Catholic Principal

2010-11-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of Advent and, as Catholic people at a Catholic school we know what we should do to prepare ourselves as we await the arrival of the Christ Child. We'll conduct Reconciliation for the students, celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, pray, sing and focus much of our curriculum around the nativity. We'll also perform numerous musical programs including preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 through 8, before hundreds of cameras and camcorders. Everyone knows the drill and we believe it is very meaningful because the routine reminds us that Christian faith and culture began with the arrival of the Savior.

As we finish Thanksgiving weekend however, I feel a twinge of dismay at the mountain of advertising that comes with the morning newspaper. It's an incredible pile of full-color consumer eye candy! It's the antithesis of that line in the Our Father that says "...and lead us not into temptation." Further, the news often hints that with the proper level of frenzied buying, we might just have a positive impact on the economy. Wow, it's almost a new level of patriotism that requires only a sacrifice equivalent to the interest rate on your credit card!

Do you remember the "must-have" gift you gave or received after last year's frenzy? How about the year before? The only gifts I remember receiving last year and the year before were given to me by my daughter Emily, a former Marine sergeant and currently a veterinary technician at Meadow Hills Clinic. Last year, in my name, she paid an organization for a goat so some lad in a struggling country could have milk for ongoing nutrition and better health. The year before she provided someone with an egg-laying flock of ducks ( I hope they were long range thinkers who waited patiently for eggs rather than having roast duck!).

The reason I remember these gifts is because I already have enough stuff. The thrill is gone for neckties, electronics, power tools, sweaters, Old Spice gift sets, etc., etc. The older I get the more I realize I've gratefully received every conceivable gift and it made little difference in the end. I've got stuff piled everywhere that never gets used. As the days of my life add up my body tends to remind me that I have more years behind me than I do ahead of me. A time is coming when I'll be faced with a very critical discussion with Jesus Christ about about my eternal soul. I intend to mention the goat and ducks in that conversation while conveniently editing references to I-Pods and Old Spice, even though He already knows.

I'm not pontificating here. Again, I plead guilty as a willing participant in American consumer culture. It is in my psyche and affects my soul. I'm also aware that yearly messages to avoid the holiday hype can be a trite tradition in their own right too. With that in mind, here is my suggestion. Slow down, do a little less and spend a little less this year. Remember that TV and newspaper advertising is made to appeal to your cravings the way heroin appeals to an addict. Consider that if bigger and more expensive were measures of importance, Christ would have been born in Jurusalem or Rome instead of humble Bethlehem. Recall your "must-have" gifts of the past if you can and remember that the only one that lasted was Christ, the original Christmas gift. The first Christmas was celebrated by the Holy Family. As always, they are the true model for our goals at Saint Joseph's School.

This year the best gift I will give is not a scarf or sweater. It will be a donation to the Clear Creek Monastery in Oklahoma. It was started in a horse barn about 15 years ago by a group of Benedictine monks and has been growing steadily, attracting a surprising number of young men to the priesthood. The Benedictine order is 1500 years old and dedicates itself to prayer, work and study. They are currently building housing facilities for their members and a beautiful church that is designed to last a thousand years. They are keepers of the faith and powerful role models for us as individuals and as a culture. I believe they understand and practice the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

Luke 15:1-10

2010-11-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Gospel reading today was a great reminder to everyone connected to a school, whether they are students, staff, parents or parish. The tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus and were noticed by the scribes and Pharisees who commented, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Jesus explained his approach with the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd with a flock of 100 sheep will, upon losing one, leave the other 99 while he seeks the lost sheep. Upon finding the lost sheep he rejoices with friends and neighbors because he has found the sheep that was lost. A school always has some lost sheep too. While most of the students do a responsible job there is often the occassional one who steps out of line behaviorally, academically or spiritually. While it would be easy to point the finger at the lost student and simply criticize him or his upbringing, our school is much better at identifying his difficulties and reeling him back in before it is too late.

Confronting a student with what needs to improve and bringing his parents into the process is important. Bringing them together with staff to solve a problem and facilitate success provides more eyes and ears that let the student know they can improve with the help of adults who believe in acting as Christ would. Adding prayer and the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist, bring Christ's healing power to the situation.

When a student responds and improves there is rejoicing, relief and a satisfied feeling by everyone involved. When the parable tells us there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance it is not a scorekeeping situation. The ninety-nine already receive great rewards and grace. The ninety-nine must remember that goodness is a reward in itself and be gracious and happy that another person has joined their ranks.

I am grateful for the role our staff takes in being good shepherds. They care deeply about their students and are ever vigilant for those who struggle. They are equally good about returning them to the flock. That's why we have such a wonderful flock of students at Saint Joseph's School.

