March 20, 2023

Dear St. Raphael School Families and Friends, 

This Sunday we celebrated the Fourth Sunday of Lent, commonly called “Laetare Sunday.” It is a day when the Church rejoices that Easter is approaching and seems to tell us, “Keep going! Lent is almost over! Jesus will rise from the dead.” This Sunday, when Catholics went to Mass, you probably noticed a change in the vestment color. It is also one of only two days in the year when the priest has the option of wearing pink, or rose, as many priests would say. “Laetare” is the Latin word for “Rejoice.” Traditionally, the Fourth Sunday of Lent was seen as a day to modestly celebrate and lessen the penances the faithful had been keeping. So, let’s take time this entire week to rejoice!

This week, all our students in grades 2 – 8 will receive God’s grace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are excited for our second graders and those other students joining them in making their First Reconciliation on Thursday afternoon at 1:15 pm in the church. Please take some time with your child this week to practice the Act of Contrition: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. This is a beautiful prayer to open our hearts for Jesus’ love and grace. 

Please join us each Friday in Lent as the 8^th graders present the Stations of the Cross for our community at 1:15 p.m. in the church. 

Every Friday during Lent, we are selling $5 grilled cheese sandwiches served with fruit. You can also purchase tortilla chips with homemade salsa for $2. Please make sure to send your child/ren to school with money for lunch. Remember you can always come for a grilled cheese and enjoy lunch with your child, too! Lunch is served from 12 - 12:35 pm.

Important Dates:

March 13 – 20: Registration Week

March 23: First Reconciliation at 1:15

March 24: Stations of the Cross at 1:15 pm

March 28: Report Cards Go Home

March 31: Stations of the Cross at 1:15 pm

April 6: Holy Thursday. Noon Dismissal

April 7 – 16: Easter Vacation 

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal