September 2, 2010
Welcome back everyone! There are new fresh crayon boxes to be opened, new shoes to be broken in, new friends to be made, new skills to be learned, a new adventure to explored…. There’s something very appealing and exciting about the new school year, isn’t there? So, it’s time to stop wallowing in the summertime blues and embrace the new possibilities that lay ahead. God has a great plan in store; let’s start to discover it!
One of the greatest advantages of a new school year is the idea of a fresh start…a clean slate. This sense of new beginnings is called HOPE and as we know, hope is God’s promise to be with us through this journey to the next.
I have many hopes for us this year. I hope your children will be happy. I hope they will work hard and be challenged and learn much, both in and out of the classroom. I hope that they will make and maintain friendships that will give them a sense of belonging and self-confidence. I hope they will gain a better sense of social justice, of giving from the heart. I hope they will know right from wrong and have the courage to stand up for what is right. I hope they more deeply understand that life is about balance….to not take things too lightly, but to not take things too seriously. I hope that they enjoy being a child and that they are not too over-programmed to savor the joys of simply being a kid.
Most importantly, I hope that they, and we, are drawn into a deeper relationship with our loving and forgiving God through the power of His holy Son, Jesus.
One thing is for sure, we are all here for a reason. Somehow, God wants to weave our lives together in a perfect tapestry to fulfill His purposes. Isn’t that comforting? At this place and time, your child is in this school for a reason. Let us all live with the faith and hope that precludes hindsight, trusting that God’s hand is at work at this very moment in time.
…..let’s have a great year.
June 11, 2010
I’ve run out of time…. I feel like I have so much more to say. I can’t believe this is the last Newsletter for the school year! Looking back, I feel that this has been a year full of lots of emotion.
I can never thank you all enough for your support and encouragement for me during those weeks of personal discernment. Deciding to remain at Saint Joe’s is a sincere blessing I acknowledge every day of my life. Life is full of detours and forks in the road, but it’s wonderful when the road leads you back home. I’m grateful to God and to all of you for your open arms.
Saying good bye is never easy. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Mrs. Sally McKechnie, who has been a rock of stability here at Saint Joe’s for 21 years. After a year in medical limbo, our beloved Frank has made the decision to not return in September. Although thankfully his health has improved, he feels that it’s time to “hang up the broom” and enjoy some well-deserved R&R. For over 20 years, Frank has been far more than a custodian. He has been the very pulse of Saint Joseph School. His work-ethic, dependability, expertise and uncanny ability to know just about everything about this place, is unrivaled. The pristine condition of this place is a true reflection of the personal pride that Frank had for our school and for each of us who were lucky enough to know him. As the old Irish Blessing goes… “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” Thank you, Frank. Thank you!
And now, most recently, we learn of the news about Father Lawlor leaving Saint Joseph’s to assume a new position as pastor in Hamilton, MA. Lots of changes….. I know you join me in thanking Father Lawlor for his eight years of devoted service to our parish and school. Under his leadership, we have grown to be a stronger and better school. Father Lawlor’s support of the school has been unwavering and we are very grateful for his steady guidance, always keeping us on track and always pointing us to seek and follow the heart of Jesus. On behalf of the Elementary School, we thank Father and wish him much happiness and peace in the next chapter of his life. God bless you, Father.
Please continue to storm the heavens with prayers for a speedy and full recovery for our two students Brendan Barrie and Sally Naser, both whom are courageously battling cancer. We pray that the summer will bring them both great strength and endurance and we prayerfully anticipate their return in September. Do keep them and their families in your daily prayers.
Yes, emotions have run high and low this year. In the end, it is the daily rhythm of school life that brings about the most joyful moments, watching the children live, love, learn and grow. God is ever-present through them here at Saint Joe’s. We’re so blessed to be part of it.
As we wrap up the school year, I want to thank you for all you do to help make Saint Joseph’s a special place. As the old saying goes, “We couldn’t do it without you!” Thank you for trusting us with your children. They are gift to us and a bright promise for our future.
And so, we part for another well-deserved summer vacation. Be sure to seize each day. Live in the present moment, but live for the Lord, not for the world.
I wish you and your family a most restful, fun-filled and grace-filled summer!
And One More Thing…..
I know it seems like I’m rambling on, but I feel compelled to share this one last insight with you before parting for the summer. Every once and a while I am struck by the impact of a school event and reminded of the reason we do what we do …. And more importantly, how lucky we are to be here. I hope you can relate to my thoughts. It rather sums up what we’re all about… Thanks for reading and for indulging the principal one last time (this year!) God bless…..
Walk-A-Thon Reflection
On Friday, May 28th, we did more than walk around the neighborhood. We took part in something important. Here’s my philosophy in a nut shell:
I want the years at our school to be about the EXPERIENCE. The children will master their basic skills to prepare them for Middle School and beyond. They will gain the general knowledge that will begin to shape them into well-rounded adults. But beyond that, I hope that our students will participate in an overall outstanding experience that will change them, mold them, and influence them to become all that God has called them to be.
That’s why we do so many extra things around here. That’s why we try to do everything well…. it’s imperative that their experience memorable and impacting.
The Walk-A-Thon, like so many other events and activities at Saint Joe’s accomplished just that, I think. We walked with a purpose, we walked knowing that our efforts will make a difference in the lives of many children half way across the world. We walked because we believed that we were walking for and with Jesus. We walked to solidify what it means to “go the distance”. We walked because it brings us together as a community.
It’s worth “going the extra mile” (literally and figuratively), because kids will remember these things, parents have the opportunity to become involved with their child’s education, teachers have the chance to become part of the big picture of school-life…. It’s worth it because we are about building a community of faith, not “just a school”.
It’s worth it because we are able to see the face of God in one another and to be the face of God for one another.
Would it be easier to collect a couple of bucks from each kid and send it to “An Orphan’s Dream”? You bet it would be. But then again…. That’s not the Saint Joe’s way …. We know better what matters. And it’s worth “going the distance”.
Thanks for all the help and support to make this and SO MANY other events so successful and memorable!!! And by the way…. We donated $6000 to “An Orphan’s Dream”. Now that ain’t bad for a little school in Needham, MA! I think we can safely say…. “We WENT the Distance”!
June 4, 2010
Quite simply, some people are irreplaceable. Sally McKechnie is one such person here at Saint Joseph School. After 21 years of service to our school, Sally is much more than a teacher. She is an institution and leaves a legacy of love and an impact that few people ever accomplish in life. At a recent gathering to honor Mrs. McKechnie, the energy in the room was palpable. At the very center of the joyful atmosphere was Sally herself, oozing with zeal and bringing out the best in every one in the room. That’s what Mrs. McKechnie has done for the past 21 years. She brought out the best in every one of her “star pupils”, always searching for their special gift, talent or interest… always interested in tapping into their heart.
As a colleague, we often joke that Sally is the ultimate “go to girl”. If you need something fixed, ask Sally. If you need some obscure object for a lesson or project, see Sally. If you need a listening ear and a trustworthy friend… Sally is the one to turn to. In a little good-natured spoof at her party, we joked about how many Saint Joe’s traditions are connected to Sally and her endless commitment to “keep things alive”. Through the laughter of the jokes, it was clear that, in many ways, Sally is like the glue on our staff.
Without her, Saint Joe’s simply will not be the same.
I know you join me in toasting to this remarkable person. As we raised our glasses, this is what was said:
“Here’s to the most generous person we know…. Generous with her time, her talent and her endless gifts. Here’s to someone who has mastered the art of being balanced … strong, optimistic, wise, thoughtful, compassionate and fun! Here’s to someone who embodies all that is special about being a Catholic School teacher.
Saint Joe’s is a better school because of you.
We are a better, closer staff because of you.
Your students are better “citizens” because of you.
We are all better people because we have been blessed to know you, work with you and to call you our friend.
You will be missed more than we can yet imagine. But we will continue to see signs of you throughout the school because you have left your mark… you legacy …. You imprint of love.
Here’s to one special lady …. To Mrs. Sally McKechnie!
May 28, 2010
Hot Off The Press!!!
Our very First “THE GREENER GOOD” Newsletter
As the old saying goes… “We’ve come a long way, baby!!” When I think back about 3-4 years, I can’t believe the progress we have made with regard to our environmental awareness and, even more importantly, the pro-active steps we have taken to become a “greener school”. I am proud of our efforts here at Saint Joseph’s School to be better “Keepers of the Earth”, but the work never ends.
Over these past few years, we have sponsored many student-centered “green” events and activities to encourage children (and adults) to do their part to help protect the environment. Successful efforts such as Carry-In/Carry-Out Café, daily all-school plastic and paper recycling, a Recycled Art Project Contest and a Re-Usable Product Contest, to name a few.
