Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last week I read an article reflecting on what it means to be Easter People. There was a question that was asked that really made me stop and think about how I would respond.
If it were illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough irrefutable evidence against me to throw me in prison?
What a powerful question to ask. In the early days following Jesus’ death and resurrection, many of his disciples were frightened of further persecution and went into hiding. Their fear was real, and they were very afraid that what happened to Jesus might also happen to them.
However, the question asks us about ourselves and where would we stand evidence wise. Christian identity is not supposed to be in name only but evidenced by how we live our day-to-day life. A ‘Christian lifestyle’ should be noticeably different, or unique, from a lifestyle that is not typically Christian. In other words, Christians—followers, or disciples, of Jesus Christ—should stick out like a sore thumb. The way we live, act, behave and talk should reflect Jesus’ actions and making choices that reflect Jesus living in me.
So, this week, you might like to reflect on the above question and consider whether you would be thrown in prison. If the answer is no, then perhaps you could consider what changes you need to make for this to happen. Being a Christian is not easy, but the rewards are great.
COVID updates
Over the past week, I have communicated new information regarding changes in schools and COVID.
A reminder that:
Parent Volunteers
Over the past few weeks, there has been some confusion over the requirements for parents and caregivers to volunteer at SJMS.
The requirements for all parents to volunteer in any capacity at SJMS is that they must:
Mary Fantasia coordinates and updates our volunteer information, and she will be able to provide you with the necessary information and paperwork when requested.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Photo: Winter sport has commenced!
Dear Parents and Caregivers
THOMAS IS LOOKING FOR YOU
Someone once asked Gandhi, the great Hindu peacemaker, why he had rejected Christianity. Gandhi said he never rejected Jesus. He just couldn’t find many Christians that actually lived like Jesus taught.
I wonder what Gandhi would say if he visited our school, church, families and community?
An important reality about Jesus’ Resurrection is that people often need some proof to really believe in it. We can be like Thomas who found the disciples’ story hard to believe until Jesus appeared and showed him his wounds.
If we look we can become convinced about Jesus’ victory over death because of Catholic heroes: people like Oscar Romero, a Central American bishop who was martyred because he protested oppression or Mother Teresa of Calcutta who lived and worked with the poorest and marginalised in Calcutta encouraging others to follow in her examples. We can see Jesus’ wounds in every person who sacrifices time, sweat, or blood to ease suffering or stand for good.
This Easter season, the fifty days after Easter Sunday ask yourself whether a doubting Thomas could see the resurrected Jesus in your daily life. Could someone come to believe in Christ by watching how you treat family, friends and work mates? Would someone praise God because of how you sacrifice for the poor? Would someone believe the Gospel’s message because of how you take risks to do the right thing?
If Gandhi followed you this week, what would he say?
This week discover ways in which you can bring about the presence of the Risen Christ. Through the smiles you give to a lonely person and the laughter you bring to a frown. Heal the sick by encouraging someone who has been put down by their peers or giving a loving touch to a family member who is discouraged. Let the shadow of your love be felt this week.
Catholic Education Week 2022
Catholic Education Week is about celebrating the excellent teaching and learning across Catholic Education SA. It is a great opportunity for families to explore the benefits of a Catholic Education. During Catholic Education Week 2022, we say ‘THANK YOU’ to the dedicated, caring, hard-working staff and students who make Catholic schools in SA so special!
Catholic education week was held last week and the school celebrated by having a few hours of learning with their buddy classes in the nearby park last Friday.
Photo gallery below with snapshots from the day.
How well do we know our school??
Another beautiful area of our school. Have you seen it before, do you know where it is??
Sacramental Program 2022
Preparation for both Confirmation and Communion are continuing. Here are some important dates for our candidates and families to place into your diaries:
Presentation of Candidates 21/05/2022 (6:00pm Mass) Mass or 22/05/2022 (Any Sunday Mass)
Practice for Confirmation/Communion 31/05/2022 (7pm at the Church)
Confirmation Ceremony 2/06/2022 (6:30pm or 7:30pm)
Holy Communion Mass 5/06/2022 (1:30pm or 3:30pm Mass)
If families have not nominated a time for receiving the sacraments yet or wanting to confirm dates and times, please contact Emma at the Parish Office on Ph.8332 0600 as soon as possible.
Attending Mass regularly is part of the sacramental preparation and we encourage all families to join this partnership with our Parish. If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil at the School Office or email fcanil@sjms.catholic.edu.au
This Week’s Sunday Readings are:
First Reading: Acts 15:1-2,22-29
Second Reading: Apocalypse 21:10-14,22-23
Gospel Reading: John 14:23-29
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Ignatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM
Dear Parents and Caregivers
What a term! It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the first term of the year. It has been both challenging and rewarding. Trying to navigate COVID, home and face-to-face learning, building programs, trucks, excavators etc! As we make our way to the end of the term, I thank you all for your patience and support of our community.
Over the next 2 weeks, work will begin on the Koala Crossing at William St. We look forward to this happening as it will provide another layer of safety for the students when crossing the road.
Next term, we will be able to access the Performing Arts Studio. As well, work will begin on our Nature Play area and the re-surfacing of our Netball / Basketball courts. We look forward to this work being complete so that we can fully utilize our play space. I thank the staff and especially the students at William Street for their patience as this work continues.
Holy Week
Over the past few days, the children in R/1 and 2/3 have helped us to reflect on the significant moments in Jesus life during this week. On Monday, we reflected on the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. On Tuesday, we reflected on both the Last Supper and the Washing of the Disciples Feet. The Passover meal. On Wednesday, the classes participated in praying the Stations of the Cross with depictions of these stations illustrated by our Year 4 - 6 students. These are significant events for Christians around the world. When I was at mass on the weekend, Fr Michael referred to Holy Week as the Grand Final. For Catholics and Christians everywhere, this week is Grand Final week. Jesus love for humanity was obvious and yet, sometimes it begs the question; who do you think Jesus was?
Jesus was a Jew. He was baptised by John the Baptist, his cousin, and began his ministry in Galilee. He had a well-developed reputation as a healer and gathered a group of disciples around him without regard to gender, status or background and celebrated their unity through the sharing of meals. Opposition to him reached a climax during a Passover celebration in Jerusalem where he was arrested, tried and crucified.
Jesus’ message was centred on the Kingdom of God. His message was communicated through parables, proverbial sayings, the Lord’s Prayer, table fellowship and miracles. The Kingdom of God was open to all people including, the destitute, the sick, the crippled, the tax collectors and sinners.
As we come to the end of Lent, it is good to renew our efforts to pray well. When the followers of Jesus asked him to teach them to pray he gave them the ‘Our Father’. That prayer shows us how to speak to God as a loving parent and carer.
Lent ends on Holy Thursday and we move into the holiest days of the year. We call these days the Paschal Triduum. These three days, from sunset on Holy Thursday to sunset on Easter Sunday are the Christian Passover Feast.
Easter is not just one day but a whole season of fifty days lasting until Pentecost. We take longer to celebrate Easter than we take preparing for it during Lent.
On behalf of the staff, I wish you all a happy and holy Easter.
I look forward to seeing the children return to school on Tuesday 3 May.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As I write this newsletter, I cannot believe that we are only 3 weeks away from the end of the term! Although we have had some of our community affected by COVID, I thank parents and caregivers for being vigilant and keeping their child at home when unwell. Please continue to monitor your child for COVID related symptoms if unwell and do not send them to school. I thank everyone for their patience as we navigate this tricky time.
LENT Week 3
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C are a call to repent and return to the Lord.
The first reading tells of how Moses encountered God in the burning bush. The psalm sings of God’s kindness and mercy. In the second reading Paul tells us to learn from the past. And in the gospel Jesus warns people to change their ways. He also tells the parable of the fig tree.
God gives us many opportunities to grow, but we must not resist his efforts to help us mature in faith.
This week we are asked to consider the following question:
What needs to change in my life to grow in faith?
NAPLAN
Hopefully, many of you would have seen the Advertiser or our Facebook page last week regarding our NAPLAN results for 2021. We are extremely proud of the significant efforts and improvement of our Year 5 students in NAPAN in 2021. The article noted that student results “had shown increases in their scores significantly greater than both the national average gain and the improvements made by students at similar schools”.
Of all the Diocesan schools in the Eastern Star project, SJMS was the only school named and 1 of only 6 Diocesan Schools to achieve these results across South Australia. This is a result of the intervention and teaching strategies implemented by all staff at SJMS and our commitment to improving student outcomes from 2018 to 2021. Well done everyone for your hard work.
Preparations are now well underway for this year’s NAPLAN. We are preparing the infrastructure to ensure that IT equipment is ready for this year with students participating in a state wide practise this week.
School Board AGM
Our School Board AGM which was planned for Wednesday 30 March at 6:30pm in the Piazza will now be delivered online as we are still unable to meet face-to-face in schools. All families will receive via the Skoolbag app a copy of the Reports that would have been presented on the night. As well, a link will be provided to families so that you can access a brief message from the Chairperson of the School Board, P&F and myself.
Performing Arts Studio / Building Update
Our PAS is almost complete. We had the pleasure of being able to access the area today and take some photos to share with you. We hope that once restrictions are lifted we may be able to share this space with the wider community. We would like to thank Catholic Education South Australia and the State Government for the grants to support the funding to build this new space for our community.
Over the holidays, there will be resurfacing of the asphalt and hopefully markings for basketball / netball courts to be completed. Construction for our Nature Play area will also commence during this time.
We look forward to a completely transformed space in the not too distant future.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Congratulations to the SJMS 2022 SACPSSA Swimming Squad - First Place winners of the SACPSSA Carnival, Year 4 Age Champion, Year 5 Age Champion and every team member won one or more race ribbons!
Well done to the 16 students from Year 3 to 6 who proudly represented SJMS in the carnival today, competing against 7 other schools.
Students showcased our school values, supporting each other throughout the day, as well as a growth mindset and positive attitude to give each race their very best.
Thank you Mrs Didyk for your support, organisation and hard work to ensure everyone was ready for the day!
Dear Parents and Caregivers
This Sunday, is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. During Lent many of us practise giving up something or fasting during this season. For me, rather than fasting or giving up things, my focus is on how I can be a better person during this season. I focus on the words Pope Francis used in his Ash Wednesday homily from 2019 when he asked us the following question and then shared his thoughts:
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Building Progress
I would like to express my thanks to our parents and caregivers during the building of our Performing Arts Studio. Your patience, especially as we have navigated reduced parking and footpath closures has been appreciated.
This week, the courts area opened up for our students which was well received by both staff and students. In Week 8, from Wednesday 23 March to Friday 25 March the Transportable Classrooms will be removed and shortly after that our Nature Play area will be worked on. Hopefully the transformation of this area will be complete early Term 2.
Pupil Free Day
This Friday the Staff will be involved in our continuing Professional Development with the Berry Street Education Model. We will be focussing on Domain 3 on Stamina and Domain 4 on Engagement.
Stamina focusses on creating a culture of academic persistence by nurturing resilience, emotional intelligence and a growth mindset.
Engagement is about motivating students with strategies that increase their willingness to learn.
In our next Newsletter, I will delve deeper into what we looked at during these sessions.
SkoolBag Alerts
This week we have had numerous communications go out on our SkoolBag app including a reminder of our Pupil Free Day on Friday. I urge all parents and caregivers to check the app regularly for updates. The following communications have gone out this week:
Farewell Linda Brine
Early this term, Linda Brine our Bursar / Finance Officer announced her retirement. Linda has been an integral part of the SJMS community for the past 6 years and a valued colleague. Linda has also spent many years working on the Finance Team at CESA. On behalf of the SJMS community I would like to thank Linda for her dedication to her role. The knowledge and expertise she has shared with the Finance Committee has been invaluable. She will be missed.
As Linda transitions out of her role, I would like to welcome Nicki Cambourn as our new Bursar / Finance Officer. Nicki has been a part of the Finance Team at St Columba's College, Andrews Farm. She will work alongside Linda over the next few weeks as she moves into the role.
School Board Annual General Meeting
Usually, early in Term 1 we hold our AGM for the School Board and P&F for 2021. Due to COVID, this has been postponed to Wednesday 30 March at 6:30pm. At this stage, we hope that we will be able to meet face-to-face in the Piazza but are awaiting clarification regarding this. An invitation will go out to all families next week.
If you would like to nominate for a position on the School Board or P&F, please click here and submit your nomination.
There is an opportunity to submit ‘Questions with Notice’ prior to the Annual General Meeting. If you would like to submit a question, please click here to submit no later than Wednesday 23 March 2022.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It has been pleasing to see all our students back on site over the past fortnight. I thank you all as well for supporting the measures we have put in place regarding access to our school. I know, especially for parents and caregivers of our new students this has been very difficult as they begin their schooling journey. We hope the restrictions in place will ease but ask you to adhere to the practises we have put in place to protect our staff, students and families. Please refer to my correspondence earlier this week which referred to some of the current restrictions in place for the next 4 weeks.
Lent 2022
Next Wednesday we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This day signifies, for many Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.
Usually on Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of: our sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer. This year, due to COVID, we will be sprinkled with the blessed ashes during class liturgies.
I ask that you take the time to read what Pope Francis has to say to us about our sowing seeds of goodness, during the coming Lenten Season at the link below:
Performing Arts Studio (PAS) Progress
As you will have all noticed, our PAS is coming along quickly. We are almost at the stage where it is only the internal fixtures that will need to be complete. As well, our builders are working hard on re-laying the asphalt surface in the coming days and the removal of the transportable buildings will soon follow. I know that our students and staff are looking forward to the availability of more play space in the coming weeks.
The installation of our Nature Play area will commence once all building work has been completed and the Netball / Basketball court is reconfigured. It will be wonderful when all works are complete and we can truly enjoy our transformed play space at our William Street site.
AGM - School Board / Parents and Friends
The AGM of our School Board and P&F Association is traditionally held early Term 1. Due to the current COVID restrictions, this has been moved to later in the term to Wednesday 30 March at 6:30pm in the hope that we can meet as a group. Further details will follow regarding this important school event.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday our whole school will celebrate a special Liturgy for the first time this year. This Liturgy is a Liturgy celebrating Ash Wednesday which begins the church season of Lent. On this day we receive some ashes to remind us that as believers of the Good News we are going to try to live out Jesus message of love and forgiveness. The ashes come from the palms used at last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations.
Lent goes for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week, the beginning of the Easter celebrations. Lent is a time for us to Fast, Pray and Give Alms (Serve Others).
The number 40 is very significant in the Bible:
The rain lasted for 40 days in the mighty flood – Noah (Genesis 6)
Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days (Ex 24:18)
Jonah gave the people of Ninevah 40 days to repent (Jon 3:4)
Jesus, before beginning his ministry, spent 40 days in the desert in prayer and fasting (Matt 4:2)
I remember Lent as a child as a time of fasting and going without. We fasted as a way of helping us understand some of the suffering Jesus went through when he fasted in the desert and as a way of focusing the mind on holy thoughts. In some ways it was quite exciting because it was one of the few times we had ‘takeaway’, as on Fridays we were only allowed to have fish and no meat. The local fish and chip shop always did a roaring trade on Fridays.
Fasting is common among many religions. The Jews have Yom Kippur, a solemn time to show a need for forgiveness of sins through fasting and praying. The Muslims have Ramadan, a month when they fast from before sunrise to sunset. The Hindus fast at festivals and at other times to show devotion to the Hindu deities.
Let us reflect on the words that Pope Francis wants us to FAST from during Lent – and beyond.
Project Compassion
This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.
The theme this year is: For all Future Generations. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Join us this Lent to raise much-needed funds for people living in poverty. Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.
Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au
Sacramental Program
The preparation and celebration of Sacraments occurs through the Family Faith Formation Program (FFFP) run through the Norwood Parish. This week, families received information regarding the Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion Programs for 2022. Parents are asked to complete the Enrolment Form attached and return it to the Parish Office or myself, along with a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate.
If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil at the Office.
This Week’s Sunday Readings are:
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:39-45
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Ignatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM
Correspondence from the Parish re. Lent.
Dear Parents and Caregivers
A very happy New Year and welcome back to the ‘old’ families and to all of the new families to our very interesting start to the school year. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas that enabled you to spend time with your loved ones as you celebrated the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
I thank all the parents that I have met at the Bridge St site for their warm welcomes to this wonderful community. I am looking forward to meeting the families at the William St site soon too. Just a little bit about myself: I have been in Catholic Education since 1990 in many different and varied roles. From ESO, teacher of Rec-Yr 7, to many different POR leadership positions. I have undertaken a number of Acting APRIM roles in the past 4 years – which have provided me with wonderful and rich experiences. I have been privileged to get to know so many different school communities and the Parishes they are in; and I am sure this is going to be the same here at St Joseph’s Memorial.
As we move into the second month of 2022 we know the year will have its rewards and its challenges for us. As we know it is through challenges and the way we work through them that help us truly grow and develop our full potential. The start of a new year also gives our students the opportunity to set new goals for their learning both in the classroom and the school yard.
One of our challenges as teachers is to help each of our students develop their relationship with God our creator. It is in our relationships with others and the world around us that we come to understand our God. We remind them that they are unique, made in the image of God. They all have gifts and talents and that God wants them to use these to help others.
Sometimes it is hard for us to see the gift/s we have been given or how best to use them. You can help your child by telling them about their gifts you have noticed and encouraging them to use these special gifts or talents eg. They play nicely with brothers/sisters/friends, they draw/colour in well or they are good at building things/reading/singing.
I have also been in contact with the Parish with regards to the Sacramental Program. More information will be given out later in the Term concerning the students who are preparing for the Confirmation and Holy Communion program. Students involved in Reconciliation during 2021 and any other students in Years 4 or above who have been Baptised and have undertaken Reconciliation can be involved.
If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil in the Office.
This Week’s Sunday Readings are: First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12,16-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:17,20-26
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Iganatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM
Photo: The 2022 Leadership Team (Acting Principal Mrs Grace Vassallo-Wakefield, Acting APRIM Mr Franco Canil, Leader of Learning Mr Nick Ryan, ICT Key Teacher Ms Amy Parker and Inclusive Education Co-ordinator Mrs Toni Benci, who is taking some well-earned Long Service Leave during Term 1.)
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As I write the first newsletter of the year, I acknowledge that it probably isn’t the way we anticipated how the beginning of the 2022 School Year would begin. I would like to thank you all for your support in these first 2 weeks of school, with face-to-face learning for our Preschool, Reception and Year 1 students and online learning for our Year 2 – 6 students. Next Monday, I look forward to seeing the fresh smiles of our students on our William Street campus as they too return back to the classrooms. I am sure that many parents and caregivers are also grateful for this.
Just a reminder as we return to school that we follow the current COVID restrictions. Until further notice, parents are reminded not to access the school site. For students who are new to the community, parents may come onsite to accompany their child to their classroom on their first day. Parents are reminded to QR code and wear facemasks when onsite at any time. At the end of the day, we ask parents to utilise the Kiss and Drop zone rather than wait for their child at the gate to ensure we are socially distancing and keeping safe. If you require a Yellow car sign, could you please contact either Jess Nelson or Mary Fantasia to organise one for you.
WELCOME
I extend a warm welcome to all our new students and their families as you join our community. Although we aren’t able to meet in the traditional ways of the past, we hope that in the near future we might be able to host a welcome morning tea for parents and caregivers.
NEW STAFF 2022
This year we welcome the following new staff members to our community:
Mr Franco Canil - APRIM
Mrs Zoe Gower - Rec/1 R Teacher
Ms Cristabel MacLeod - Year 5/6 R Teacher
Ms Eloise Di Sisto - Year 5/6 G Teacher
Mrs Kate Didyk - Year 5/6 G and PE Teacher
Mrs Megan Pollard - Performing Arts Teacher
SPORTS TRAINING
At the beginning of Week 4, sports training may commence on school sites. Only the coach and the team members are allowed to be onsite during this time. For morning training sessions, students are to wait with their parents at the front gate at William Street for their Coach to collect them and escort them to their training session in the morning. If sports training is in the afternoon, the coach will escort the students to the front gate and wait for the students to be collected by their parents. We thank you all for your support as we navigate this time.
BUILDING PROGRESS
The building of our Performing Arts Studio is quickly taking shape. We have had a slight hold up to the end date but hope that by the end of March, the transportable classrooms will be removed and access to the Performing Arts studio will be available to staff and students. This does mean that for the next few weeks there will still be limited play space. Also, students who walk to school will no longer need to use the oval gate to access the yard.
Once this work is complete, work on our Nature Play area will commence. We hope that by the beginning of Term 2 we will have a transformed outdoor area for our students to use. I thank all staff, students and parents for their patience as we move towards this time. At this stage, a date and time for the Official Opening and Blessing of this space has not been set. We will advise you all as soon as a date has been set.
CAR PARKING
A reminder to all parents and caregivers to obey the parking signs near our school. Please do not park across driveways etc. as this causes our neighbors great stress and anxiety trying to access their homes.
Prayer for the New School Year
Blessed are you, Lord God,
Creator of body and mind and heart;
you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge
to guide your people in all their ways.
At the beginning of this new school year
we implore your mercy:
bless the students, teachers, and staff of St Joseph’s Memorial School,
that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love
as we learn from you and each other
how to follow your Son Jesus.
Expand the horizons of our minds,
that we may grow in wisdom,
understanding, and knowledge;
deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways;
and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.
Amen
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