Judge Not

2010-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

I came across this anonymous poem and chuckled at the truth it contains. I love the Catholic faith and recognize myself as one of the many sinners who fill the church each week seeking to repent and reconcile themselves to God through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We stumble and fall constantly but have hope when we refresh ourselves with the Eucharist and try, try again. We must remember always to encourage others while we are on the journey of salvation.

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash,

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who stole my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

And why is everyone so quiet?
So somber - give me a clue."
"Hush, child," He said,
"They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you."

JUDGE NOT!
Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!

It is often self-satisfying to be critical of those who are making mistakes. At Saint Joseph's School we teach students and parents alike to extend their hand and help them up to a better way of life instead of pushing them further down with with overly harsh judgement. That's one more way to build tomorrow's leaders (and saints) today.

Litany of Saint Joseph

2010-09-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

We are Saint Joseph's School. We don't take our name for granted. If you wonder why, consider the following litany. It is, in effect, a resume for eternity.

Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church.

If I may be so bold as to add to this litany; Patron of the best school in America!

In your daily prayers remember to ask Saint Joseph to bring your concerns and the needs of our school to his beloved foster son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true power and true leader of our school.

School Is In Session!

2010-08-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

A new academic year has begun and, while it would be a stretch to make a comparison to Lazarus, the school has sprung to life again. Student excitement at our Catholic school is genuine. They've made friends over the years in a close-knit, faith-filled environment where values and positive relationships are a daily priority. That creates an emotional safety zone that nurtures students and helps them build a lifetime of memories about their achievements, friendships and faith. Saint Joseph's School actually constitutes a positive subculture within our larger American culture. We think that speaks well for what American culture can become when our students mature.

As principal, I frequently meet people who are excited to tell me they attended our school. Their memories cover a time period from the last decade to over forty years ago. The stories are a consistent account of learning to practice the Faith and apply it across all academic subject areas. Their faces light up when they speak of friendships, sports, liturgical events and all the conventional Catholic practices they took part in. They internalized their faith as they approached higher education, marriage, family and career. Our Faith and our school gave them a reference point as they faced all the growth and change that accompany adulthood. Their stories are a powerful testament to the lasting effects of a Catholic education.

As we build tomorrow's leaders today, let us always remember that we are creating stories that will still be told fifty years from now. That is a solemn responsibility. I hope our graduates can use our Catholic school and the education it provides as a launching pad for a future where life is respected and nurtured, where peace and safety are realized, and where prosperity and justice are available to all. May they grow in the knowledge and faith it will take to make us truly "One Nation Under God."

The Narrow Gate

2010-08-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Fr. Juan gave a great homily today. In it he referenced today's gospel from Luke 13:24 about the difficulty of entering Heaven through the narrow gate. Christ's teaching was clear. We need to examine our own lives and realize how unworthy we are instead of pointing our fingers at others. Fr. Juan focused on three actions that will help us squeeze through that narrow gate into God's Kingdom. The first was prayer. Pray always and everywhere whether it be in praise, thanksgiving or problem-solving. Bringing all our thoughts and deeds to God in prayer will keep our focus strong and help us avoid the petty thoughts, hatreds, and jealousies that trip us up.

The second action was forgiveness. How difficult it is to forgive a transgression and pray for God to bless and redeem the one who has wronged us or upset us. It is the best way, however, to move forward toward the narrow gate, free from spiteful or hateful thoughts. At Saint Joseph's School I am glad we have the opportunity to work with kids when they do something wrong and show them the path to that narrow gate Christ wants us all to pass through. In my public career it was often required to remove a student you could have helped due to the unyielding nature of no-tolerance policies that painted everyone with the same brush. As a Catholic school principal I have found success and satisfaction in redirecting students who committed certain infractions and showed remorse and a desire to redeem themselves. I believe that is what Christ desires and there is evidence, both anecdotal and statistical, that shows this to be a strength of Catholic schools over public schools. We have the time, talent and divine inspiration to to get kids back on track after they have committed a behavioral infraction.

The third action Fr. Juan shared was charity. Since we are all so richly blessed, we need to be charitable to others in Christ's holy name. That charity could easily show itself in financial donations to a variety of good causes. Perhaps more importantly, it also comes by having a charitable attitude toward others. A charitable attiude forgives and offers to help when someone struggles. It does not condemn. It does not demand harsh and destructive punishment when a wrong is done. Rather it seeks to repair the wrong and help the wrongdoer redeem themself. Students, and even parents, get made at each other once in awhile. Instead of focusing on their anger and seeking vengeance, they must learn first to be charitable and ask Christ for guidance and wisdom. Christ walked, talked, and ate with sinners. He preached to them and forgave them. He still forgives. He still redeems. He still points to the narrow gate that leads to salvation. Let's stop picking on others and walk to that narrow gate with them instead.

