November 25, 2024

Dear St. Raphael Families,

Did you know the first “Thanksgiving” meal in the United States may not have been in Plymouth, but instead in St. Augustine, Florida? Even more fascinating—it was Eucharistic! 

Historian Dr. Michael Gannon recounts the events of September 8, 1565, when Spanish settlers led by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed in what is now St. Augustine: "Their first act was to hold a Mass of thanksgiving, led by Father Francisco Lopez, to give thanks for their safe arrival. Afterward, they shared a meal with the Timucua natives—uniting cultures in gratitude to God. This was the first Thanksgiving and Eucharistic celebration in the United States."

As we prepare for our own Thanksgiving, let us remember to be thankful for our blessings, our faith, and the shared moments that unite us in Christ.

Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
 Get ready for an exciting week! The Scholastic Book Fair will be on campus from Monday, December 2, through Friday, December 6.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover new adventures through books and even find gifts for Christmas. Let’s nurture a love for reading while supporting our school. Don’t miss it!

Save the Date: Annual Christmas Program
 Mark your calendars for a heartwarming celebration! Join us on Wednesday, December 18, at 1:30 PM in the church for our annual Christmas program, “The Christmas Express.”

Our students will bring the Nativity story to life with songs, joy, and faith. It’s an event that’s sure to fill your hearts with the spirit of the season. We can’t wait to see you there!

May this Thanksgiving break be a time of gratitude, peace, and family joy for all of you. God bless! 

Important Dates:

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

December 19: Noon Dismissal for Christmas Vacation

January 6: School Resumes 

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

A Prayer for Thanksgiving:

Father, all of Creation rightly owes you thanks and praise. Your justice, love and mercy abound. We thank you this day for all that you have given us:
 For the Passion and Death of your Divine Son, we thank you Father, through the Cross, He redeemed the world.
 For the Church, we thank you Father, it is our beacon for salvation.
 For the martyrs and saints who give testimony to your Son, we thank you Father, their witness to your Son is our inheritance.
 For our loved ones and friends who have died and gone before us, we thank you Father, their love abides with us forever.
 For loving spouses, we thank you Father, together we seek you.
 For the gift of children, we thank you Father, they are your precious gifts to us and to the world.
 For the gift of our families, loved ones and good friends, we thank you Father, Through them we see the reflection of your Son.
 For jobs, our homes and all that we have, we thank you Father, give us only that which we need, as we seek Your Kingdom.
 For the bounty we are about to eat, we thank you through Christ Our Lord.
 Amen.