Principal’s Message for 12/8/19

This week’s Principal’s Message has me thinking about the Advent season and the coming of Christmas.  It truly is a time of joy and wonder as we await the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is a season where we hope that man’s true humanity and sense of caring come to the fore and, even if it’s just for a brief while, we can all live in peace and harmony.  It’s a time when we all should look at the world through a child’s eyes and simply soak in the beauty that’s all around us.
 
Christmastime, with all its excitement and expectation, can be a different story for many people.  At this time of year, feelings of loss, despair, hopelessness and defeat can be felt more keenly by those who struggle with these emotions all year long.  While most engage in the Yuletide festivities on some level, still others find it difficult, if not impossible, to partake of the season’s blessings.  They find themselves “pulling back” from the world, not wanting to be reminded of what’s truly lacking in their lives.  Sometimes this “lacking” consists of issues such as basic necessities.  Sometimes it’s emotional or social support that’s lacking in a person’s life.  And, other times it’s a struggle with addiction, whether it be substance abuse, gambling, pornography, etc.  Whatever the “lack” in a person’s life, and, whatever the perception of those not dealing with these issues, you can be sure they are real to the person in bondage to them!
 
So, as we enjoy the 2 ^nd week of Advent and speed toward Christmas day and the arrival of our “hope”, let us be mindful of those who are despairing and hopeless.  Let us be Christ to someone who needs to be reminded that all is NOT lost.  Let us be the reason that another rediscovers their own hope and gets back on the road to redemption and salvation.  Let us remind someone that there is at least one person who cares and will stand by them.  And never let us get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we ignore those who simply need a “hand up” to feel deserving of the love of Christ and His healing power.  May God bless you all this Advent and may He continue to be that anchor for us all when life’s storms come our way!
 
Please check our website, Facebook page and the Church bulletin for updates and upcoming events that you can enjoy with us.  Please continue to pray for our school, its staff, students and families, and our clergy as we strive to provide an education that is unapologetically Catholic, family centered, caring to others and respectful to all. 
 
Craig Palmer
Principal