This week St. Mary's celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation. Biblically, the Holy Spirit is described as an image of a dove, tongues of fire, or a driving wind. These images come to mind when we talk about the coming of the Holy Spirit upon our students being confirmed. For the past three years our students have been praying, studying, and serving others. They have selected a saint who they will turn to as they go through life. (What is your confirmation saint's name? Do you still remember their feast day? Maybe today you can refresh yourself on their charisms and example to the Church for their witness of faith?) They have sought out a Confirmation sponsor who has prayed for them and supported them in their preparation. Our students have demonstrated in many ways their desire to celebrate their faith and proclaim that their relationship with Jesus will be a central part of their lives.
This Saturday we welcome Bishop Joseph Perry to St. Mary's for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. May those being confirmed always rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Most Holy Trinity, in their faith. In addition to welcoming Bishop Perry we also welcome guests and visitors who have come to St. Mary's for the celebration of this sacrament. May the joy of the celebration linger in the hearts of all who participated in the Confirmation Masses.
Thank you to Mrs. Jeannie Brunk, our Director of Religious Education, for coordinating this sacrament. Thank you also to the teachers and catechists who have patiently helped form our students in the faith, building on the foundation of their parents and families. Come Holy Spirit Come!!!
This week is a very special week for the School of St. Mary. On Monday, April 8 our school will be participating in an evaluation by the Illinois State Board of Education. We will be welcoming Dr. Chala Holland, Ed. D., the principal of Lake Forest High School as well as Dr. Kristine Hillmann, Ed. D., the principal of St. Anastasia School in Waukegan. These two distinguished administrators will serve on the ISBE Recognition Visit Team for the School of St. Mary. They will visit both our Upper Grade Campus and our Primary Grade Campus. Mr. Wieters, Mrs. Thompson, and the staff and faculty have been working diligently to prepare for their visit and evaluation.
Earlier this year, representatives of the Archdiocese (AOC) were at St. Mary's and conducted an AdvancED Review. This review is part of the School Improvement Plan of the AOC, learning more about our school and offering feedback to make our school stronger as part of the Archdiocese accreditation program. Both of these visits, by the Archdiocese and ISBE, are part of the ongoing evaluation process that assists pastors and principals responsible for parochial schools. With the dedication of our faculty and administration, the suggestions and recommendations from both of these respective visits will only affirm the commitment and efforts in place as we help form and develop our students minds, hearts, and souls at the School of St. Mary, where students are taught to learn, to serve, and to lead.
We are currently taking registration for students for our parish School and parish Religious Education programs. We have learned that the best form of marketing and advertising to recruit new students in our programs to families in our parish is by word of mouth. Thanks for promoting our religious formation programs to family members, neighbors, and friends. Information about our Religious Education program is available by calling the RE Office at (847) 234.0090 or the School of St. Mary at (847) 234.0371.
The following reflection is from the online site,
Living Prayers: Contemporary Prayers for Today
. May the remaining days of Lent be graced with times of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
I Will Lean In
A Daily Prayer to Say During Lent
I will lean in, retreat from the pressures I face,
and move closer and deeper into your love.
I will breathe out, refrain from the distractions I seek,
and become open and receiving of your grace.
I will linger, encircled by the depth of your care,
and receive the endless nature of your mercy.
I will whisper, in the quiet of this sanctuary,
and be honest and real in your presence.
I will listen, awaken all my senses to your voice,
and become expectant and hopeful of your kingdom work in my life. Amen.
I am grateful that you were praying for and with those who received the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary's.
God bless you with a Spirit-filled heart these Lenten days!!!
