Dear Families,
Advent and Christmas always elicit quite a range of sentiments. This is due in large part to the intersection of our own individual lives with the message of Christmas. Human nature is such that we often compare our own experience with the experience and stories of others. I think to myself, "What would I do if I was Joseph?" or, "How could such a simple birth result in the slaughtering of thousands of young boys?" That last question might catch you off guard, but shortly after Christmas the Church recognizes the feast of the Holy Innocents, since according to history, Herod co...
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Like any athletic competition, academics is performed to score and win. The points, however, appear as grades-- A, B, C, D, F which then turn into numbers. Students want to score, and teachers and parents want them to win--to do well.
However, in athletics and in academics, not everyone wins. Not everyone earns A's and B's. Average grades may reflect lack of effort, discipline, or studiousness but not always. A grade measures effort, mastery, and ability, but often effort alone does not suffice to earn the best, highest grade. There is nothing dishonorable about an average grade when the stud...
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Dear Families,
Earlier this week, I was reading some excerpts from Pope Francis’s Angelus address on the first Sunday of Advent. He said that in Advent “we are called to enlarge the horizons of our hearts, to be surprised by the life that is presented each day with its newness.” It is easy to see why Advent, as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child, is conducive to appreciating the preciousness and possibilities of life.
At Mount Royal, several annual events are held in celebration of the season of Advent. Students will put out their shoes for a visit from St. Nicholas on December 6...
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Dear Families,
It is hard to believe that the first week of Advent is just around the corner. The end of ordinary time always presents a valuable juxtaposition, as the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus, King of the Universe marks the culmination of the liturgical calendar. The new year begins with a preparatory season in which we anticipate the first arrival of God in our midst in His Incarnate Son. Yet, we also carry with us the awareness that Christ as King means his rule is everlasting, and although it has not reached fulfillment, we await that second coming wherein creation will be completely r...
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Dear Families,
Thank you to all of the parents who attended the All Saints' performances. I understand that families put a lot of effort into preparing for the day; more to it, I know teachers expend a great deal of time and energy making sure that every student is involved. At the end of yesterday, I was surely grateful. The cute factor alone is uplifting, but also the courage (to public speak) and authentic affection shown towards the saints. I also want to note how the junior high and high school were really impressive. For as much as they exert artistic license, the final product is reall...
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Dear Families,
The calendar is quickly filling up as we move into November. We start the month off with our annual celebration of All Saints' Day on November 1st, which has long been a special feast day at Mount Royal. Occasionally we are asked if we have Halloween festivities here at school - we do not. This is not because we are anti-Halloween, but rather because we choose to give our students the experience of honoring those in heaven with our observance of this holy day of obligation. After all, we are raising saints in the making. When I think of the many events that mark our Catholic id...
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