Currently, we are excited to introduce our very first Environmental Awareness Newsletter called: “The Greener Good ~ A Green Newsletter for Kids and by Kids”. We have had an enthusiastic response from children of all ages from Kindergarten through grade 5. The students have prepared an excellent paper for us which includes puzzles, poems, prayers, interviews and helpful green tips. One copy will go home to each family in this Friday’s Red Folder.
I want to take moment to thank our young reporters and writers who clearly take their moral responsibility seriously enough to participate in this project. As you’ll see, they are both conscientious and talented. Thanks, too, to their parents for supporting their efforts. And, of course, a huge kudos to Mrs. Ellen Rooney, who has spear-headed this effort, as well as every other green activity in the past. We are a better school because of your passion, energy and leadership! An additional thanks to Kim Christie for taking the photographs for this Newsletter and to Steve Cadigan for his professional layout. Well done!!!
Like any worthwhile challenge, we can all do our part, one good decision at a time, to protect this beautiful planet God has entrusted to our care. Let’s all continue to strive to be faithful “Keepers of the Earth”.
Take some time to read the “magazine” ….. learn from the children ….. take the next step
By the way, the “Greener Good Newsletter “has been printed on recycled paper, of course! ENJOY!
May 21, 2010
In her wisdom, the Church offers us a seasonal calendar to follow that stands in stark contrast to the traditional 365 day calendar that controls our busy lives. The Church’s calendar encourages us to slow down and reflect, to savor the gifts of preparation, to extend meaningful celebrations and to live in the moment. The traditional calendar forces us to rush through our lives, be driven by obligations and always plan for the future.
For a moment, permit yourself to follow the Church calendar. Do you know that we are still in the midst of the season of Easter? Imagine. That sense of true celebration that Jesus has risen should be continually stirring our hearts. That sense of “Alleluia” joy should, in reality, be inspiring us to bathe in God’s love for us.
Pentecost Sunday is around the corner offering us a time to give thanks for the life-changing gift of the Holy Spirit. I think we often miss the boat when it comes to the power of the Holy Spirit. We don’t call upon the power of the Holy Spirit enough; that Spirit which was given to us by Jesus to guide us, to give us bold courage in His name and to draw us closer as members of His Church.
Before His ascension, Jesus once again reminded His followers that God’s Spirit would remain with them. That same exact Spirit is available to us for the asking…this very day. Pentecost Sunday actually marks the birthday of the church. If we truly allowed the Church calendar to impact our lives, we would run around on Pentecost Sunday wishing everyone a “Happy Birthday” We are the church and therefore, it is our birthday, or our re-birth, that we should be celebrating.
It’s well worth taking an occasional break from the crazy calendar of our lives. The rhythm of the Church’s calendar makes so much more sense and is rooted in real priority.
As we pass on the valuable traditions of our Church to our children, we need to remind ourselves, too, that time spent invested in our faith and its traditions, is time well spent.
May 14, 2010
My parents 50th Anniversary is fast approaching. They are wonderful people and an inspiring married couple. The other night my five siblings and I, along with our spouses, took them out to dinner to present them with their Anniversary gift. We are blessed to be able to send then to the Holy Land next Fall. We hope this will be a powerful, life-changing experience for two people who have so faithfully lived out the Gospel of Jesus during their lives. and who have profoundly influenced the spiritual journeys of so many who have been touched by their example of faith over the years.
During the dinner, the conversation turned to childhood memories of “growing up Kelly”, sharing many anecdotal stories of the ways our mom and dad parented. Weaving throughout every story, those that brought us tears of laughter and those that tugged at the reminiscing heart strings, were a few consistent factors. Our happiest memories are the ones when we were all together. The best times were the ones that didn’t cost a cent. The most powerful lessons were the ones brought us to our knees. The simple family traditions taught us what matter most. The daily commitment to living a Christ-centered life came full circle as they passed on their humble legacy of faith to their six children and now 17 grandchildren.
Growing up in the Kelly Home in Quincy was pretty crazy, to say the least. There was very little money, but there was love over-flowing. There was an appreciation of the simple pleasures of family and friends. There was a lot of laughter and a good dose of good-old –fashioned music. But more than anything, we grew up in a household of faith. Not the kind of religion that hit you over the head, but the kind of spirituality that grounded you and gave your life hope, purpose and perspective. How lucky we were.
And so, when it came time to decide what we should do for their 50th, the idea of sending them to the Holy Land seemed like the very best way to give back and to honor their married life.
As we all strive to raise our own families in this time and place and culture, (that presents different, and I suspect even more complex, challenges than it did some 40 years ago), we are encouraged to cling to our faith, to pass on our faith and, during the tough times, to simply hang in there and “keep the faith”. From my personal experience, it pays off some 50 years later when you gather with your folks, your siblings, and your loved ones and through tears of joy and gratefulness, toast to what really matters in the end….. “to family and faith”! Cheers!!
May 7, 2010
I think I can safely bet that I went to more First Communion masses than anyone else this weekend. Between the three sections here at Saint Joe’s and 3 more at my own church, where I am the musical director , I capped out at a total of 6… complete with individual renditions of the top hit, “I’m Gonna Celebrate”! Indeed, it was a bit of overkill, but I’ll tell you something, no matter how many times you witness it, there is something incredibly touching about watching a child receive the Eucharist for the first time.
We should never underestimate the significance of this event in the lives of our young children. They are so open to the mystery of welcoming and receiving Jesus into their lives through the Eucharist. In their innocence and simple faith, they are able remind us of the profound privilege of be nourished by the love of Jesus each time we receive.
Indeed, we should all be in awe of receiving Jesus each and every time we walk up to the altar.
Many thanks to our second grade teachers, Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Rovzar and Mrs. Harrigan, for their loving guidance in preparing their students for the sacrament. The children are on fire with God’s presence. Let’s pray they never loose the flame.
Grandparent’s Day Wrap Up
A great highlight each year is our Grandparent’s Day Celebration. The students just love to host their special visitors and the grandparents a re gracious and appreciative guests. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share and to catch a glimpse into one another’s lives. I was struck by so many comments about the desire and joy of “passing on the faith to the next generation”. In true Saint Joe’s fashion, the day was chalk full of activities and song & dance. One kind man said of our school, “Every time I come here, I am struck with one thought.….. this is the Superbowl of Schools!” You can’t beat that!
Special thanks to Cindy Wolfe and her crew of helpers who orchestrated the hospitality for the day. Big undertaking…. Great job! Thanks, too, to Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Winakates, Mrs. Finn and all our performing students who helped make the assembly such a fun and moving event. Crowded? You bet. Worth it? I believe so!! Thanks for coming, Grandparents…. See you next year!
April 30, 2010
There is a lesser known sculpture by Michelangelo depicting the Risen Christ. It’s a magnificent piece capturing Jesus as the strong, victorious Lord. Interestingly enough, the artist chose to have Jesus carry a small cross in His hand, symbolizing, I suspect, His defeat over death and adversity. It’s a powerful image, acknowledging that there will always be crosses in our lives, but that the cross, with faith in Christ, is minimized by the strength and power of the resurrection. Our crosses are simply a part of our lives and in some ways, we need them to ensure our dependence on cross. But those crosses, when put in the hands of Christ, are not only manageable; they are dwarfed by God’s love for us.
We are not Good Friday people. We are an Easter people. The story did not end on the cross; indeed the cross was diminished in the shadow of the empty tomb. The message of Easter is HOPE; we are graced with a faith that surpasses all understanding, but a faith that conquers any cross we are asked to bear. In spite of life’s challenges and disappointments, we, too, know the resurrected Christ that Michelangelo portrayed and because of that we are transformed and our lives will never be the same.
April 16, 2010
Life is full of surprises and twists and turns….. It’s seems a bit surreal for me to be writing this Newsletter on the heels of my recent announcement to move to Quincy Catholic Academy. I’m sure the news has spread by now that I’ve decided to rewind the clock and stay at Saint Joe’s, right where I belong! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have come to this decision after many hours of discernment and prayer.
You must have lots of questions. Why this change of heart? What about the opportunity for change and growth? What does this mean for Saint Joe’s? I will do my best to explain. Truth be told, these past two weeks have been a profound journey of faith for me, and for that grace, I am humbled and grateful. On paper, the opportunity to be principal at the new Academy sounded perfect. Good timing in my life, a chance to start something from scratch, a solid career move, an opportunity to be closer to home….. And in my head, I was certainly enticed and ready to take on the challenge.
In reality, from the very first day I agreed to accept the position, I was filled with an unexplainable anxiety. Contrary to my characteristic style of embracing a challenge and forging ahead, I felt overcome with a continuous unsettling sense of unrest. My prayers were to know God’s peace with regard to my decision to move to Quincy. After two weeks of struggling and sleepless nights (and losing 12 pounds to boot!), I finally changed my prayer to: “OK God, if you want me to stay at Saint Joe’s, You need to make this very clear”. I share with you this honest testimony. In that second, God blessed me with a graced moment of peace that surpassed all understanding. And so there it was… all along I was asking the wrong question. Even though I thought God was calling me to a new ministry, He was actually telling me to stay right where I am meant to be…. here at Saint Joe’s.
The next dilemma…. Here I am… The proverbial groom abandoning the bride at the altar. But knowing that I was back in the heart of God’s will, I was convicted to return to this special place in Needham.
I am so grateful to you all for your support through this whole process. I’m sorry for taking you on this emotional ride with me, but I hope that the final lap makes it worth having experienced the dips and turns and drops! Your willingness to “take me back” means a lot to me. I feel more committed than ever to help lead this remarkable school to the next level of growth and success. My sincere thanks to Father Lawlor for his guidance and goodwill throughout these days of discernment.
Through this difficult process, God has revealed Himself in many ways…. through so many of you as you expressed such touching sentiments to me, through the children in their innocent love and support, through the teachers and staff whose friendship have grown even deeper, through my marriage as we’ve learned to depend more on one another’s love, and ultimately through the re-revelation of Jesus.
The gift of His peace is the undisputable reality of His presence in our lives. It is a gift to be sought, a gift to be treasured and a gift to celebrate. And so I share my story with you to exalt the name of Jesus and to offer Him glory. His persistence brought me back to this place called “home” and for that I am most grateful.
So, you’re stuck with me….. this is a new beginning, an Easter moment and a time for all of us to renew our commitment to build up God’s Kingdom by what we do here at Saint Joe’s to serve Him faithfully…. together as a community of believers. How blessed we are indeed. Onward and upward, my friends.
God bless you all ….. and Happy Vacation!
April 9, 2010
Change is never easy (now that’s an understatement!) And yet change brings about new life and new opportunities. From our limited human perspective, we are often unable to see the extent of the potential growth and possibilities that lie ahead. Only God, in His infinite wisdom, has a copy of the road map. It’s our obligation to trust God to unfold His plan and to do our part to the respond with faith. I love the phrase: “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future”.
Easter is all about the message of hope. And “we are an Easter people”, not a “Good Friday people”, so we are people of hope. During difficult times of change, our faith is challenged. If we respond with hope and surrender, then we will discover God’s will, His presence and ultimately His peace.
Today, I write these words as much to myself as to you. As I begin the difficult transition of letting go of something I know and love and enter into something unknown and daunting, I better understand the need to trust and to allow God to unfold His plan. A true leap of faith requires that kind of surrender in order to ultimately experience the Easter message of hope and new life.
Please know how grateful I am to all of you for your very kind words of support, your expressions of encouragement and your promise of prayers. I, too, will pray, with full conviction, that God’s Master Plan will somehow pull all the pieces of the puzzle together for ALL of us, for the greater good.
Recent Weather Forecast….
When it rains, it sometimes pours……
After I had already written the above message, I received more news of change that I feel I should share with you before you hear the rumors “on the street”. Mrs. Sally McKechnie has decided, after 21 years of dedicated service to our school, to retire in June. This personal decision had actually been made prior to my announcement, but, in light of the big picture, we felt we should let people know. As you know, Mrs. McKechnie is more than a classroom teacher. She is a pillar at Saint Joe’s and will leave a profound legacy as she moves on to the next chapter in her life.
In a future Newsletter, I will certainly provide more details, but I wanted to share the news with you properly. These changes are not easy to comprehend all at once, but, as a faith-filled community, we know that God will continue to bless this incredibly special place. Just wait and see….and in the meantime…. Just trust.
I know you join me in thanking Mrs. McKechnie for all that she has given to us and her students, too many to articulate. We all wish her God’s choicest blessings as she moves forward to the next step.
April 1, 2010
DearFriends,
At this moment I am finding it next to impossible to even articulate the words I am compelled to write. By now I’m sure you have heard, either through Father Lawlor’s memo or through the natural spread of news at Saint Joe’s, that I have accepted a new position as principal of the newly formed Quincy Catholic Academy. I can not begin to express my profound mixed emotions as I contemplate closing this chapter of my life. Saint Joseph School is, quite simply, part of who I am, part of the life of my family, and in truth, one of the greatest blessings I could have ever imagined in my life.
It’s a rare gift to find yourself in a place where you just know you are meant to be – at the heart of God’s plan. When this happens – when a job becomes a vocation, when colleagues become friends, when parents become companions on the journey and when students feel like your own children, great things can happen. And indeed, I believe great things have happened here at Saint Joe’s over these past 13 years that I have been privileged to serve as principal.
Together, with God’s guidance and abundant blessings, we have been able to create something special, certainly unique, and at times, even magical. That does not happen often. Aren’t we lucky to have shared in that experience? I cling to the phrase:
“Do not mourn over that which is ending. Rather, rejoice in the fact that it happened”.
As I begin the process of letting go, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude to you all. Your support, encouragement, trust, laughter and love have sustained me, humbled me, and inspired me to do my very best to serve you and your children every day for these past many years.
The decision to “make the move” has been painful and difficult, to say the least. But I believe that God is calling me to the next challenge, asking me to take a big leap of faith. Knowing that I bring with me a wealth of invaluable experiences from Needham gives me the courage to take on the challenge. It is my hope and prayer that I can lead this new Catholic School to experience what is possible when a community comes together with a common vision, in Jesus’ name.
The task ahead of me is daunting. I will do my very best to serve both schools over the next three months. Thank you, in advance, for understanding that my time and attention will be shared between the two schools.
Be assured, though, that we will prioritize our opportunities to reflect, reminisce and celebrate all that we have accomplished together. On behalf of my wife, Marybeth and our children, Matthew, Sarah and Joseph, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It has been an amazing journey. We will miss you.
Carry on in Saint Joe’s grand style and continue to let the light of Christ shine brightly over Pickering Street. God bless you all.
With love and gratitude,
Paul Kelly
An Easter Message:
Easter Blessings to all! Our Christian traditions are filled with symbols of darkness and light. I love the concept of the transforming power of the journey of Lent to Easter. As a church musician, I try to be in tune with this concept, as the musical tone changes from solemn and serious to joyful and uplifting. The opportunity to once again proclaim a triumphant “Alleluia” at the Easter Vigil clearly marks the transition from darkness to light, from death to life.
I love the phrase: We are an Easter People. It confirms that indeed we can be transformed through the message of hope. It demands that we remain convicted in the truth that Jesus is Lord; that His life and death give meaning and purpose to our life and death. Moreover, being an Easter people motivates us to be bearers of hope and good news to others. As Easter people, we are commissioned to tell and re-tell the greatest story ever told, through our words, our actions, and our example. Indeed, we are called to be proclaimers for Christ.
May the joy of Easter fill your in your hearts and homes.
March 26, 2010
Our Christian traditions are filled with symbols of darkness and light. I love the concept of the transforming power of the journey of Lent to Easter. It brings such hope that change is possible. We are an Easter People. This phrase confirms that indeed we can be transformed through the message of hope. It demands that we remain convicted in the truth that Jesus is Lord; that His life and death give meaning and purpose to our life and death. Moreover, being an Easter people motivates us to be bearers of hope and good news to others. As Easter people, we are commissioned to tell and re-tell the greatest story ever told, through our words, our actions and our example. Indeed, we are called to be proclaimers for Christ.
The 40 days of Lent, so appropriately immersed in the winter months of darkness, gives way to the promise of springtime and hope. Without Lent, Easter would not have a powerful impact. Without darkness, we would not fully appreciate the light. Without challenge and heart-ache, we would not turn to Jesus. Without Calvary, there would be no resurrection.
Part of our prayer of gratitude should focus on the crosses that bring us to our knees. Only when we fully comprehend our desperate dependence on our heavenly Father will we emerge into the light singing, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song”!
Wishing you all a holy, Holy Week and a blessed Easter.
March 19, 2010
Lenten Thought for the week: Putting the “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” cliché to the side, it’s a pretty good question? What is your life line? When all else fails, and you really have no where to turn, who is it you call upon? For Christians, the answer, though sometimes easier said than done, is both comforting and strengthening. Thankfully, we have a God who cares for our every emotion and need. Through Jesus, we can establish a relationship that will serve as our life line in this life and, God willing, into the next. Lent provides a worthwhile opportunity to focus and strengthen that relationship, which offers us the invaluable gifts of peace, trust and hope. Not a bad life line….And that’s my final answer!!
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m so often moved by the morning prayers that your children write and recite over the P.A. Here’s one from a 4th grader that was particularly insightful and impressive. I think you’ll agree. This is word-for-word verbatim….
A Lenten Prayer
Dear God,
You taught us to “love one another as I have loved you.” I pray that during this Lenten season we all strive to be more generous with our love for others as Jesus was generous with His love for us. I pray that we can be kinder and more generous in helping others, and I pray that we can all practice acts of charity, kindnes
