Saint Joseph’s School: Forming the Mind and Soul
One of the joys of serving as pastor at Saint Joseph’s has been the privilege of being a part of a remarkable school. It’s such a joy to celebrate Mass each week with the students, to visit classrooms with Emmett, (the golden retriever who lets me live in his home), and to see the dedication and hard work put in by Mrs. Kelly Roche, our principal, and a committed faculty to help our students thrive, preparing them not just for the 9th grade, but for heaven.
This week we celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week, a nation-wide celebration of the Catholic Schools that is always celebrated in January, the month that honors Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Catholic Schools who died on January 4, 1821.
Our week got an early kick-off with Archbishop Bernard Hebda visiting us for Mass this past Friday, and this week continues with some different events in the school. Registration for the next school year also opens this weekend.
Our school is centered around several core values, namely:
Evangelizing– Our parish school possesses an evangelizing attitude that is inherent in our words, actions, and ministry reflecting that all of us are children of God created in God’s image and likeness.
Lifelong Learning– Our parish school is dedicated to growing in our knowledge of Jesus through formal and informal education throughout our lives. We embrace opportunities for continual learning and strive for achievement in all areas of learning and life.
One in Christ– Our parish school is strengthened by diversity, a product of God’s creative wisdom. By expressing and utilizing our unique individual gifts, we are cultivating the Kingdom of God on earth.
Prayer and Worship– Our parish school values prayer and worship as a sacred means through which we deepen our relationship with God and one another. Our expressions of faith embrace tradition and a relevant message for 21st century Christians.
Respect for All People– Our parish school is committed to God’s commandment to love one another. We welcome and engage all who are served by our ministry. We interact with people, whether within or outside our school community, in a respectful, welcoming, and caring manner.
Service– Our parish school values and promotes service in living out our faith both locally and in our greater community. God calls and empowers us to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others, especially those who are most in need.
Faith is also a cornerstone of our school; we have Mass each week; each day starts with a convocation; students experience faith immersion experiences while in the school, and throughout the year our school helps the students appreciate Catholic Social Justice teachings as well.
Educating the mind, our students are exposed to an excellent curriculum focusing on language arts, math, social studies and science, along with music and physical education. We also offer Spanish and opportunities for kids to learn more about technology.
In the school, you also see great things every day. You see the kids caring and looking out for one another. You see teachers caring so deeply about them and going above and beyond what their vocation requires to go the extra mile. You also see so many parents volunteer and show their love for the school.
As I’ve said many times at our parish and in others, this is always “our” school in the sense that the school is part of the parish and the parish part of the school. Whether one has children in the school or not, all of us share in the mission of helping one another to grow in the faith, and the school is a mission that does just that. Thank you so much for the love that you have shown for Saint Joseph’s school over the years.
If you are looking at options for education for your children, please prayerfully consider our parish school. You can reach out to our principal Kelly Roche with any questions, or to arrange a tour.
Celebrating this wonderful week, I’d like to thank all who support our school and please keep all involved in our school, from staff to volunteers to the students and alumni, in your prayers. We truly have something very special in our parish school – so let’s celebrate that not just one week out of the year, but every day of the year as part of our parish mission and identity.
God Bless,
Fr. Paul
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January 2023