Odyssey of the Mind

 Congratulations to our Odyssey of the Mind elective students for competing in the regional competition on Saturday, and thank you to Mrs. Bikus and Mr. Bonetti for heading up the group.  Their task included creating a structure (a large birthday cake made out of balsa wood) that could withstand pressure.  As part of the task, there was a story, and the students were dressed as visitors from various made-up planets.  Please ask the students to tell you more, as they can explain it better.  The picture below shows the costumes they wore.  While they are not moving on in the competition, I am very proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zone and performing in front of an audience and judges.  

Week two of Terra Nova, and it will mostly be make-up testing.  I will send out more information about Tuesday's faculty meeting tomorrow.  The focus will be on ESE as mentioned last week.  Only Core teachers K-8 need to attend.  On Wednesday, I will be on a field trip with the 8th grade to the Ringling.  I will also send out final details about the kick-off on Friday for the Spirit Raffle.  Friday afternoon is set aside for parent/teacher conferences.  All teachers who normally work on a Friday afternoon are expected to be here, even if conferences are done.  

Guess what time of year it is?!!  Not report cards, not TerraNova, not who's getting left back, it's name that new school theme time!  I have asked someone to head up a committee to work on this, but as I was having a conversation with AI about it, I came up with something that I think is a great start, AND it would last us 3 years!   Since we have to figure out what our Charism is in our mission statement for accreditation (especially next year for our third year review), I thought a theme along those lines would be good.  So what is charism (funny you should ask, because I Googled that too)?  We know what a charismatic person is, but in this sense it means: 

A charism is a specific, freely given spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, designed to build up the Church, serve others, and advance the Gospel. Originating from the Greek charis (grace), these supernatural gifts—such as teaching, healing, prophecy, or leadership—are bestowed upon individuals to empower them to act as channels of God's love in the world. 

Key aspects of charisms include:

• Purpose: They are given for the common good of the Church and the needs of the world, rather than solely for personal holiness.
• Distinction from Talent: While natural talents are developed, charisms are supernatural empowerments often recognized by their fruitfulness and the joy they bring when used in service
  .
Types: Examples include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, administration, and service.
Religious Life: In the context of religious orders, a charism refers to the distinct spirit and mission (e.g., teaching, caring for the poor) founded by a specific individual.
Application: Every baptized person is believed to receive these gifts, making it important to discern and use them for community building. 

Notice I highlighted the word "service."  Look what happens when I ask AI, "What is a good catholic theme for the 2026-27 school year that ties to the charism of St. Stephen?"

A strong Catholic theme for the 2026-27 school year, tying into St. Stephen’s charism as the first martyr, deacon, and witness to truth, is "Witnesses of Truth: Bold in Faith, Service, and Love." This theme emphasizes courageous faith, service to the community, and sacrificial love, aligning perfectly with St. Stephen's life and the 2026 Catholic Schools Week theme "United in Faith and Community". 

Theme Breakdown & St. Stephen's Charism:  (Take note!!  One theme that can be broken down into three parts over three years.)

• Witnesses of Truth (Acts 6-7): Focuses on Stephen as the Protomartyr (first witness), teaching students to stand up for their faith and act with integrity, even when it is difficult.
• Bold in Faith: Encourages students to be fearless in sharing the Gospel, mirroring Stephen’s powerful testimony before the Sanhedrin.
• Service & Love: Highlights Stephen’s role as one of the first deacons, serving the vulnerable and caring for the community, connecting to the 2026 call to be "peacemakers" and "Children of God". 

Monthly/Quarterly Sub-themes:   (This was extra and not needed, but I left it in because it's good info)

• Q1: Called to Serve (Stephen the Deacon): Focusing on ministry, helping classmates, and community outreach.
• Q2: Heart on Fire (Stephen’s Faith): Emphasizing prayer, studying Scripture, and deepening faith.
• Q3: Voices of Truth (Stephen’s Speech): Encouraging courageous, respectful dialogue and standing up against bullying or injustice.
• Q4: Forgiving Love (Stephen’s Martyrdom): Teaching forgiveness, empathy, and sacrificial love (imitating Christ and Stephen's last words).

This theme pairs well with the 2026 Catholic Schools Week focus on uniting in community and acting with faith in daily life

And there are songs....

1. Specific "Witness" & "Mission" Hymns

• "Be My Witness" (RENEW International/OCP): This collection features songs explicitly designed for this theme, including "Go Out and Tell" and "Send Us Your Spirit," which focus on sharing the faith with courage.
• "Go Make a Difference" (Steve Angrisano): A popular modern Catholic hymn focusing on service and acting as Christ's hands and feet in the world.
• "Witness of Love" (based on Acts 1:8): A contemporary song emphasizing being witnesses for Christ with the power of the Spirit,, standing united in faith, truth, and love.
• "Faithful Witness" (Stephanie S. Taylor): A choral anthem that calls the church to mission, using strong, regal music to build confidence in witnessing. 

2. Themes of Boldness in Faith

• "Lift High the Cross": A classic hymn of witness, encouraging believers to proclaim Christ publicly.
• "Be Not Afraid" (Bob Dufford, SJ): Emphasizes having courage (boldness) in faith, trusting that God is with you as you witness.
• "The Church's One Foundation" (AURELIA): A hymn of unity and enduring faith. 

3. Themes of Service and Love

• "Ubi Caritas" (Various settings, including Richard Proulx): Translates to "Where Charity and Love Are," emphasizing that true witness is rooted in love.
• "Servant Song" (Donna McGargill, OSM): Focuses on service to one another, highlighting the "love" aspect of your theme.
• "As I Have Done for You" (Dan Schutte): A Eucharistic-themed hymn about serving others in love.
• "Testify to Love" (Avalon - frequently used in contemporary Catholic worship): A song about witnessing in daily life and offering "simple acts of mercy". 

4. "Cloud of Witnesses" (Faith Tradition)

• "We Are Surrounded (By a Great Cloud of Witnesses)" (Joseph Martin): Draws on Hebrews 12:1-3, inspiring faith and perseverance by remembering the saints.