Latin Mass

When I was first approached about doing an all-school Latin Mass, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive. Having never attended a Latin Mass myself, about all I knew was that it was different. But I did know that schoolchildren need predictable routines and worried that this would be too different for the kids. The vast majority had no idea that there was anything but an English Mass. I also had no clue as to how to teach the Latin Mass to over 550 kids. But I knew that exposing them to our Catholic heritage was a good thing.

Thankfully, Mrs. Taylor, our music teacher stepped up. With guidance from Mr. Chione at the parish center, she was able to teach Ms. Nardone's 8th grade class to lead the Mass. She spent much of her available time in this endeavor. Her efforts certainly paid off. The Mass on Wednesday was really something to behold. The singers were phenomenal!

I have always known what wonderful kids we have at this school. But to watch their reverence and respect for the Latin Mass was incredible. They were truly the best behaved students I have ever seen. I applaud Mrs. Taylor's direction and thank her for putting all my fears to rest. She truly is a blessing to our school!

Honor Roll

Yesterday, was our first Honor Roll assembly held after Mass. We had many parents in attendance. Congratulations to all the honor roll students for all their hard work this past quarter. Special congratulations go to the winners of our prestigious Leadership Awards. Not only were these kids on the honor roll, but they received all 3's in conduct and effort which is hard to do consistently in all subjects. Congratulations to: Nick H., Hutch G., Molly S., Fred S., and McKimmon E. for a job well done.

Magazine Drive

Last Thursday, we had lots of happy kids. They were rewarded for all of their hard work selling magazine subscriptions. We gave away dress down days, money pillows, money, stuffed snakes, Zyclones, jump rockets, walking pigs, water balloon launchers, and Tootsie Roll banks. Anneke N. even won $200 in the postcard drawing! Ian C. deserves special recognition because he sold 70 subscriptions helping to earn his classroom a pizza party. All of the students' hard work paid off. We reached our goal of $50,000, and Msgr. and I are looking forward to spending time on the roof!

Catholic Identity

In the past two days I have seen very faithfilled expressions of our Catholic faith. Yesterday, after researching various Catholic saints, the fourth graders had a Saints Parade throughout the building. Not only did each student write a report of their saint and color a picture, but they dressed in costume as their saint! They went from room to room showing off their creativity and explaining the life of their chosen saint. It was a special reminder for all of us on how important the saints are in our own journey to heaven.

Today, Mrs. Robinson's fifth grade class participated in a prayer service for All Souls Day led by Fr. Randy. The students brought in an object that would remind them of a special "saint" from their own life that had died and who they planned to pray for this month. These names were placed on handprints located on a bulletin board as an extra reminder. Their room mother, Mrs. O'Donnell, then explained the Mexican custom of Day of the Dead and had refreshments that were suitable for this Mexican tradition. It was a wonderful way to experience All Souls Day.

Angelic Attitude Awards

Nothing motivates me more than recognizing our wonderful students who get caught being a "holy angel." It makes me stop and realize that we really have a great bunch of kids here in this school, and this is the best place to learn! Congratulations to the following students: Anneke N., Molly S., Isabella B., Jacob J., William Z., David B., Jared F., Loretta E., and Austin T.

Getting Ready for High School

It's hard to believe that we're already gearing up for our 8th graders to venture off to high school. Yesterday, the four Catholic high schools in our area (Aurora Central, Benet, Marmion, and Rosary) were here to showcase their prospective high schools. Throughout all the presentations, I marveled at how each one prepares students for the next step in their lives and always with Christ at the center of their educational programs. And again, I was humbled by the sacrifice of parents who make Catholic education a possibility for their children.

Angelic Attitude Awards

One of the most pleasurable aspects of my job has been awarding Angelic Attitude Awards. These awards are given to students who have made good choices and gone beyond normal good behavior. In essence they have been caught being a "holy angel." The really fun part for me is calling the parents to share the good news. I'm usually met with, "Oh no. I thought they'd done something wrong." No, this is something very very right. I am so proud of these kids!

So far, these students have received this honor: Leah A., Bella B., Michael C., Emme F., David B., Ella E., Samantha M., Aidan K., Jack T., Morgan W., Jordyn S., Cole R., Katlyn S., Quincy K., Joey C., Daniel M., and Daniel N. I'm hoping to have even more "holy angels" in the future.