Dear friends,

Once again, as I did last week, I want to apologize for the lousy scheduling this year.  We really didn’t do a great job spacing things out so that there isn’t this week-after-week of “extra added attractions” thrown into out liturgy.  You should be able to come for worship free of the feeling you’re constantly being bombarded with special appeals.  NEXT YEAR – WE’LL DO BETTER.

That having been said, as the bulletin cover hints, this weekend is Academy of Our Lady Weekend.  During it, we try to highlight our parochial school.  I say “our parochial school” because it really is.  Though it is not onsite, as in the past, it is every bit a part of Mount Carmel and its ministries.  Today, the students from the school will be reading and serving at the Masses as a way of being visible. 

In this day and age and in this area in which we live, why do we still have a Catholic School?  Well – the answer is the same as it was ten, twenty, or fifty years ago.  In this school, God doesn’t take a back seat – God is in the driver’s seat.  Specifically, our Trinitarian God leads the way, reassuring our students that the Father loves them, that the Son shows them they are not alone in the world, that the Holy Spirit gathers them into a community of love, a community they can count on, a community that is ready to support them, encourage them, care for them. And this is accomplished in more ways than just teaching religion.  It is done through daily prayer, in liturgical celebration, in special projects of outreach and service.  And always in the name of Jesus, with that sacred Name on the lips of the children, spoken loudly and proudly.  As it says in scripture, it is a place where, at the name of Jesus, every tongue can confess Him Lord, giving praise to God the Father through Him. 

It is also a place where students learn how a graced person can live in the image of God, where right choices can be taught and good consciences formed.  It is a place where moral responsibilities are taught in the context of the Judeo-Christian ethic, which has been a part of the fabric of Western civilization for two thousand years. 

And not to be left out is an academic atmosphere in which fully-accredited teachers, using the latest in teaching tools and techniques, prepare the students with the knowledge and skills they will need in an ever-changing and challenging world. 

WE ARE PROUD OF THE ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, SPIRITUALLY AND ACADEMICALLY.  And we ask your assistance in keeping it going.  The ANNUAL FUND is a vital part of our effort.  We know these are difficult times but we ask our families to help make this choice available for those who are convinced it is still worthwhile.  Please fill out a pledge envelope and make a pledge of $100. (obviously, more if you can), and drop it in the boxes at the doors of the church.  (You need not put anything in it at this time).  Help us keep our school going.

God Bless
Fr. Ron