Pastor’s Letter: August 13, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: August 13, 2023

11 Aug 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

St. Philomena School begins the new year on Monday. It’s hard to believe the summer is over.  Time goes so fast. Most of the kids I talk with seem to be ready for school and I am sure the parents are ready! As with every summer, our faculty, staff, and maintenance work hard to prepare for a new year. Along with the normal building cleaning and waxing of floors thanks to Maloney Services, we had a few campus improvements this summer. To help with communication on campus, we installed a new phone system and new intercom system. These systems are a big improvement for our internal and external campus communication. Albert Tony continues to improve the school with new dropped ceilings and lighting. This summer Albert installed the new ceiling in the Art Room, along with new cabinets and sinks.

Last fall, several of our teachers attended a technology conference in Chicago. They came back impressed with the demonstrations of a new Clear Touch Interactive Screen and its accompanying software. With the help of government funding, we were able to purchase and install these new boards in the classrooms this summer. These new screens replace the Smartboards with projectors that have one point of touch on the screen. The new Clear Touch Screens allow for twenty points of touch on the screen so multiple students can interact at one time. The software comes with a wealth of lessons plans and technological uses that will keep our teachers advancing their lessons for years to come. We are truly blessed with an excellent staff that is dedicated to offering a well-rounded education to our students. Our hope is always that the continuing education, new technology, and building improvements help them to continue growing as educators of the new generation.

The Gospel this weekend recalls the reaction of the Apostles to Jesus’ walking on the water. “Truly, you are the Son of God.” On many occasions, Jesus showed his power over nature. The Apostles were so convinced that they not only left their occupations behind, but they faced martyrdom. Christianity requires us to reflect on how we lay down our lives for others, what we are willing to sacrifice for the good of another, and how we daily proclaim to Jesus: “Truly, you are the Son of God.” May our profession of the faith strengthen our daily resolve to live the Christian life in aspects of our thoughts, words, and actions.

As a reminder, August 15, 2023, the Assumption of Mary is a holy day of obligation. We will have the Vigil Mass on Monday at 5:30 pm with Masses on Tuesday, August 15 at 7 am, 8 am, and 5:30 pm and school Mass at 9 am. The Assumption of Mary reminds us that Mary was preserved from earthly decay because of her holiness of life. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. Sin has an effect on the body and soul. The Assumption of Mary calls us to venerate her life, while praying for personal spiritual growth.

God bless,

Father David