Greetings!
“When the gentle light of the Advent candles begins to shine in the dark days of December—a mysterious light in a mysterious darkness—it awakens in us the consoling thought that divine light, the Holy Spirit, has never ceased to illumine the darkness of the fallen world.” – Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross).
What with trees lit and tinsel hung, gifts purchased and wrapped, the world hurtles toward Christmas. Yet the Church reminds us to slow. We will light four candles, one at a time, over the next four weeks in anticipation of what is to come. The “mysterious light” grows brighter each week, and as it does, our feeling of consolation grows, even in the “mysterious darkness.” Advent reminds us of what is coming, but not yet arrived.
Our students, too, remind us of what is coming. They show us a path toward our future Church and remind us all of the great evangelizing mission of our Catholic schools and the hope they sow in our world. In this season of preparation, as we journey toward Christmas with our communities, let us nurture this gentle light in gratitude for the divine light that never ceases.
On Thursday, our partners at the Fulcrum Foundation will be with us at our 11am principal meeting to share about this year’s Celebration of Light. On January 27, we are going to be celebrating together again at the Sheraton. Each of us and our schools has a special hand in the success of the event through our participation and support. Please join us on Thursday to learn more about this year’s Celebration and how your school can support.
The academic calendar is being finalized for next year and will be reviewed with the executive principals at their next meeting on December 13. It is our hope to share it with you all later that week as you set your own calendars.
Faithfully,
Nicholas
NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle
