This year’s program will be led by our teachers but also just a few parents: Natalie Orlando will assist with Grades 6-8 projects; Jessica Bendana Grades 3-5; and Anne LaBarge K-2 projects.
How apt that we begin our Faith in Action program, a school-wide service project that emphasizes the vulnerable in our society and the Catholic social teachings, on the heels of the publication of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ latest encyclical. In his papal letter, he provides a meditation on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In truth, this parable provides Jesus’ response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ parable and the Pope’s reflection identify the importance of communities caring for the most vulnerable among us. Many thanks to the leaders of the Faith in Action program, Natalie Orlando and Anne LaBarge, for spearheading a program that for nine years has encouraged our students to look beyond themselves and care for the common good of all.
We continue to emphasize the importance of the virtue of peace. In the Second Quarter, we add the virtue of faith. Faith is one of the theological virtues (along with hope and love); it’s a gift that allows us to know, respond to, and believe in God. During this Ordinary Time, we will focus on the peace that comes from God. The peace that comes from our FAITH.
This week’s Mass focused on the Collect, the part of the mass that completes the Introductory Rites. During the Collect--pronounced ‘cowl-ect--the priest collects our prayers and brings them to God. We stand during the Introductory Rites because standing is a posture of prayer. With the Second Quarter, we highlight the Liturgy of the Word. We sit at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word to indicate that we are listening. But that’s not only what we’re doing. We listen during the readings to understand what the meaning of the Scripture is but also how the Scripture relates to us and our lives. What is God saying to me today in this reading? And how can I bring the Word of God to others in the way that I live my life?
Onward to the Second Quarter and the theological virtues of faith, and hope, and love.