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One of the greatest joys of my job is the proximity of my office to Saint Joseph Catholic School.  Throughout my day, I hear the laughter and witness incredible lessons learned.
This benefit would not be possible without the tremendous financial support of parishioners and parish leadership’s dedication to  investing in the future of our parish—or other parishes these students will call home.
As Business Administrator, part of my job is to consider the return on investment (ROI) on the use of parish funds.  The ROI for the school is incredibly high.
These are gains I have witnessed:

• STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT GOD
  • Each day, my daughter’s folder from school includes evidence of religious education integrated throughout the curriculum. 
• STUDENTS INCORPORATE PRAYER INTO THEIR DAILY ROUTINES
  • I’ve witnessed after meal prayers in the lunchroom.  I’ve heard hymns sung at home learned during music class.  I’ve witnessed participation at Mass.
• FAMILIES CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND GROW TOGETHER
  • The playground afterschool is filled with  a community. Struggles are shared, joys are shared.  Our school creates these opportunities, and our parish facilities allow for these opportunities to exist.
• FACULTY AND STAFF ARE CARING AND LOVINGLY SUPPORT STUDENTS
  • I hear stories of Mrs. Nix praying over the food she prepares for the children.  I see teachers with smiles greeting students as they arrive.  I witness Bob caring for children on the playground.

I can only imagine all the laughter and lessons occurring without witness, but these glimpses into school life at Saint Joseph Catholic School provide overwhelming gratitude for opportunities our investment provides and gives me hope for the future of our Church.

​For many people, Labor Day weekend marks a changing point in the year.   It’s end of the summer vacation period.    It’s a time when summer jobs are winding down.   Some farmers in the area have been mowing hay.   Crops have grown tall and full with the summer sun and rains.   Gardens are yielding their abundance of produce that gardeners looked forward to through months of work.
Most schools start their new year just before or right after this weekend.   For students it may mean having a new teacher this year and maybe some new students in your class.   For some students the new school year brings a change in schools with many new people to know. Teachers notice how last year’s students seem to have grown so much since they saw them at the start of last year.    Whatever happened in the previous year, we have an opportunity to make a new start.   We may discover that something which was difficult last year, is not a big problem anymore.
May this changing of the seasons be a time when we notice the changes that are happening in our spiritual lives.    For some it may be finding that prayers the for the health of a family member have been answered with a healthy birth or a recovery from illness.  Perhaps there is a new or deepened friendship that has grown in one’s life.   Some may discover that they are ready to forgive a great hurt that they suffered.   Some are beginning a new year without someone who was close to them a year ago and discovering other sources of support or inner strength.   May we notice where God has been present in our lives.   May we pay attention to where God may be drawing us forward in a new season.