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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Dear Families,
I certainly understand that there are a lot of activities and events taking place between now and Christmas. Please know that we have reflected on the purpose and timing of each event, and our goal is to ensure that every undertaking is a valuable extension of our mission. We do not require nor expect parents to attend them all; having said that, there are some unique opportunities available. We also want to use the gifts that God has given us, most especially this wonderful campus. Mr. Broom frequently discussed the need to evangelize by using our facility as community spa...
Dear Families,
Lost in the shuffle of re-scheduling the week so our school can honor the legacy of Mr. Broom was the fact that our annual spirit week is next week. Spirit week is a longstanding tradition at MRA, as it gives students an occasion to both celebrate life and their vocation as students. So often I get stuck in a moment in which I think, "Wow, God really has this whole plan thing under control." I will recount the last two weeks to illustrate what I mean, and then announce the plan for spirit week.
I say this because while sharing the news with the students on Monday ...
Dear Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I report Ed Broom has gone home to his eternal rest. He passed away on Saturday, October 1st, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. I had the privilege of attending Mass with Mr. Broom this summer during the customary visit of Fr. Ed Broom (his son, an Oblate of the Virgin Mary), and I can honestly share that his love for our Lord originated from a childlike devotion. He had nothing to gain, except for the salvation of souls.
Mr. Broom has been a longtime board member and benefactor of the school.
This morning, I was lectoring at St. Pa...