Walking on the Road to Emmaus

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32

Welcome back to another wonderful school year. As many of you will recall, in my former role as Principal, I would use this forum to share with you perceptions on our Mission, reflections on our faith, insights in education, and resources regarding social and emotional development, as well as highlight excellence in action at St. Michael’s School. While in my new role as President I will concentrate on development and business operations, I will continue to reveal my musings on a variety of topics for your perusal.

Of utmost importance to our community is a commitment to high academic standards, yet first and foremost, we are a Catholic school, centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ. To that end, this year we have re-affirmed embracing the Mass as the foundation of our faith. Our faculty retreat, led by Fr. Brian Frulla (former Seminarian at St. Michael’s Church), provided teachers and staff with a “back to the basics” refresher of the liturgy, beginning with a historical perspective, and drilling down to the meaning of each symbol and prayer. Every nuance of the Mass has a special purpose, meant to bring us closer to Christ, helping us live out the Gospel message, and give us a promising future filled with hope and peace.

Today, at our All-School Prayer Service, our Mercy Corps students offered an introductory glimpse into the importance of the Mass as well. Depicting the Journey to Emmaus, Jesus’ disciples recognized Christ only after He broke the bread and spoke the words of consecration, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body which will be given up for you.” As Jesus’ disciples were transformed, so, too, can we be changed through our active and intentional participation in the Mass, specifically through the reception of the Eucharist. We are also called to extend our transformation to others:

• By sharing food and resources with those in need

• By sharing kindness, generosity, conversation, understanding, and forgiveness

• By promoting friendly, welcoming, and inviting attitudes

• By devoting ourselves to the happiness and well-being of all

As we focus on various aspects of the Mass with our students, we will include information in Messenger, so that you can partner with us in helping our students grow in their spiritual

journey.

I am profoundly grateful for this exceptional community: our clergy, our teachers and staff, our parents, our students, and our parishioners are living examples of the goodness that exists, all because of a loving and gracious God who lives through each of us and whom we have each embraced. In Mission, Kathy