Greetings!

This past weekend, as we celebrated Gaudete Sunday and lit the rose candle, Bishop Schuster celebrated Mass with us at St. Patrick. In his homily, he built on his recent article in the Northwest Catholic.

He reflected on the rose candle lit in this third week of Advent, reminding us to rejoice. “For me,” he said, “the rose candle pops out of the wreath like a protest, saying, ‘Yeah, we are in a dark and moody season. I get it. However, unlike these violet candles, I know the end of the story! I want my Christmas carols.’”

This third week reminds us in the middle of this contemplative season to carry joy forward because, ultimately, we journey toward Christmas knowing the end of the story. We journey forward with our Easter hope. This week, and throughout our lives, I think this week reminds us that we are called to live our lives as rose candles, leading others to rejoice through the example of our lives because we are blessed to know the end of the story.

I pray that the Advent season continues to bless you, your families, and school communities, and that Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord, surrounds you with love and provides an opportunity to rest and rejoice with those you love. I am grateful to each of you and look forward to reconnecting in the New Year.

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Retirement Announcement

At the end of this month, Lisa O’Leary, our Coordinator for Teacher Professional Development, will retire after more than 30 years of faithful service to our schools across the Archdiocese. Throughout her ministry, Lisa has supported all of us as school leaders through her care for teachers and her leadership in planning and coordinating events like Teacher Excellence Day, PD & C Day, and the GRACE Teacher Leadership Program. In every setting, big and small, she has extended genuine hospitality and created welcoming spaces for learning, formation, and connection.

Please join me in extending our gratitude to Lisa as she prepares to enter into this next, well-deserved chapter. Justyna King has created this Padlet to help us celebrate all of the many ways Lisa has impacted our work and communities. Please take a few minutes by the end of the week (the best time is right now!) to share a short note with Lisa. We will compile these messages into a book to share with Lisa as a testament to her good and faithful service. Thank you for helping us celebrate Lisa!

[Padlet Instructions: to start your note, find the ORANGE plus circle on the right side of the page. There is a “title” part (which is bolded) and a “note” part (which is not). Title it what you want, but write your note in the note part. Sign off with your name to identify who created the message (otherwise it will default to a “Anonymous Otter”).]

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Annual School Billings

In early January, schools will receive their annual billing statements from the Chancery. Along with the Per Pupil assessment, the statements will also include assessments for the Washington State Catholic Conference, who supports our lobbying efforts in Olympia, and other pass through accounts that apply, including student accident insurance, NWEA MAP testing, WCEA accreditation, FinalSite administration, and Care Solace. You can find a copy of the billing letter sent to schools last year linked here.

There will be no Keystone the next two weeks. It will resume on Tuesday, January 6.

With gratitude, 

NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent

Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle