Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy St. Nicholas Day! As my son's name is Nick, this has always been a big day in my house. As one story tells it, the man who would become Father Christmas was at a Church Council of Bishops and got into a disagreement with another Bishop about the Catholic theology behind the Holy Trinity. Not able to contain his emotion for such important matters, Bishop Nicholas punched the other Bishop, whom he perceived to be speaking heresy. When my son first heard this story, his observation was, "How cool to have something you care about and believe in SO much!"
I was thinking of this yesterday, as I greeted the future Blazers of the class of 2025 who arrived for their entrance exam. There were so many students, teachers, staff and administrators there bright and early on a Saturday morning. Parents arrived with their 8th graders and stood in line in the cold to have the chance to attend a Catholic school. How cool that we have so many people who believe in Trinity so much!
I think the reason Catholic education continues to be important can be witnessed in our school. As I mentioned before Thanksgiving, our food drive was a huge success, and on Monday Catholic Charities will be coming to pick up our toy drive collection. The students give of themselves - and you, their parents and guardians - lead by your example. I mean, really, I'm pretty sure it was YOU who filled those food and toy drive bags... so thank you. You are showing our Blazers that giving doesn't just happen because school tells you to. They are observing that long after graduating from a Catholic School they should still be generous, and thoughtful, and helpful. As is often said, "We don’t help people because they are Catholic ... We help people because we are Catholic.” Our faith, our school, our Blazers, our families; all contributing to making the world a better place. It makes me so proud to be a member of this community.
As our Christmas break nears, please read with special attention the rest of this email filled with important information. December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and we will be having a special schedule. All students - including eLearners are expected to join us for Mass in the afternoon. It is, after all, part of what makes us who we are.
Have a blessed second week of Advent.
Warmly,