It seems crazy to me… but here we are, mid-August, and our community is preparing to welcome students and teachers back to school at three parish schools: Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy, Saint Giles and Ascension. With the return of the students comes the energy and excitement of new beginnings, fresh supplies, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. I ask everyone in the community to be especially aware and cautious when driving near the school sites. Children may be walking or biking, and families will be navigating busy streets in these areas while dropping students off. Help us to ensure a safe return to school for all.

I also ask our parish families to remember all students, teachers, and school staff in prayer. May this be a year filled with wisdom, patience, joy, and kindness. A family that prays together stays focused and becomes stronger in faith, love and living the values we profess as followers of Christ. I encourage all of our school families to remember that coming to Mass strengthens us as families and as a community. When our school families worship with the parish community, we witness the beautiful fruits of supporting Catholic Education.

Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of schools, reminds us: “Wonder is the desire for knowledge.” May that desire flourish in every classroom and home this year.

As we begin a new school year, may God bless all of our efforts, keep all of us safe, and strengthen the bond between our schools, parish, and families.

Food for thought - At Masses around the world every day, millions of people, in the words of the gospel, “eat and drink” with the Lord. Would Jesus disown any of them the way the master does in the gospel story we hear? Maybe more than we would think! Jesus did not want followers who tagged along for a meal and a few pieces of wisdom; He wanted disciples to walk next to Him on the hard road to Jerusalem and beyond. Not people who “do” the ritual and say that’s good enough, but those willing to embrace His Way, and His fate. Which one of those people are we?

Have a blessed week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish