Greetings from Sr. Kathleen
By: Sister Kathleen Lannak, I.H.M.
Dear Everyone,
The weather, no matter how deep the snow, doesn’t deter our families and their beloved Grandparents. On Sunday, January 31st, numerous families shoveled out their cars, traversed snow banks, and balanced plates laden with fruit or steaming casseroles to help celebrate our annual kick off for Catholic Schools Week.
Once again we set aside a special day to give thanks: Grandparents Day. On this day, we honor our grandparents while contemplating the role of Catholic schools in our children’s lives. The Mass and Brunch invited us to reflect on the nearly 60 years of Catholic education that St. John the Evangelist has provided for our parishioners. We acknowledged in gratitude the many years the Wigmores have faithfully attended Grandparents Day, the long marriage of the Culkins, and the gracious hospitality provided by Mary Brogan, Kristen Dukes and their volunteers. Children chose their favorite works of art to decorate the auditorium walls while the library hosted a bustling trade in books and expressive erasers. We pondered the rich learning environment at St. John’s with art, Spanish, music, physical education supplementing a substantial academic program. Finally, we even sang tribute to the Redskins, grateful for memories of the many years they have won even as we nurture hopes that they may one day win again.
Here at St. John’s even during the school day, we give thanks. In the hallway with the students, I often reflect that it costs nothing to say, “Thank you” and yet the habit of doing so, is a sure path to becoming a saint!! The highest praise we give God is through participating in the Eucharist, which means thanksgiving!!
When I am invited to give back tests it is most important that the student say, “thank you” when coming up to receive the test. I used to prompt them, when they seemed to forget to say, “thank you”: “What are the magic words?” One day as I was doing this the thought struck me, “Why am I calling them magic words? They really are holy words.” From then on I started to say, “What are the holy words?” This realization for me was a grace filled moment. I offer it to you for your consideration and awareness as well.
For today and everyday-Thank you, Sister Kathleen, Faculty, Staff and Students!
Principal