Corpus Christi

2010-06-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today is Corpus Christi Sunday. At Mass we hear the truth that Jesus is not just symbolically with us but is actually present in the Eucharist, which contains His body, blood, soul and divinity. When Jesus spoke those meaningful words, "This is My Body," He was not speaking in simile, allusion, parable or symbol. He simply said what it was and for over two thousand years it has been the center of our faith. This simple acceptance of Christ's gift of Himself is the foremost part of our religious practice. I see the Mass as the hub of a very large wheel that connects every ministry, outreach, sacrament and belief in our Catholic Church. The Mass is where we experience the physical reality that is Christ. His body in the Eucharist is what fuels us to be good Catholics who serve and improve the world in His name.

At Saint Joseph's School I remind students constantly that we exist as a school because of Christ and that He is truly present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is in our tabernacle and we can receive Communion every day. Therefore Christ is truly present on our school/parish campus. That makes our school a pretty important place! At our school the Mass never actually ends. We are just sent forth to love and serve the Lord until Mass starts again. That's a good way to live and a good way to learn. Every learning task must be connected to Christ so we can use our newly learned skills to serve God's Kingdom.

Our parish school is also fortunate to have a 24 hour adoration chapel in which the Eucharist is always on display. It is important to teach students that praying in direct view of the Eucharist means you are praying in the actual presence of Christ. It is a hard concept to teach because the Eucharist can be taken for granted, especially by young people. After all, it looks like a bland wafer with the consistency of styrofoam. It doesn't taste like much either. Teaching them that transubstantiation goes deeper than surface appearances takes awhile. Cognition is a developmental process and it is rewarding to us as catechists to see kids finally understand that what appears as bread and wine is actually body and blood. It is an "Aha" moment that leads to deeper faith and understanding of the Savior.

We also teach the students that priests are important first and foremost because they are needed to perform this miracle of transubstantiation at Mass. Priests are, of course, important for a thousand other reasons but nothing works in our religion until Christ is present because He is our religion. As more priests are needed to make Christ available in the Eucharist, it is our fervent hope that some will come from Saint Joseph's School. We certainly encourage them to follow that sacred vocation as a way to build tomorrow's leaders today.

Do You Have Your I.D?

2010-05-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

"Teachers and administrators, whether in universities or schools, have the duty and privilege to ensure that students receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice. This requires that public witness to the way of Christ, as found in the Gospel and upheld by the Church's magisterium, shapes all aspects of an institution's life, both inside and outside the classroom."
Pope Benedict XVI

Enhancing our Catholic identity has been one of the goals Saint Joseph's School worked toward this year and will work even harder on next year. Maintaining the academic standards that make our graduates champions in high school and beyond is hard but satisfying work. It is worthless, however, if Christ is not recognized in everything we do. Our students and staff attend Mass together, receive the sacraments together and pray as one body united with Christ. Religion is also an academic and spiritual content area in our curriculum.

We want our students to share their Catholic identity whenever possible in both word and deed. Being a Saint Joseph's student should carry a responsibility outside the classroom too. A happy athlete who plays fair, an altar server who can be counted upon, a cheerful volunteer to those in need and a friend to all regardless of social status; these are a few attributes of the Catholic identity we want to nurture in our students.

Parents must help us in this endeavor because they are the first and most important teachers in their childrens' lives. They too must give witness to the Catholic faith and be resolute in passing it on to their children. Our children are the future of the Catholic church and we must help them establish their identity within and in relationship to that glorius reality. The Catholic theological and philosophical tradition always pursues the truth and seeks the common good. The Catholic identity must not be denied in that pursuit. The home and school must support each other to build our childrens' understanding that they are part of God's kingdom in the Church his Son established through his life, death and resurrection.

When it comes to Catholic identity we all know how to talk. Let's not forget the walk. It leads to salvation in Jesus Christ.

JMJ

2010-05-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Many years ago Catholic school children wrote the letters JMJ on the headings of their assignments and tests. That may seem archaic now but in reality it was a charming and useful reminder that every good effort could be a form of devotion to Jesus and his Holy Family. What a great reminder for all of us as we work in the vocations and careers we have chosen.

