December 12, 2022

Dear St. Raphael School Families and Friends, 

Our week has begun with “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin.  We again light the candles of hopeand love. This week we add the pink candle of joy.  The spirit of joy that begins this week comes from the words of Saint Paul, “The Lord is near.”  Prophecy has been fulfilled and the long-awaited Messiah has come.  Joy is the mood of all earnest seekers.  As the feast of Christmas draws closer, we are reminded that the Lord is with us even now.  Jesus came to give sight to the blind and life to the dead.  Christ's reign is among us through our deed of love and generosity.  Let us not grow weary, but steady our hearts and rejoice, for the Lord is close at hand!  We shall rejoice! 

Last week, we honored Our Blessed Mother with a Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Monsignor Jon reminded everyone that Mary is a model of strength, charity, and love for all.  Oh Mary, help us!  

Our annual school Christmas program is on Thursday, December 15^th at 1:30 pm on the school field. You will want to mark your calendars for this beautiful celebration. The title of this year’s show is “Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior!”  Get ready for one-of-a-kind songs that will keep you singing for days!  Please bring your lawn chairs so you can sit back and enjoy the show!

Christmas vacation begins at noon on Friday! Wishing you the most blessed Advent and Christmas season.  I hope and pray that the true meaning of Christmas remains alive in all of us…Jesus is the reason for the season!

School resumes on January 3^rd.  Have a blessed Christmas vacation and remember that the Christmas season continues until January with the Baptism of our Lord.

Important Dates:

December 12: Jeans for Jesus

December 15: Christmas Program at 1:30 pm

December 16: Noon Dismissal for Christmas Vacation

January 3:  School Resumes

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

Christmas Prayer for Present Opening Time:
Lord Jesus, Wise men traveled for miles to bring You the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank You for the amazing love You have for each of us, and we thank You for the many gifts that You give us. Amen