Dear St. George Families,  

     What is a "family"? In modern America, "family" is used almost exclusively in reference to the nuclear family - parents and children. In the Bible, however, family has a much broader meaning that could include the household, but it might further refer to a larger group or tribe - or even an entire nation.

     The New Testament word for "family" is oikia, which means house or household. The New Testament would include everyone who lives in a house - which would be not just close blood relatives, but everyone joined together as a community. Our "house" is our Church and school; we are "family". The Church is the household of God, therefore, familial relationships are the model for spiritual relationships.

     I asked a group of students for their definition of "family". Here are some of their ideas:  "family is a group of persons whose members love and try to help each other; they trust and respect one another" "members of a family take care of each other; they are always ready to help" "love is the best virtue that can be taught by a family"

     As a parish/school "family", we want to have the same characteristics that students mentioned as individual family qualities. We have a responsibility to one another; to support and respect one another. We take care of one another and help one another, especially in time of need.  

     We do these things in a variety of ways: -through our support of families who have had tragedies; -through our support of Stewardship which refers to returning to God a portion of the blessings we have received from Him and doing so generously, and willingly without expectation of a tangible reward.  

     This is what makes our school "family" special! We are more than a school; we are a family! Thank YOU for all you do to make our "family" special!

May God bless you and your family,