The Weekly Update #4

With deep sorrow and prayerful hearts, we join the many faithful in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. As the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis served with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. His papacy was marked by a profound dedication to mercy, peace, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Throughout his time as the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis called all of us—young and old—to live lives of joy, simplicity, and love. He reminded us that holiness can be found in everyday life and that we are all called to be missionary disciples, bringing the light of Christ into the world.

Pope Francis was a strong supporter of Catholic education. He believed in the importance of forming hearts and minds through faith and learning. He often spoke directly to young people, encouraging them to dream big, serve others, and never be afraid to walk with Jesus.

As a Catholic school community, we give thanks for his life, his leadership, and his example. We will honor him in our daily prayers and continue the work he inspired—rooted in love, guided by faith, and committed to making the world a better place.

In Pope Francis, Easter message which was read yesterday at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, in his presence, he shared,

“Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Easter Sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (cf. Rev. 21:5)!

Happy Easter to everyone!”

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mrs. Ana E. Gomez, M.Ed.

Principal

We are filled with great joy this Easter season as we celebrate a historic moment in the life of our Church—the upcoming canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo will become the first millennial saint, a powerful reminder to our children and youth that holiness is not a distant ideal, but a real and attainable call for everyone, regardless of age. His canonization is scheduled for April 27th on Divine Mercy Sunday.

Born in 1991 and raised in Italy, Carlo was a teenager who loved video games, soccer, and his dog. He was also deeply in love with the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. With his knowledge of technology, Carlo created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His simple yet profound faith, especially at such a young age, made him a light in the lives of those around him.

Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15 and offered his suffering to God, saying, “I offer all the suffering I will have to suffer for the Lord, for the Pope, and the Church.” He died in 2006, and his cause for sainthood began soon after. Pope Francis beatified him in 2020, and recently approved the second miracle attributed to Carlo's intercession, clearing the way for his canonization.

Carlo Acutis shows us that sainthood is not limited to priests, nuns, or historical figures. He was a young person navigating the world of modern technology, yet he chose to use his gifts to glorify God. In our own school community, we strive to follow his example by encouraging students to live their faith boldly, serve others joyfully, and use their talents to build God’s kingdom.

The life of Carlo Acutis invites each of us—parents, teachers, and students—to reflect on our own journey toward holiness. As he once said, “We are all born original, but many die as photocopies.” His message challenges us to be authentic disciples of Christ in our everyday lives. He is also quoted to say, "To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan”. This is a mantra for all of us to keep Jesus central in our life and in all we do. This week, teachers and students will engage in activities to learn about Blessed Carlo Acutis and highlight his example of great faith and devotion.

Let us rejoice with the Universal Church in this celebration of sainthood and continue guiding our children to grow in faith, courage, and love. Carlo’s life assures us that holiness is possible, even in our fast-paced and digital world.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon-to-be Saint, pray for us!

• ✅ Testing Reminders and 🧠 Tips to Support Your Child

• Attendance: Please ensure your child is present and on time each day of testing. A calm start to the day sets a positive tone!

• Arrive on time and ready to go!

• Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before the test. Encourage Good Sleep: Ensure your child gets a full night’s rest (8–10 hours) before testing days.

• Encourage a healthy breakfast on the day of testing. A nutritious meal in the morning helps fuel focus and energy.

• Foster a calm, positive attitude toward the testing process. Reassure them that this is an opportunity to show what they know and to continue growing.

• Reinforce a Growth Mindset: Celebrate effort, not just results. Let them know it’s okay to try their best, even if some questions are hard.

• Minimize Distractions: Try to avoid scheduling appointments or early pick-ups during the testing window.

We are proud of all the growth our students have made this year. Thank you for partnering with us to support their success. With your encouragement and their hard work, we know they will finish strong!

Google form sign-up for the dance will be sent via email. We look forward to a night of fun!

Our Little Saints and Montessori students enjoyed witnessing transformation as they studied the life cycle of a butterfly. They engaged in a butterfly release this past week.

Our 5th grade generation did an amazing job sharing the Stations of the Cross this past Holy Week. Thank you for a time of reverence, prayer and meditation.