November 4, 2024

Dear St. Raphael Families,

November is here, bringing with it the spirit of family gatherings, travel, and warm traditions like turkey stuffing and pumpkin pie. This month offers us a special opportunity to reflect on gratitude, faith, and remembrance.

We begin with All Saints' Day on November 1, a day to honor all saints in heaven, followed closely by All Souls' Day on November 2, where we pray for those who have departed and not yet reached eternal peace. Our Catholic faith encourages us to cherish the memory of our loved ones, connecting with their souls through prayer, particularly during the Mass. We are reminded that in death, life is transformed, not ended, and our prayers seek God's mercy for those awaiting resurrection. Saint Padre Pio once shared, “The holy souls eagerly await the prayers of the faithful, which can gain indulgences for them. Their intercession is powerful. Pray unceasingly. We must empty Purgatory!” May this inspire us all to remember our departed loved ones in our prayers this month.

In addition to All Saints' and All Souls' Days, November brings two more significant observances: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Veterans Day allows us to honor those who have served our nation, while Thanksgiving provides a time for family reflection, gratitude, and recognizing God's wisdom in our lives. As we journey through this month, let us strive to be kind, thoughtful, genuine, and deeply thankful.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, let’s remember to slow down and enjoy the little moments with our families. The gift of time is one of the most meaningful things we can offer our children. Amid the busyness, I encourage you to take a few moments each day to simply “be” with them. These moments of presence and togetherness are gifts they will carry in their hearts forever.

Important Reminders:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences will begin next Wednesday, with early dismissal at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students not picked up by 12:15 pm will go to After School Care, and a drop-in fee will apply.
• Thanksgiving Break: There will be no school the following week to allow our families to spend time together and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.

Thank you for being part of the St. Raphael School community. We look forward to celebrating gratitude, kindness, and faith with all of you throughout this special month.
 

Important Dates:

November 11: No School for Veterans’ Day

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 

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, please pray this prayer of gratitude.  

Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and everyday conscious of all that has been given to us.  From The Catholic Prayer Book, compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley.