September 11th, 2024
Hello Families of Father Allouez Catholic School,
On this date, I always like to take the time to pause and remember those who we lost on that tragic day back in 2001. There is no student currently enrolled in GRACE who was alive to witness or remember what happened 23 years ago which is why it is important to take the time, remember, and pray for those who lost their lives and for those families who go on grieving the loss. Please see this small reflection below that you may choose to use from the Diocese of Corpus Christi about forgiveness and love:
“Of course, for those who lost loved ones that day, working toward forgiving their enemies is incredibly difficult, more than most of us can imagine. And it will probably be a process that lasts a lifetime. And that's okay. God certainly knows and understands your pain, but for all of us, whether 9/11 hit close to home or far away, the time to begin that journey is now --- not tomorrow, or next year, or after certain conditions have been met. There's no reason to postpone the healing that is truly possible, the rising each of us can experience once we make room in our hearts by ridding ourselves of all that stands in God's way.
Can each of us today, right now, begin to let go of some of the anger and resentment, and not allow it to keep us from being all that God wants us to be?
We can look around the world and see so many places where past wrongs continue to breed hatred and contempt. And we look at many of these places and wonder why they continue to hold grudges after so many years. "Why can't they look forward and not back?" -we might think to ourselves. Let’s pledge this day to not let that be us five, ten, or twenty years from now.”
May God bring loving and everlasting peace to those affected by the tragedy of September 11th, and may all souls, through the eternal glory and mercy of God, rest in peace.
There are a few important dates coming up in the next few weeks that I want to make you all aware of as well – many of these were in last week’s letter, but it never hurts to have a reminder:
9/9/24: STAR Testing window has begun. With STAR testing here, please ensure that your child(ren) get enough sleep each night and have a nutritious breakfast each morning so that they are best prepared. If you have specific questions about this testing, please reach out to the homeroom teacher. STAR testing is done grades K-8th.
9/20/24: Third Friday Count. This is a very important date for our school, and GRACE. Therefore, please ensure that your student(s) is/are at school on time so that we have the most accurate attendance count as possible.
Peace,
Mr. Francis Dempsey
Principal, Father Allouez Catholic School
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