PAYING IT FORWARD

Dear Saint John’s School Families,

When Mr. Gerkin quizzed his six grade science students about the homily delivered by Father Enrique during Wednesday’s Mass, it appeared more like an equation in mathematics,  the relationship between blessings + gratitude = service to others.  Wednesday, September 3, was the memorial of Pope Saint Gregory the Great.  Father Enrique shared about the life of this saint and how he sold his possessions and turned his home into a Benedictine monastery.  Students learned how he then used his money to build six more monasteries. After seeing English children being sold in the Roman Forum, he became a missionary to England.  As Pope, he collected many melodies and plain chants that are now known as Gregorian Chants.  

One of the hallmarks of Catholic schools is that our children must learn and experience serving others.  The appreciation of the many blessings that each of us receives and in turn giving thanks to God for them, needs to be followed by many random acts of      kindness and commitment to serve others, exactly the message given during Father’s homily.  Here at Saint John’s School each class is required to do at least one major   service project, in addition to numerous other smaller undertakings.   

One example I witnessed today, was several of our eighth grade students serving in the cafeteria lunch line.  With plastic gloves on their hands and smiles on their faces they filled the lunch trays.  Later they catered to their younger siblings and friends by refilling their water glasses.  Something small, maybe? 

Mrs. Olsen’s Extended Day Program is just getting their service project off the ground.  Thankful Thursday’s is the title of their project.  Any student, teacher or staff member may nominate another student, teacher or staff member for why they are grateful for that individual. The nominations are gathered in a glass jar and there is a winner each week. The winner is then given a surprise put together by the Extended Day children and staff.

You will be hearing more about how our students, faculty/staff and you parents can reach out and serve others.  We are our brother’s keeper learning to love and serve each other.

Shalom,

Mrs. Schmitt