What if your accountant wrote JMJ on your tax return, or your attorney inked it on your last will and testament? What if it was on your paycheck or the bill from your mechanic? Would you write it on your church envelope when you tithe? Would you like to see it on a medical report or even a police report? You see, the idea is to remember and recognize Jesus, Mary and Joseph and offer them your best. You need to see the holiness of your work and how it contributes to the common good in even the smallest way. Regardless of your station in life or level of skill, you can look beyond the task you are performing and see how it connects to all that promotes what is good, worthy and sacred in our existence. Teaching kids the JMJ acronym is a way to reinforce that a good deed is never wasted when it promotes the Kingdom of God.

This year at Saint Joseph's School we embroidered the bold red letters JMJ on the right sleeves of our baseball uniforms and taught the athletes about the significance of bringing the Holy Family to the ballgame with them. It may not be a "call the Vatican" miracle but we did have our first winning season in eleven years! Hmmmmm......?

The Quiet Man

2010-05-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

The patron saint of our Catholic school is St. Joseph. I often joke that every third Catholic school in the nation is named St. Joseph's. Half the schools in my diocese (3 out of 6) are named for the beloved foster father of Christ. There must be a pretty good reason that parents and educators revere this member of the Holy Family.

Scripture tells us very little about Joseph. He left no writings, held no official position, was not divine like his foster Son and performed no astounding miracles. Or did he? It might be considered astounding that a man could maintain his belief and obey his God when confronted with the details of Mary's pregnancy. It is noteworthy that he could travel far from home with his pregnant wife to a town with no accomodations and assist in the delivery of the Savior in a dirty stable. Remember, this was centuries before ob/gyns, birthing rooms or natural childbirth classes were available! And how about fleeing with your wife and new child to escape the wrath of murderous King Herod? That's miraculous in itself and rivals the script of any modern action/adventure film.

A fellow could be overwhelmed with anxiety if he was raising the Son of God and was married to a sinless and immaculate wife who is an integral part of God's plan for salvation and is the source of doctrines and official beliefs throughout church history. God chose the absolute best mother for Jesus so it is logical to conclude that He chose the best husband for Mary as well as the best role model and protector for the Holy Family. Jesus is eternal and divine but he still had to learn and grow like the rest of us mortals. Thankfully he was raised by a faithful, strong and devoted tradesman named Joseph who taught him what a good man is.

God called Joseph to be history's ultimate dad. He was tougher than John Wayne, holier than the Pope and kinder than Mr. Rodgers. He is still available as an advocate and inspiration for every dad. At Saint Joseph's School we remind every dad that they can have hope that their sacrifices, duties and expenses on behalf of their children are worth it and the fatigue and worry of raising children is nothing new. Ask St. Joseph. He has "been there and done that" at a far higher level. He'll be your guide.

I think it is obvious why parents and educators are drawn to the name of St. Joseph. I'm honored to be the principal of a school that bears his name.

Voiceless?

2010-03-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

It is easy to feel that you have no voice. Does anyone really care what you believe? Does it seem as though your words, your values and your faith are meaningless in the grand scheme of things? Do you feel as though big government and big media control you and our culture?

At Saint Joseph's School we guide emerging voices and aspiring leaders to develop skills to speak for the voiceless and recapture the culture for Christian values, political morality, business ethics and respect for life from conception until natural death.

Our emerging leaders will utilize their faith in new ways through a variety of technologies that might puzzle their parents and grandparents (as well as their teachers!). Social networking sites, videos, e-publishing, podcasts and hundreds of new forms of electronic communication are already being utilized to promote the common good. Hundreds of Catholic college students and activists already organize to promote pro-life legislation, social justice and religious freedom by organizing with the power of viral messaging, media links and web-based connections with like-minded groups. The possibilities for good are limitless.

Our students need strong reading, writing and communication skills to change the culture. They need technology skills to have a presence in debating the issues of their day. The ability to link with peers around the globe to effect change that will protect life and infuse ethics and morality into political and economic decisions will precipitate positive change. We salute all the teachers who are helping students sharpen these very skills so the future can be captured for Christ.

It is my job to think about our students' future and I think they have the potential intellectual, academic and faith skills to abolish abortion in their lifetime. I believe they are developing the tools to create a fair and stable economy. I think their faith could inspire them to clean up the anemic values and sexual sludge that pollute television and movies. They have the faith, they are acquiring the knowledge and they love the tools of technology and communication.

Let's all do our part to change the world through the children of Saint Joseph's School. They are the voice. They are tomorrow's leaders. They will be the rebuilders of a culture that has forgotten how much it needs what Christ and His Church offer.

Catholic Schools Week

2010-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Catholic Schools Week! It's a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions our faith-based schools have made to the common good and the hope for the future that our children represent. Catholic schools are good for students, good for families and good for America.

Year after year surveys by the National Center for Education Statistics, the Council for American Private Education and the National Catholic Educational Association affirm the academic excellence that comes from motivated students, committed parents and limited distractions. Studies confirm that our students score higher on standardized tests, take more demanding classes in high school and have higher rates of admission to college than their public school counterparts. Students who complete at least the eighth grade at a private Catholic school are twice as likely as other students to graduate from college as a young adult.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Horatio Alger Association have found that private school students are far more likely to feel safe and actually be safe in their schools than others. The lists go on and on regarding college success, accepting academic challenges, improving the success of students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and higher levels of service to the community.

The facts about private Catholic education are a cause for celebration. Public Agenda, a national research organization, found that adults believe, by a substantial margin, that private schools do a better job of providing a quality education than public schools. Your support, including the enrollment of your children, is vital to the survival of our Catholic schools and the success of our nation. At Saint Joseph's School we believe this quality approach help's us build tomorrow's leaders today.

As good as the statistics are, the real difference in quality is that we add the presence of Jesus Christ to every area of the curriculum and every activity throughout the day. School Masses, daily prayer, the sacraments and reflection on the triumphant influence of Catholicism upon our history give us a grand perspective. We see education as a continuum that begins at Saint Joseph's and progresses through high school, college, vocations, careers, marriage, family, the sacraments and, eventually, graduation into eternal life with Christ in heaven above. That's the true curriculum that makes every week Catholic Schools Week!

Solemnity of Mary

2010-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary. As the mother of Christ she is a pivotal figure in the history of our church and our civilization. The church holds several dogmas, or basic truths regarding Mary. These include her position as the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her perpetual virginity, her assumption into heaven and her position as Mother of the Church.

Mary is venerated throughout the world and loved for her patience, kindliness and virtue. She is a great model for mothers everywhere as well as a model for all humanity. As we begin the year 2010 she is a constant reference for how we should live in faith, humility and love. Obedience and faith allowed her to accept God's will and become the vessel for the Savior's birth. At Saint Joseph's School we want our students to learn and model the obedience and faith Mary demonstrated. We want them to ask Mary to intercede on their behalf, adding her prayers to theirs before her son, Jesus. We ask them to model her virtues as they learn and grow to become the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who love Christ and seek the intercession of his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, will make wiser, sounder decisions that benefit the common good and keep our civilization on a moral and upright path.

Have a happy New Year. Walk with Christ all 365 days and honor Mary, his mother with all the respect the Savior's mother and the Mother of the Church deserves.

Solemnity of the Holy Family

2009-12-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

At today's Mass we observed the Solemnity of the Holy Family. It is good to look around at Mass and see the wide variety of families seeking holiness before the Eucharist. Pick a family structure and you will likely find it at Mass. Traditional families, single parent families, foster families, grandparents raising their grandchildren and many other family arrangements are present. That very act of being present at Mass is a big part of being a holy family. The Mass is where it begins because the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ are there. A family's presence at mass empowers it to be holy in the week ahead.

It can be difficult to imitate the Holy Family. The bar is set pretty high because we're talking about Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Thankfully it is not a competition but an attempt to follow their example of faith in God, belief in the prophecies surrounding their child, and acceptance of the mission they were given. Scripture tells us very little about Christ's family life, but what it does share is impressive evidence of their trust in God and obedience to His will.

Consistency in our efforts to please God and obey His will is what it takes. We will never get it 100% right but we do our families a great favor when we simply try to live in holiness. We set a great example when we fail in our efforts and immediately try again. A thousand situations each day will test our holiness and we will fail some of those tests. When it happens, just try again. Strengthen yourself with the cardinal virtues. Pray constantly. Utilize the sacraments. Don't get discouraged. Remember what Christ promised. Don't give up. Refresh yourself with the Eucharist.

It is your daily efforts at holiness that help you become a holy family. Keep the faith and keep on trying!

Advent

2009-12-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Advent is a busy time at a Catholic school. In addition to the regular spiritual and academic routines we add a host of pre-Christmas activities that, at first glance, may appear exhausting and time consuming but are actually some of the most spiritually refreshing and important things we do. At Saint Joseph's School both the elementary and middle schools start each day with an Advent wreath ceremony. The traditional prayers and songs take on a powerful sense of anticipation when sung by hundreds of young voices. It sets the tone for the day and reminds us of the magnitude of the Incarnation.

Pre-school Christmas plays are both devout and endearing. When you look past the tinsel halos, cardboard wings and shepherds in bathrobes you can see how well these little children are learning the story of Christ's birth and realize they are the ones who will link this story to the next generation in a very few years. I believe the traditions of our Catholic faith are in good hands. The upper grades gave the traditional Christmas program to a packed house and it was obvious that parents and relatives never tire of this yearly ritual. It is a link to their past and their future too. Collectively and individually our students displayed a variety of musical talents.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated with an all-school Mass that left me deeply impressed with our students. They show tremendous respect at Mass and give a stirring visual impression of the future of our faith. I must confess that my mind sometimes wanders when I look at their faces and try to imagine the future religious vocations and professional careers they will pursue as they raise their families and serve the common good in Christ's name and spirit.

Before we leave for Christmas break, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a school. Visiting priests will hear confessions and help the students as they examine their consciences and seek forgiveness. The message is strong; we should approach the birthday of Christ with hearts, minds and souls that are refreshed with absolution and renewed with a desire to live a holy life. I think it is the gift Jesus really wants us to bring. Every morning when I read about some shady, misguided characters in the newspaper I wonder if they need to learn the Act of Contrition. We teach it at Saint Joseph's so tomorrow's leaders will have the proper perspective when they are running the world!

Our school staff members take on many extra duties to make all these events happen and it is a testament to their faith and vocation. In the midst of all this spiritual awareness we have continued our great academic instruction, created art, made music, attended the Nutcracker, sold wreaths, rode the Polar Express, served at Mass and even won a few ball games. Life is good at Saint Joseph's School. Perhaps that is because when Christ is our first priority, the good stuff just comes with Him.

Let's Play

2009-12-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

At Saint Joseph's School we believe that interscholastics sports are a form of ministry. Everyone claims they believe in sportsmanship but what does that really mean? In my 33 year public school career I saw many shining examples of sportsmanship. Unfortunately I also became all to accustomed to poor sportsmanship, not so much from the athletes as from the rowdy, profane and obsessed fans in both the student and parent sections. Being at this smaller Catholic school allows me more time to focus on building good sportsmanship before it is too late.

It is sad to see people who become so obsessed with winning they will verbally demean other players, coaches and especially referees. Pope John Paul II encouraged us to look at sports as an opportunity to teach and practice the cardinal virtues. He believed sports participation could, in fact, exemplify the gospel message if done in the right spirit.

The cardinal virtue of prudence enhances sports when we make right judgements about how to react and what to say, or not say, in a ball game. Not speaking in anger and cooling off before reacting are prime examples of prudence.

Justice teaches the athlete to play fair, follow the rules, and respect the authority of coaches and referees.

Courage (Fortitude) allows the athlete to endure difficulties and obstacles with patience and conviction. It calls us to fulfill our moral responsibilty and show our faith by the way we deal with challenges on and off the field.

Temperance shows the athlete how much is enough and how to seek balance in life. Obsessive behavior by athletes, coaches, and fans can lead to cheating, violence, exploitation and poor sportsmanship. Temperance reminds us it is just a game with wholesome fun as the goal.

Give it some thought next time you are engaged in a sporting event. The game is quite small in the eternal scheme of life. Try practicing the cardinal virtues as part of the ministry we call athletics. Join us in building holiness and character when we say, "Let's Play the Saint Joe's Way!"

What Would Herod Do?

2009-11-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving should be a period of rest and reflection on our many blessings. Advent is one of those blessings, this year on the following Sunday. Advent heralds Christ's coming into our sinful world through the mystery of the incarnation. That great day in Bethlehem seemed like any other day to the majority of the town's inhabitants. Just about everyone missed it, except for some startled shepherds, and three wise astrologers. The angels were about the only ones who got it right, singing "Glory to God in the highest!" King Herod seemed to understand it too, but his understanding was motivated by evil, jealousy, hatred and obsession with power. The birth of the Messiah threatened Herod's sense of style, which depended on accumulating wealth, possessions and power to support his selfish and indulgent habits. We still see people like him today on the news and in our midst. His place in the Christmas story is a cautionary lesson.

I wonder if we get it right? We know and like the narrative. We believe in the Holy Child of Bethlehem. But we only practice that belief in a minimal sense. We tend to miss Christ at Christmas because we also love the story of consumerism, credit and purchasing power. Thousands of people in our community stayed up Thursday night to hit the stores in the pre-dawn hours in search of something special; the right gift at the right price to give to the right person who will undoubtedly feel a radiant love from our actions! One fellow actually camped out for two nights in freezing temperatures to be the first to enter an electronics store. He looked so proud on the news as he explained that he had also been first in a previous year. I can only guess the previous first-place purchase hadn't satisfied him.

