March 17, 2025

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
 Today we celebrate Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary and bishop who brought Christianity to Ireland. As a patron saint of Ireland, his legacy continues to inspire Catholic schools worldwide, including ours, to share the light of Christ with all we encounter.

As we continue to experience the seemingly endless rain showers sweeping through Santa Barbara, I’m reminded of the beauty that comes afterward. The skies clear, the mountains glow with fresh greenery, flowers blossom, and creeks flow with life-giving water. This transformation feels much like the Sacrament of Reconciliation — washing away what weighs us down, renewing our hearts, and preparing us to shine more brightly in God’s love.

Over the next two weeks, our students in grades 3–8 will participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while our second graders will joyfully celebrate their First Reconciliation on March 20. We are so blessed to accompany our students through this beautiful sacrament, helping them become beacons of Christ’s light for all to see.

 Important Reminder: Registration week for the 2025–2026 school year ends on Tuesday! The process will be handled through Gradelink. To secure your child's spot, please complete the application process and submit the minimum registration payment of $200 by March 17. After this date, we will offer registration opportunities to families on our waitlist. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

During this Lenten season, we invite you to join us every Friday at 1:15 pm for a moving presentation of the Stations of the Cross by our eighth graders. This experience is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth for our entire community.

 On a lighter (and tastier) note, Fridays during Lent bring a special treat to campus! Enjoy our $5 grilled cheese sandwiches or mac & cheese, with tortilla chips and homemade salsa available for $2. Lunch is served from 12:00 - 12:35 pm. Parents, you’re always welcome to join us for a grilled cheese and connect with our school community!

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the growth and spiritual development of our St. Raphael School family. May God continue to bless you this Lenten season.

Important Dates:

March 7 – 17: Registration Week

March 7: Stations of the Cross at 1:15 pm

March 14: Stations of the Cross at 1:15 pm

March 17: Jeans for Jesus

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

Prayer for Lent

O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts the spotless light of Your Divine Wisdom and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that having curbed all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You. For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever.