Our Spiritual Theme
Our Spiritual Theme: We Walk by Faith
January Focus: We Walk by Faith... in Fortitude
Spiritual Reflection by Miss Sheila O'Callaghan
Sunday, January 26, is the third Sunday in Ordinary Time. It is also the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week is a great week of celebration. You can find the highlights of the week in the Mustang Memo.
Remember that winter can be harsh. Cold winds blow. For us winter seems long, but for the poor it is the hardest time of the year. We must also remember and pray for the people who became victims of wildfires in California. The Mission money is going to Catholic Charities to help the people of California.
On Tuesday, January 27, we remember Saint Angela Merici. Angela was an Italian woman who founded the Ursuline Community. Angela lived more than 500 years ago. At that time in history only boys could go to school. However, Angela decided to teach girls also. Angela’s wise spirit can help us celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church, is remembered on January 28. Thomas had a difficult life. He saw his little sister killed by lightning. He was abandoned by his parents. His classmates called him a “dumb ox”. He was a monk, but his fellow monks made fun of him. At first, the books he wrote were condemned by the church. However, Thomas continued to work hard, to pray deeply and love God with his whole heart. Later, people understood how powerful his ideas were. Now, students all over the world study his work. Thomas is the patron of students and schools.
Saint John Bosco, Priest, is remembered on January 31. He was interested in the education of boys, especially boys in the inner city. He wanted them to have training in a trade so they could get good jobs. He organized a religious order of teachers. His favorite saint was Francis de Sales. So John Bosco called his order “Salesians”.
There are many beautiful ideas on the bulletin boards throughout our school. Choose one and Walk by Faith.
Please pray for the sick, especially Fr. Mink, Mrs. Miriam Harris, Oliver Conaty, and all the sick of our parish. Please continue to pray for Maureen Engelbert. Pray also for our Armed Forces and First Responders.
Student Life Notes
Congratulations, Classroom Spelling Bee Champions!
This week, the classroom spelling bee champions will participate in the SAS School Spelling Bee!
3rd Grade - Abby N.
4th Grade - Lincoln B.
5th Grade - Neil T.
6th Grade - Ben H.
7th Grade - Hillary H.
8th Grade - Phoebe K.
We wish them L-U-C-K!
Middle School Students are preparing for Midterm Exams which take place during the first week of February, according to the following schedule:
- Wednesday 2/5: Math Exam
- Thursday 2/6: ELA Exam
Morning classes will be one hour in length on these dates. Teachers will share detailed information, including a study guide, study plan, and list of approved support materials permitted for use during the exam period with students.
Catholic Schools Week - January 25-31, 2025
St. Ann School celebrates our mission of faith, academic excellence, and community service this week! Please join us in beginning with a prayer:
Almighty Father,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people. As Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education. As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.
Thank you for the many sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools. Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools today. Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives. Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.
Bless St. Ann School and the many people who advance our mission. May our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others. May our community always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers. Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom. May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it. Fill our hearts with gladness. May we always turn to you in times of need. Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others. May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
St. Ann, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
