February 19, 2010
Love the Learning. Build our Friendships. Live the Faith
Dear St. John's families-
I'd like to share this incredible article with you as we head into the season of Lent. The article in Catholic Digest is written by Jim McDaniel, a dear friend of mine and former fellow parishioner. http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/good_works/love_your_neighbor/2010/01-29/haiti-changed-our-parishhellipand-my-life
In Lent, too often we focus on what we are to "give up", what we will deny ourselves. But this comes at the expense of asking ourselves what we can do more of - what Christ calls us to do as Christians to fulfill the work of God. The Gospel passage mentioned in this article, Matthew 25:35-36, speaks to this Lenten call. On the surface, in our lives of blessed abundance, these can seem like easy tasks to fulfill. But take another look at them: the first two seem relatively easy; write a check to a food bank, gather pennies in our Rice Bowls or plastic buckets, or volunteer at a soup kitchen. These are cut-and-dry works of charity.
The more truly difficult tasks follow: Who are the strangers or the people we don't know well in our lives and are we truly welcoming toward them - even if they don't fit into our mental boxes of who is Catholic and who is not? Who are the ill, and do we make it a point in our lives to reach out to them and provide comfort to them and their families? Who are the prisoners, in physical, economic and emotional prisons, and what do we do to visit them and love them as brothers and sisters in Christ?
The point of departure in our understanding of the difference between these "easy" tasks and "hard" tasks, I believe, comes with our willingness to see ourselves as brothers and sisters in Christ. The easy tasks are the ones where we can easily distance ourselves from our brothers and sisters, whereas the hard ones require more intimacy, compassion, and proverbial face-time. Furthermore, I think that the easy tasks allow us to think of ourselves as holier-than-thou, where as the hard tasks challenge us to embrace humility.
As Jim mentions in his article, and as I can attest to from my experience at this prison, the most difficult part was being in proximity to those who needed my compassion. I shared Jim's fear, and speaking on behalf of the women Jim mentions, there is something unnerving for a woman to be in a prison with so many men! As I think I mentioned to some of you at the Principal's Coffee in December, this experience, was my "Saul Moment" where I felt as if the Lord humbled me with a faith-filled 2x4! These are not easy tasks, but when you undertake them, the Lord promises us grace in abundance.
So I leave you with this as a point of reflection after reading this article: Are you willing to hear God's voice and do the "hard" tasks? Are you willing to see those around you as brothers and sisters in Christ and act with humility and compassion?
May you have a grace-filled Lenten Season!
Blessings,
Dr. Sara Baird Amodio
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Middle School is holding their annual Mini Course!
This year will include the fifth grade in all three days.
April 26,27 & 28 2009
Mini course Week is designed to bring skills to our Middle School Students that they don’t always have a chance to experience. It is a fun way for the middle school students to learn about hobbies, careers and interests that are in our community.
We are asking you to share your Talent and Time with our middle school students. If you can share your skills in subjects such as: Sewing, Fishing, Advertising, Cooking, Architecture, Finance Planning Crafts, Photography, Art, Dance, Rock Climbing or any other skill, please call Christine Champlin at 635.5859.
K-4 Book Club
For those who have students who want to take part in the K-4 book club but who were unable to attend the first meeting:
The next K-4 book club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March, 9, 3:00-4:15 PM, in the Eagle's Nest. Book club is free, and books and snacks are provided. If your student wants to attend the next meeting, please stop by the Eagle's Nest during conferences on Friday, February 19, to pick up the following:
1. a book for your student (they do not have covers on them); please ask your student to create a cover for the book before our March meeting; and 2. a "Most Important Word" handout; please ask your student to complete this handout and bring it along to the March meeting.
Thank you. If you have any questions, or fi you would like to volunteer to help with book club, please contact Pam Coke (pamelacoke@msn.com
Mrs. Alyea's 3rd Grade Class is working on their service project this year; Pennies for Peace.
The Pennies for Peace program is designed to help students broaden their cultural horizons and learn about their capacities as philanthropists. It educates students about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Students learn the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and education opportunities to the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While a penny is virtually worthless, in impoverished countries a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy. Please as a family collect your pennies and send them in, there are jars at the front office and in Mrs. Alyea's classroom. We will send you an update on our total collection and what that means for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Thank you for your participation in this great event.
LENTEN FISH FRY'S AT THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL
Mark your calendar for the Lenten Fish Fry's at the Knights of Columbus Hall starting Friday, February 19, and running through and including Friday, April 2 (Good Friday), from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. Meal prices start at $5.00. Free meatless pasta bar for the kids.
O God,
bless our family
and all its members and friends;
bind us together by your love.
Give us kindness and patience
to support each other;
and wisdom in all we do.
Let the gift of your peace
come into our hearts
and remain with us.
May we rejoice in your blessings
• Please pray for the Marshall, Martinek, Matheson, May, Masin families
• Pray for the families suffering in Haiti, pray they receive the food, water, and safe shelter
• Let us give thanks to God for all the gifts he has provided us
• Especially give thanks to God for the gift of a parish school and ask his help as we continue to grow and prosper
• May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire
Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School
1730 W. 12th Street Loveland, Co 80537 970.635.5830
Saint John the Evangelist School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or national or ethnic origin
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