Consumerism is a false religion that always fails to satisfy. There is no satisfaction because there will always be newer and better cars, computers, cameras, phones,and gadgets of all sorts. It is a rat race that results in frenzied shoppers lined up in the dark waiting for stores across the nation to open. They are looking for the almighty perfect deal witout realizing they must look in a lowly stable instead of a glitzy mall.

At Saint Joseph's School we urge everyone to examine their holiday habits and perhaps spend a little less money on glamorous gifts and give a little more time to family, worship, devotion, and charity. Consumerism appears to be the king of our culture. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, period. I'm not one to keep score, but you might keep an eye on which king is getting more of your time, effort and adoration.

Works of Mercy

2009-11-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

At Saint Joseph's School we seek a partnership with parents to cooperatively instill our students with holiness. We want them to be saints one day after a good life, filled with a spiritual confidence in our Catholic faith. We guide them to understand that they will be tomorrow's leaders and that Christ will strengthen that leadership for the benefit of the common good. A good leader is made better by being a good follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Students, parents and teachers can enhance the holiness and sanctity in their lives by practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Many career paths include the opportunity to practice these good works already so why not pay attention to them and offer them up to God every day? Look around. Chances are you will find at least one situation daily to apply a work of mercy. It is one way that Christians get better.

Corporal Works of Mercy
1. Feed the hungry.
2. Give drink to the thirsty.
3. Clothe the naked.
4. Shelter the homeless.
5. Comfort the imprisoned.
6. Visit the sick.
7. Bury the dead.

Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. Admonish (or warn) sinners.
2. Instruct the ignorant.
3. Counsel the doubtful.
4. Comfort the sorrowful.
5. Bear wrongs patiently.
6. Forgive others.
7. Pray for the living and the dead.

Supreme Happiness

2009-11-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Supreme happiness is the actual translation of the word beatitude. A career working with children has taught me that supreme happiness is often thought to be found in a new X-Box, I-Pod, computer, car, toy, fashion item, etc. It is an old lesson that is never entirely learned; material goods do not bring true happiness in this imperfect existence we cling to. We don't find many blessings in finite objects that break or get boring too soon, yet the over-hyped Christmas ads show up before Halloween is over and tempt us to try again.

As families of Saint Joseph's School we try to follow God's will. Jesus Christ taught us a simpler path to following that will and it didn't involve having more "stuff." He gave us the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11):

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave us the Beatitudes. They are a comfort and an inspiration for us all. What a wonderful gift instead of an I-Phone with monthly fees. This year why not try putting a copy of the Beatitudes in your child's Christmas stocking as a gift from the originator of Christmas. Go ahead. I double dog dare you!

Holy Families

2009-11-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the Holy Family we honor and revere in our Catholic faith. When we read about the circumstances under which this family formed, we realize that their story was sure to raise a few eyebrows. Unmarried and pregnant by the Holy Spirit? Talking to angels? Having a baby who will be the Savior? How would that story go over today if it concerned your neighbors or a co-worker? Yet, with faith we know how the story turned out and we are grateful for our Christianity and the path to salvation that resulted.

At Saint Joseph's School we encourage everyone to be part of a holy family. That simply means a family that by its beliefs and practices seeks holiness. It is a family of faith that strives for love, goodness, truth and service within that faith. A holy family can be quite traditional or it can be structured permanently or temporarily in a variety of ways. Single parenthood is no less holy than the traditional family as the parent works to convey the love of Christ to his children and works double time to create a blessed home environment. A parent deployed to war leaves a family that must maintain holiness while they are absent. Widows and widowers must carry on in holiness to teach their children to love and serve the Lord. A parent with addictions or an incarcerated parent still must strive to build holiness in their families, regardless of the unfortunate circumstances. Structure doesn't necessarily define the family. Holiness does, because then we belong to Christ's family.

Building a holy family is mighty tough stuff! Our culture is not always family friendly and it is frustrating to battle the moral relativism that confronts us each day. I salute every family at Saint Joseph's School that fights the good fight and believes in the future of their children by teaching and demonstrating holiness to them and with them. I want holy leaders to permeate our culture in the future. I thank every family of our school for joining us in our efforts to build that holiness through Jesus Christ.

Cardinal Virtues

2009-11-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

It is important for a Catholic school to teach the Ten Commandments to help students avoid sin. We also need to give students skills to achieve goodness and moral strength. Over the centuries, Catholic theologians identified four virtues essential to goodness and morality in life. They are referred to as the Cardinal Virtues, from the Latin root word cardo, which translates to "hinge." This is an appropriate term since a holy life hinges on these virtues.

