“Standing by the cross of Jesus was His mother.”
— John 19:25
As we continue through the beautiful month dedicated to Our Blessed Mother Mary, we are reminded of the deep and faithful love she had for her Son, Jesus Christ. Mary teaches us how precious every child is in the eyes of God. The love of a mother, the protection of a family, and the care we show for children are sacred gifts entrusted to us by the Lord.
Children are truly blessings from Heaven. They are full of innocence, hope, joy, and possibility. As a Catholic community, we are called to guide them, protect them, inspire them, and help them grow in faith, wisdom, kindness, and courage. Every word of encouragement, every prayer, every act of love, and every example of faith helps shape the hearts of these young souls entrusted to us.
We are also excited to remind everyone about our Soil Sale Fundraiser taking place on May 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the school. We have beautiful top grade organic soil available, and all proceeds will support our Industrial Education Program. It is a wonderful opportunity to prepare your gardens for spring while supporting hands on learning opportunities for our students.
What has been especially inspiring is watching the excitement and enthusiasm of our students as they come into the office asking for more raffle tickets to sell. Their energy, school spirit, and determination have been absolutely contagious. It has become a fun and friendly challenge throughout the school community.
Students who sell the most raffle tickets will have the opportunity to win cash prizes and Amazon gift cards. The class that sells the most tickets will celebrate with a pizza party together. In addition, every booklet sold enters that student’s name into a special draw to win an official Saint John Paul II Academy hoodie.
Most exciting of all, one blessed winner will take home an incredible electric bike valued at $1100. Congratulations in advance to whoever wins this amazing prize.
It has been truly beautiful to see our students working together, encouraging one another, and supporting the mission of our school with such joy and enthusiasm. Moments like this remind us that when a community comes together with faith, generosity, and teamwork, wonderful things happen.
Please also see the attached information created by Heather Dagenais regarding an exciting opportunity for our parish community.
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR YOUNG ADULT MISSIONARIES
Our parish is welcoming a NET Team for an entire year. NET is a group of young adult missionaries who connect with teens and preteens through parish ministry to help them encounter Christ and embrace discipleship.
They are currently looking for host families willing to open their homes for brief stays. Hosts provide simple accommodations such as a bed, couch, or floor space, access to a bathroom, and meals. The missionaries are respectful, low maintenance, provide their own transportation, and are usually placed in same gender pairs. All team members have completed extensive training and record checks.
This is a beautiful opportunity not only to support youth ministry, but also to allow children and young people to witness faithful, joyful, and inspiring Catholic role models living out their faith with love and authenticity. This invitation is not only for families with children. We are hoping many parishioners throughout our community will prayerfully consider hosting these dedicated young missionaries. It promises to be a meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
INFORMATION NIGHT
Wednesday, May 13
7:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Church
We also had our Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee meeting yesterday, and it was an incredibly positive and productive conversation. Several additional safeguards are being implemented throughout the Academy, including additional locks, more fire extinguishers in the science labs, strengthened safety procedures, and enhanced supports for emergency drills and protocols.
We are very grateful to everyone who attended and contributed so thoughtfully to the discussion. The purpose of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee is deeply important. It exists to protect and safeguard our students, teachers, staff, employees, volunteers, and tradespeople within our school community. Safety, dignity, and care for every person must always remain a priority.
“The prudent see danger and take refuge.”
— Proverbs 22:3
As Christians, we are called to care for one another with wisdom, responsibility, and love. Creating a safe environment is not only a professional obligation, but also part of our Christian duty to protect human life and support the well-being of every member of our community.
Tonight is also the Prayer Leadership Dinner featuring Christian singer and songwriter Matt Maher. His music has touched the hearts of millions around the world through songs filled with worship, hope, healing, and faith in Jesus Christ. His ministry continues to inspire people to draw closer to God through prayer and music.
The 2 day conference is focused on mental health, healing, faith, and the importance of Sanctuary. Sanctuary reminds us that the Church must always be a place of welcome, compassion, understanding, healing, and hope for those who are struggling. Mental health is an important conversation within our Catholic faith because every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves love, dignity, support, and care.
Bryana Russell will be speaking tomorrow, and we look forward to hearing her message and witness of faith. Opportunities like this remind us that our faith is not only something we believe, but something we live each day through compassion, prayer, mercy, and service to others.
Please also note that today Malou is out of the office attending the Benefits Conference with the Archdiocese of Vancouver. If you require assistance, please email her directly and she will respond as soon as possible.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14
May Our Lord continue to bless and guide each of you, and may Our Blessed Mother Mary wrap every family, every child, and our entire community in her loving mantle of protection and peace.
Wishing everyone a beautiful and blessed Thursday.
