small groups of students from each class joined with a staff member and met as a “family”. In the month of January, each family adopted a patron saint for their family, and made a lifesize model of that saint. On Vocation Day during Catholic Schools’ Week, each family shared of their saint. It was a learning experience for everyone to see the lifelike models and hear of the gifts that each saint shared with others. It was a wonderful reminder to all that each of us is called to sainthood.
On Student day, our young people were treated to a presentation by Mr. Brian Gilley on the History of Rock and Roll. They also walked down to the Laurel Lane Bowling Alley to share in a game of bowling. As you would guess, this day was the favorite for the students and for the moms and dads who walked to Laurel Lanes with the students and who chaperoned at the alley.
Catholic Schools’ Week at our school began and ended with prayer. On Monday, the students in grade five shared in a reflection on the how the little things we do each day can effect our neighbor. A smile or a good deed-each has the same positive effect on our neighbor and friend. On Friday, our students ended Catholic Schools’ Week as they shared in First Friday Liturgy as Fr. Dennis celebrated Mass.
You can be sure that by Friday of the end of Catholic Schools’ Week, our faculty and staff were ready for the weekend. It was a challenging week and it was a busy week. It was also a week that reminded us of what our school is truly about. We are about sharing of our faith, we are about remembering that we are part of a community. The fact that there were many faith-filled people who came before us was remembered, AND many faith filled people gather with us in school and parish events each day. We are truly a blessed school and a blessed parish.
Peace and Goodness to all,
Mrs. Pat Devanney
