Encountering Christ

Thank you all for joining me on Friday at the Ringling for some time to rest, reflect, enjoy good company, see the beauty of God's creation, and hopefully have a moment where you encountered Christ.  From the smiles and the kind words shared by many, I believe it was a good day, and my only regret is that I don't know how to top this one next year.  I hope you all learned something you didn't know.  I learned from Darien how to remember the symbols for each evangelist.  I learned from Anabel that there is a symbol of the Gates of Hell in the Triumph of Divine Love painting, and that Monsignor Carruthers and I love the Blue Madonna (as do many others).  He also shared a great story about his connection with that painting.  It was a great day, and I hope you hold onto some of the peace you felt that day as we return to school tomorrow.  

On Tuesday, we will have an AED machine installed in the Angel's Wing at 2 pm.  There will then be a brief presentation and photo op with the MS PLC group at 2:15.   

Thursday, there will be vision screening.  Gail will let you know the schedule.  

Finally, Friday is Trunk or Treat.  Setup begins at 5:30 pm and you will want to be sure your car is out of the parking lot by 6:15.  

Have a Triumphant Week!

  

The Forgotten Way

 I sat down this afternoon to write my blog and read a book instead.  It wasn't very long, and I skimmed through some of it.  The book is The Forgotten Way by Matthew Kelly.  The premise of the book is that you can transform your life and grow in holiness by changing the way you speak.  The Forgotten Way is the St. James Master Plan described in the Book of James, particularly James 3:2, "for we all fall short in many respects.  If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man."  The Camino Pilgrimage, or Way of St. James, is a physical experience that requires commitment.  The Forgotten Way is the inner Camino.  What St. James tells us is that we can become saints by governing our speech.  It allows us to remain aligned with God.  

We all know how words can build up or they can tear down, and Matthew Kelly says that some of the most evil words are gossip.  I agree.  This Thursday, I am putting on the full armor of God, and bringing back the Principal's Coffee.  I asked parents to tell me their one burning question or concern ahead of time, and I would speak on the one issue that many seem to have and then take questions.  What is most interesting is that some people have shared with me that they hear many parents are unhappy and angry.  As of this morning, only 14 parents have signed up and most of their questions are simple and can be answered by reading the handbook (what is our bullying policy) or Tidbits (how does the parish support the school and what is the security update) or the Website (where are the school financials).  No one seems unhappy or angry, but I also understand that some work and cannot attend, or they would rather participate in gossip than be part of the solution.  Some did not have a question or concern, they just want to come because they are invested in the school and want to be part of the solution.  

The idea of governing our speech is something you can also share with the students.  Even the youngest can understand how words can hurt.  Here is something I read in the book that I thought was perfect to say to a child.  Engage the brain before opening your mouth, and more importantly, engage your soul.  Tell the students to think before they speak.  What will be the impact of my words on someone else and on myself?  If Jesus was standing next to me (and he is), what would he think of my words?   This is much more profound then telling them to be nice.  

Ponder this as you finish up your day.  As we learned this weekend at Mass, we are all missionaries, called to proclaim the Good News.  Let us share our positive words with our students, parents, and each other.  

We have a short week.  Boo grams continue and the Holy Card for tomorrow is St. Carlo Acutis.  Please check that is what the students in free dress have.  Friday is our retreat and I will be sharing more details this week.  

Have a beautiful week!

Fall is Here!

 Good afternoon and Happy Sunday!  The Fall Season is upon us, even though it still feels like August outside, and with it comes Boo Grams.  Please be sure that either your classroom rep (grades 4-8) or another member of the student council is in your classroom selling boo grams from 7:30 to 7:45 am.  If no one is available on any given day during that time, please let Mr. Brozak know.  

This week, the priests will all be away Tuesday-Thursday which means we will not have a full Mass on Wednesday.  We will still go to church and one of the Deacons will lead a communion service.  This is a good opportunity to explain the difference to students.  The service should take about 30 minutes. 

Thursday is picture re-take day and the day for 8th graders to have their cap and gown pictures taken.  Also, any student new to the school since our first picture day will have their picture taken.  

Friday I will be at a principal meeting and this coming weekend is Uniform Weekend.  Please remind your students.  

If you did not read Tidbits last week, please read the Principal's Points.  It will give you some insight to the fundraiser we are doing in November.  I will elaborate on Tuesday at our faculty meeting.  

Lastly, just a reminder about a topic I talked about during pre-planning.  I said it would not take effect until September because we did not have our spirit shirts yet, and there were some new teachers, but this is what the handbook says:

"Teachers may choose to pay for Friday Jean Days by Sept. 1. The fee is $25, which helps to support the hospitality budget. Teachers may only wear jeans with the school navy polo available at Risse Brothers or a school spirit shirt. The same rule applies to all school jean days."  

If you wish to wear jeans on Fridays or any jean day, you must wear the polo or any of the school spirit shirts.  

Thank you, and have a wonderful week.