Dear Parents,

    A light to our community, we are chosen to seek the virtues of, and be like the Holy Family, to give and seek compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness, bearing with one another through love. As chosen ones, we rejoice in God and our families as the first church. We recognize faith and family as both a gift received from God and a gift to share in our communities, offering God's gift of His son as light to the world.

   The Epiphany further emphasizes God's gift, giving another example, pointing us toward our mission and calling us to a relationship with God. As the Magi did, we are to recognize, honor, and reach out to others to introduce and spread God's light to all those around us. 

    There are many light sharing events coming in January for us to gather as community: College Night with PSAT results; our visits to Holy Family, Holy Faith, St. Madeline's and Queen of Peace; Open House; placement testing for incoming freshmen; Souper Fun Sunday; and Catholic Schools' Week. There is truly something for everyone and something that we can invite friends to as well.

   This month we highlight English teacher Jessica McDonald. Ms. McDonald graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor's of Arts in English and received her Master's of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies from Carnegie Mellon University. Ms. McDonald's previous teaching experiences encompass classes taught at Carnegie Mellon University as well as administrative teaching duties at Princeton University, the University of Hong Kong, and AmeriCorps VISTA. Jessica also adjuncts and tutors at Santa Fe College. Thank you, Jessica, for your commitment to St. Francis.

     As the Christmas Season winds down, come be a light for others and strengthen your light at one of St. Francis' January events. When we join in God's work, everyone shines.oly Faith, St. Madelines