The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we journey through the month of February, we close with the traditional celebration of Charro Days. This local holiday reminds us of our friendship with our border friends in Mexico. The festival itself was formed to bring joy and hope to area residents during the Great Depression. What a great reminder of the power and importance of friendship.

Friendships are more than just social connections—they are the foundation of empathy, respect, and kindness. In our Catholic faith, we are called to love one another just as Christ loves us. This includes working through challenges and conflicts positively. When our children form strong bonds with their peers, they not only learn valuable life skills but also experience the beauty of God’s love in acts of compassion and unity. Let us celebrate this point this Charro Days.

Charro Days is a vibrant festival that honors the merging of two distinct cultures, serving as a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches our lives. Much like the way Charro Days brings together cherished traditions from both Mexican and American cultures, the friendships formed in our school foster understanding and respect across cultural divides and differences. These relationships help our children see that every person is a unique and precious reflection of God’s creation. Let us celebrate the gifts each friend brings, and grow together in faith and fellowship. We celebrate the traditions and cultural connections shared in our border city.

We look forward to our community celebration this Monday where our students will dance with their friends traditional numbers for all to enjoy. We invite everyone to join us as we kick off Charro Days at St. Mary’s Catholic School. We look forward to the many events and activities to be held throughout the city this weekend. Enjoy this special time with your family and friends.

Viva Charro Days!

In Christ,

Mrs. Ana E. Gomez, M.Ed.

We congratulate the induction of 5th—and 6th-grade students into the Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society at St. Mary’s Catholic School! This achievement is a testament to their outstanding academic performance and their embodiment of the four pillars that define NEHS: Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service.

To qualify, students had to have a cumulative average of 95. They then proceeded with an application process that included criteria and examples of the four pillars. A committee reviewed and ranked each application for final qualification.

Each student’s commitment to scholarship showed their dedication to learning and academic excellence. Their strong character was evident in examples and actions shared in their everyday life at school and home. Their natural leadership is inspiring and serves to guide your fellow students, fostering a supportive and encouraging community. Your dedication to service highlights your willingness to give back and make a positive impact within and beyond our school community.

These pillars are not just achievements but guiding principles that will help our students grow into strong, responsible, servant leaders. We are excited to see the wonderful ways you will continue to contribute to our community.

We thank our current members who assited with the induction ceremony and to Mrs. Gallegos who is the sponsor of the chapter. We look forward to the continued work the NEHS students will have in our community.

As a Catholic school, daily prayer and weekly Mass are vital elements of our community life and integral to our faith journey. Our goal is for every student to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ—a bond that is nurtured not only in religion class but also through daily activities and participation in the liturgical calendar. In a few weeks, we will enter the holy season of Lent, a time for focusing on Christ and drawing closer to Him.

Attending Mass is a blessing, and we are privileged to celebrate it weekly. All students are required to attend and participate as a community. On Wednesdays, Mass takes the place of our regular religion class. Students who are excessively tardy or absent during this time will have it reflected in their nine-week assessment or sacremental preparation.

We also remind all community members to observe proper etiquette when attending Mass or any school activity held in the church.

Mass Etiquette

Before the Mass

• Arrive Early:
  Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in, find a seat, and spend a few moments in quiet reflection or prayer.

• Dress Appropriately:
  Modesty is appreciated in most parishes. Aim for neat, conservative clothing. While some churches are more relaxed in their dress code, erring on the side of formality is usually best.

• Prepare Spiritually:
  If you’re coming from a busy day, take a moment to quiet your mind. You might consider a brief prayer or reflection before entering the sanctuary.

During the Mass

• Participate Respectfully:

• Standing, Sitting, and Kneeling: Pay attention to the congregation’s cues. When everyone stands, sit, or kneels, follow suit.

• Responses and Singing: Join in responses and hymns if you feel comfortable. Even if you’re not familiar with every word, your respectful participation is appreciated.

• Maintain a Quiet Demeanor:
  Keep conversation to a minimum. Silence your phone and avoid any activities that might distract others, such as reading unrelated materials or using electronic devices.

• During the Eucharist:

• Receiving Communion: Only those in a state of grace (i.e., not conscious of having committed serious sins without having sought reconciliation) should receive Holy Communion. Approach the altar reverently and follow the instructions of the ministers.

• Non-Communicants: If you’re not receiving Communion, you can remain seated or join in prayers silently. Some parishes offer a small tray for non-communicants to receive a blessing instead.

After the Mass

• Exit Quietly:
  When the Mass concludes, exit the sanctuary in a calm manner. Take a moment to say goodbye to any parishioners you know, but avoid disrupting those still in prayer.

Additional Tips

• Respect Sacred Spaces:
  The church is considered a holy place. Treat the space and any sacred objects (like the altar, statues, and the tabernacle) with reverence.

• No Food or Drink :
  Adults are not to take food or drink into the sanctuary. This is out of reverence and respect for the sacred space. Needs for infants and young children are handled as needed and in a respectful manner.

Thank you for your cooperation. Together we support our students in growing in faith and in tradition. May our efforts bear fruit for all as we journey together in faith.