Prudence is the first cardinal virtue. It describes the wisdom to make good decisions in accordance with the teachings of our faith. Avoiding temptation, saying appropriate things, using our talents for good and knowing our limits in a given situation are all examples of prudence.

Justice is the second cardinal virtue. It calls us to treat everyone with dignity by recognizing them as God's children. Playing by the rules, paying our debts, issuing fair wages, paying our taxes and seeking social equality are all examples of justice. Justice also includes worshipping God because He is our divine Creator and it is just and right to do so.

Courage (or Fortitude) is the third cardinal virtue. It asks us not to abandon our moral responsibilities in the face of unpleasant or frightening situations. Trials and tribulation, obstacles and opposition assail us all and it is easy to compromise the principles of our faith when we are afraid. Courage is the virtue that helps us persevere and remain faithful, because we know God will sustain us.

Temperance is the fourth cardinal virtue. Quite simply, it means knowing when to stop. Temperance draws a line between legitimate pleasure and debauchery, laziness and overwork, true sportsmanship and obsession with winning. It creates a moral balance upon which to weigh our actions and thoughts.

How do we help our students and ourselves achieve these virtues? We teach them each day at Saint Joseph's School but we must also remind everyone that these virtues are strengthened and reinforced by Sanctifying Grace. This grace is freely given by God and allows us to become His children and to inherit eternal life. Sanctifying grace is indeed the very life of God given to us through Christ in the sacraments.

As a school community of parents and teachers, we strengthen the virtue of our children when we keep them close to the seven sacraments of the Church. Christ works through the sacraments to give us grace. Grace strengthens our virtue. Our virtue guides us to right action and ultimate fulfillment with Christ in eternity. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

This Sunday take a few moments with your children and examine Saint Joseph's Church's beautiful stained glass windows representing the seven sacraments. Use them to start a conversation about grace and virtue. It is how you build tomorrow's leaders today.

Our Catholic Identity

2009-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

It might seem obvious that a school named Saint Joseph's would have a Catholic identity, but what does that term really mean? For some it might be as simple as a crucifix in the classroom or the fact that the school sits on the grounds of a Catholic parish. Those assumptions can be misleading, steering a school community away from the daily examination of its Catholic conscience and identity.

Our Catholic identity comes in part from our daily actions. These include beginning and ending the day with prayer, learning about an inspiring saint every day, attending daily mass with classmates, following the liturgical cycle, learning religious music for Mass, food drives for the hungry, student-led prayer services, learning to pray the rosary, preparing for Advent and a host of other activities and devotions.

Catholic identity also comes from following the old business adage about beginning with the end in mind. Ultimately, the purpose of a Catholic education is to prepare students to be saints one day. Everything they learn and experience should be applicable to becoming a holy person in life, marriage, parenthood, vocation and service to the Church and our fellow humans. When fueled by an education that enriches Catholic identity, our students approach each stage of life with practices and perspectives that benefit their own souls as well as the lives and souls of those they encounter. This is an awesome responsibility. Catholic education exists not only to provide excellent academic skills, but also to offer a faith formation that will change the world in the name of Christ.

According to Archbishop Donald Wuerl, "The future of Catholic education is intimately tied to our ability to manifest clearly our identity, the uniqueness of our message and its life-giving quality. All who are a part of this effort are profoundly aware that wherever we teach, catechize, instruct or form, we must do so with the explicit realization that ours is intrinsically an invitation to encounter the living Lord and to do so within his church."

Welcome to Saint Joseph's School!

2009-11-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular opinion, Catholic education is alive and well. Despite some declining enrollment numbers and financial woes, Catholic education continues to shape human history and produce tomorrow's moral leaders who will guide our civilization ever closer to God's Kingdom. Thus it has been for two millennia. Thus it will ever be.

At Saint Joseph's School in Kennewick, Washington we take a positive view of the future. Our slogan, "Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today," is an affirmation of our belief in the triumphant nature of the Catholic Church. The rise of Catholic education is concurrent with the rise of Western Civilization. Our job is to produce Catholic scholars who bring their faith and virtue into every profession and vocation, making the world a better place for all who want to live in peace and prosperity.

Defeatism has no place here. Whining about the sorry state of human affairs, be they political, economic, medical, moral or religious will not be tolerated. If we don't like a situation it is our duty to educate and inspire the future leaders who will improve that situation. We want them to bring a strong and vigorous faith, with no apologies as they take up the fight against darkness and evil.

This may sound like bold talk for a little Catholic school, but it is little schools like ours and a thousand others that influence the future of our faith and our culture. So join us today as we celebrate the glory of Catholic education and create the history of our faith's third millennium.