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Thank you to everyone who helped make our Annual Fall Festival a memorable and enjoyable event. From those of you who helped set-up and worked the booths, to those who purchased tickets to enjoy delicious food and games, and braved the inclement weather, your contribution is very much appreciated. The festival is a long-standing church and school event intended to strengthen our common ties and build community. It is also an important fundraiser to support our general operati

This past Saturday, SMS parents and students, as well as St. Michael’s parishioners, gathered under the solar panels on the North Campus blacktop to partake in an annual tradition celebrated worldwide – The Blessing of Animals – in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Despite the brutal temperatures, we had a wonderful turnout. Several of our Mercy Corps students led those assembled in a prayer service after which Fr. Mel sprinkled all the furry friends with a bla

Some of you may remember Fr. Leo Patalinghug, known as the “cooking priest” and founder of The Plating Grace ministry, who spoke to parishioners and students at St. Michael’s Parish a few years ago about the value of family meals as a way to strengthen relationships. In addition to being an award-winning chef and radio and TV host, he assists with the marriage preparation process at his home parish in Baltimore, Maryland.

Since our nation’s inception, over 100 million people have come to the United States from all over the world seeking work, education, freedom, and opportunity, and our country has certainly benefited from the infusion of all of the unique cultures, languages, and traditions immigrants have contributed to our society. Most of us do not fully appreciate all of the blessings we enjoy.

It has been a wonderful start to the school year, evidenced by the smiles and excitement on the faces of students, teachers, and parents alike. As we focus on our primary goal of allowing Christ to act as our compass throughout the year, I share with you a second focus, which is a “return to the basics” philosophy.

I am honored to welcome you to a new school year. Each Monday throughout the year, I will share with you information on our Catholic faith, education, parenting and grandparenting. I hope you will find my thoughts useful or maybe even inspiring; if not, you can always move this blog to the trash. :)

Last Friday, parents, grandparents, and relatives gathered for Mass in the Msgr. Neal Dolan Holy Family Center not only to give glory to God, but also to recognize and congratulate our 73 Eighth Grade graduates and present them with their diplomas.

You may be familiar with a short story by Ann Wood, The Little Boy on the Train, in which she describes a young boy who wanted to travel by train, alone, to visit his grandmother. He had made the trip several times with his parents, and he felt he was ready to venture on the journey solo. At the train station, his father slipped him a note to put in his pocket, telling his son to read the message if he felt afraid or anxious.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all of the moms, grandmas, moms-to-be, step-moms, and mother-like figures who make such an impact in our lives. Yesterday after Mass, my husband and I went to the cemetery to bring flowers to my mom’s grave. Rather than purchase something from the store, I cut some rose stems (I think I’m up to 17 rose bushes?) from my yard.

Throughout the course of a lifetime there are a few significant occasions that we recall vividly: marriage, the birth of our children, and perhaps a special family vacation likely top the list. As we get older, however, the past becomes murkier and details begin to fade, except for the select special events we hold dear to our hearts. Those memories are, thankfully, crystal clear.

This past weekend at Mass we listened to the parable of the Good Shepherd, a story with which our second graders are very familiar during their sacramental preparation year. Our students are reminded that no matter how far they may stray from our Lord, He will always reach out to them, forgive them, and love them unconditionally. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11).

In 1969 I was in fifth grade, and I recall very vividly my social studies teacher telling the class that 10 years in the future we would all be wearing gas masks. To say that this conversation terrified me is an understatement. At the time, the country was in the midst of the Vietnam War, the Cold War was still a raging threat, and nuclear warfare was on everyone’s minds.

He is Risen! Alleluia! In the 50 days after Easter, until Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit, we are immersed in the Easter Season, a time of great joy, hope, and promise.

A home in our neighborhood was listed for sale this past weekend, so my husband and I decided to take a peek during the Open House. The owners, who had purchased the house new nearly 40 years ago, had completed some remarkable upgrades, doing away with the 80’s style appointments and opting for a more modern feel. Change can be a good thing, and we certainly see that demonstrated in the frequent style shifts in clothing, cars, furniture, and hair over the years.

For my eldest grandchild’s 12th birthday, I purchased a weekly subscription to a junior news magazine in hopes that it would introduce him to a broader understanding of the world around him. The magazine includes articles on sports, science, and nature, as well as current events, which will hopefully act as a catalyst to inspire daily conversations and help him learn how to form his own opinions and point of view.

“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old they will not swerve from it,” (Proverbs 22:6) is a well-known passage from the Wisdom Books in the Old Testament that offer insight and advice. This particular verse emphasizes the role of parents in guiding the formation of their children.

Four score and three years ago, American Psychologist Abraham Maslow published his motivational theory describing a hierarchy of needs. At the most basic level, human beings require their Psychological needs to be met: air, water, food, and shelter, for example. The second level is Safety, specifically security, employment, and health.

The central focus of the Mass is, of course, the Eucharistic, where we gratefully receive the presence of Christ and all of the graces He bestows on us as we go about our work and play. Scripture readings provide important teachings and lessons, and the priest’s homily helps us understand the relevance in today’s world. One homily, given a number of years ago by a visiting priest still resonates strongly in my memory, not because of the theological content, but because of the

My first two posts in the new year addressed some recommendations on Resolutions, not only for you, but for your children and grandchildren. My first suggestion centered on the importance of music, and the second on gardening. Catholic Schools Week and the Crusader Benefit posts interrupted my cycle, so today I conclude with my final bit of advice: Teach Financial Literacy.

Last Friday, we welcomed our grandparents to join us for breakfast, classroom visits, and Mass. It is one of my favorite events of the year because we witness not only the connections among our families and our faith, but also the deep and enduring importance of relationships. The gym was filled to overflowing with more than 300 grandparents from near and far, introducing themselves and sharing with one another their stories.