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The Defender
November 17, 2023
A Message from Mrs. Tate
Dear St. Michael Families,
This week, we studied the virtue of gratitude. Gratitude is defined as a thankful disposition of mind and heart. We have discussed examples of gratitude this week to include things like everyday blessings we may take for granted: mom/dad making dinner or doing our laundry, teachers who give us supplies for a lesson, friends who do nice things for us, family members or neighbors who are kind to us. This morning we prayed that Jesus would help us to realize what a gift it is to be alive and to learn new things in a our school.
Fr. Luke’s homily today reminded us that we have much to be grateful for in our lives. He reminded us of the words of the Nicene Creed, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.” We didn’t create ourselves. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the author of life. We are grateful for the gifts from God: life, love, and the Eucharist.
The word Eucharist means thanksgiving, and even though many people think the first Thanksgiving was in Massachusetts, Fr. Luke told us that the first Thanksgiving was truly at the Last Supper when Jesus gave thanks to His Father. He knew what was about to happen to him, and he still gave thanks! The highest thanks we can give to our Lord is at Mass each time we receive the Eucharist in thanksgiving for His death and resurrection.
When we live a life of gratitude, we become more fully alive. In good times and in bad, our duty always and everywhere is to give thanks to our Lord and Savior. Thank you, Fr. Luke, for the wonderful message of thanksgiving. Thank you to our SMA community for the love and support for our school.
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Sincerely in Christ,
Diana Tate, Principal
Giving Tuesday - Help protect St. Michael Parish with Crisis Alert
We are in the early stages of installation for the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system at St. Michael the Archangel Parish. This system allows us to call for help in an emergency and alert other staff and First Responders to our precise location in seconds. From medical emergencies to crisis situations, each incident demands a fast, reliable response with complete and accurate information. CENTEGIX CrisisAlert provides clear and critical information, ensuring school and parish staff are ready to respond. Watch this short video to learn more.
This Giving Tuesday, please consider helping St. Michael the Archangel raise funds for this system. Many parents have expressed an interest in supporting our efforts to continue to add layers of safety and security measures to our school and parish. This is a GREAT way to help! Click here for the link.
Thank you for supporting St. Michael the Archangel!
Stewardship Renewal
As school families, we demonstrate partnership with the church and school by completing an annual stewardship renewal form for time, talent, and treasure. Stewardship renewal is required for school enrollment -- no exceptions. Please complete your renewal online or return the card you recently received in the mail. Doing so now will avoid the rush of returning it when school enrollment for 2024-25 begins in January! Direct questions to Parish Manager Rob Lisch at rob.lisch@stmichaelcp.org or 913-402-3907.
Graditude in Action!
Our School made more than 500 holiday cards for Veterans in hospice care.
What a great example of the virtue of Gratitude in action!!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
VSL Updates
Traditions Table Raffle Tickets
Purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win a prime table for 8 guests at Defenders' Ball. Raffle tickets are $50 and can be purchased by clicking here. Winning ticket drawn at Family Game Night. You do not need to be present to win."
Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels are present in the Narthex to oversee who comes into the Church as another layer of security. Guardian Angels are needed while the students are at Mass, Rosaries, Stations of the Cross and Penance Services. Please sign up! Guardian Angel available slots are listed here. Before your shift, please stop by the school office to pick up a radio and badge.
It's time for Deck the Doors!
This tradition is a favorite among teachers and students! It's such a fun way for parents to bring some of the joy of the Christmas season to the school. We rely on parents to make it happen. You can keep it simple or go big - the kids just love seeing the decorations! Door decorating will occur the first Sunday of Advent, December 3rd. Claim your door here! New this year: 7th versus 8th Grade Decorating Contest. The 2nd floor North hallway will be reserved for the 7th and 8th grade STUDENTS to get to have some fun. We still ask for a few parents to supervise and guide.
Fun Printable Monthly SMA School Calendar
Please check out the VSL website for a fun and printable SMA monthly school calendar and much more! So many wonderful activities are coming up in November and December! Here’s a direct link to the SMA 2023 November calendar!
Presidential Service Award:
For the past several years, St. Michael the Archangel School has participated in the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program. The award recognizes US citizens who have achieved minimum hours of service over a 12-month period. For St. Michael the Archangel School, this period is from April 1, 2023-March 31, 2024. It is an amazingly simple process - just keep track of service hours. Forms can be found on the SMA website. Hours must be submitted to the front office by MONDAY, April 3, 2024. If you have any questions, email Megan Morris.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:1