November 18, 2024

Dear St. Raphael Families,

Next Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a holiday that holds a special place in my heart. Thanksgiving is all about expressing gratitude. For me, it’s one of the most meaningful days to attend Mass. The word "Eucharist" actually means "thanksgiving," making Mass a powerful way to give thanks to God by joining our lives with Jesus' ultimate gift of His life.

Unlike Holy Days of Obligation, Thanksgiving Day doesn’t require us to go to Mass. Instead, it offers us the privilege to come together and say, "I love You, You are so good, and thank You!" This Thanksgiving, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on all that God has done and continues to do for us. Even in challenging times, there’s always something to be thankful for. Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

Parent/Teacher Conferences Reminder

Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please remember that all students will be dismissed at noon on these days. 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 apply. There will be no school the following week for the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you enjoy this time to relax and make memories with your loved ones!

The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!

Exciting news—the Scholastic Book Fair will be on campus from Monday, December 2, through Friday, December 6! This is a fantastic opportunity to find new books and even get a jump on your Christmas shopping. Don’ t miss out!

Save the Date: Our Annual Christmas Program

Mark your calendars for our annual Christmas program on Wednesday, December 18, at 1:30 pm in the church. Join us for "The Christmas Express!" as our students bring the story of Christmas to life. It’s sure to be an event that fills your heart with the true spirit of the season.

Important Dates:

November 20-22: Parent/Teacher Conferences with Noon Dismissal

November 25-29: No School for Thanksgiving Break

December 2-6: Scholastic Book Fair

December 9: School Mass at 10:45 am for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 16: Jeans for Jesus

December 18: Christmas Program at 1:30 pm in the Church

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

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.