November 13, 2023

Dear St. Raphael School Families,

Next Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a holiday close to my heart. At its core, Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to giving thanks and gratitude. Personally, it's one of my favorite days to attend Mass. The word "Eucharist" itself translates to thanksgiving, making Mass the ultimate expression of gratitude to God as it unites the gift of our lives with Jesus' gift of His life. Unlike Holy Days of Obligation, Thanksgiving Day is not a day when you must go to Mass; it's a day when we have the privilege of going to Mass. Many times, we approach God with requests, saying, "I need this, I want that, please help me." Thanksgiving Day allows us to come before Him and say, "I love You, You are so good, and, of course, thank You!" I encourage you to set aside a moment to express gratitude to God for all that He has done and continues to do for us. Even in challenging times, there is much to be thankful for. Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

A gentle reminder that Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. During these days, all students will be dismissed at noon. If your child is not picked up by 12:15 pm, they will be sent to After School Care, and a drop-in fee will be applied. Please note that there will be no school the following week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you take this time to enjoy the holiday season with your family, as we all have much to be thankful for.

Exciting news! The Scholastic Book Fair will be on campus from Monday, November 27, through Friday, December 1. This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on fantastic books and even make a head start on your Christmas shopping. Don't miss it!

Mark your calendars for our annual Christmas program, taking place on Wednesday, December 20, at 1:30 pm in the church. Join us for an enchanting event as our entire student body participates in "Special Delivery: Wrapped in the Father's Love!" It's sure to fill your heart with the true spirit of Christmas.

Thank you for being part of the St. Raphael School community. We look forward to celebrating this season of gratitude and giving.
Important Dates:
November 15-17: Noon Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Vacation
November 27 – December 1: Scholastic Book Fair
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass at 10:45 am
December 11: Jeans for Jesus
December 20: Christmas Program at 1:30 pm in the Church
In Mary's Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb
Principal, St. Raphael School
A Prayer for Thanksgiving:
Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.

Thank You for all the graces and blessing You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage, our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.