Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.
Pope Francis
Dear HFCS Families,
During Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, we celebrate what makes our Catholic schools special places of learning, faith formation and growth. Each day, we recognize a different perspective of the Catholic schools. Today, we celebrate the Family. We are so grateful for the wonderful families that make up HFCS and continue to pray for your joy and success in life.
Tomorrow, we honored our priests and clergy. We were so blessed to have our priests, Fr. Len, Fr. Sleeva, Fr. Mariusz and Fr. Arogyam. Those that can make it, will be concelebrating mass with the school. It should be a beautiful morning and afternoon. Thank you so much to the many community members that join us for mass and our amazing Student Council that will host mass tomorrow!
Part of why I am a Catholic school educator is that I’m a product of Catholic schools. I actually attended Catholic schools from 1st grade through high school and even into graduate school courses. My son attends Catholic school, my sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, and cousins all have received a Catholic school education, for which I feel immensely blessed.
Catholic school teachers are called not only to the profession but to be ministers of the faith. All great teachers want to meet their children’s academic, social and emotional needs. But we have another level as Catholic school teachers: we’re also trying to meet their spiritual needs. We’re trying to help them encounter God throughout the day, to know that they are wonderfully made and that God wants them always to be Christlike. So we really, truly walk by faith.
Almighty Father,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people.
As Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education.
As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.
Thank you for the many sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools.
Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools today.
Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.
Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.
Bless Holy Family Catholic School and the many people who advance our mission.
May our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others.
May our community always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers.
Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.
May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.
Fill our hearts with gladness.
May we always turn to you in times of need.
Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others.
May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.
Blessings to you and yours.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.
Principal
