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November 6, 2023
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Dear St. Raphael School Families,
As we approach November 11th, a day dedicated to honoring our Veterans, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. We are truly blessed to live in such a wonderful country. Let us set aside some time to offer our prayers and gratitude for our Veterans and the courageous individuals who continue to fight for our freedom. God Bless America!
November has arrived, bringing with it thoughts of family gatherings, travel plans, turkey stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It's a time when we also come together to remember and give thanks. November begins with All Saints’ Day on November 1st, a day dedicated to the saints of the Church who have reached heaven. On November 2nd, we observe All Souls’ Day, a time to remember and pray for those who have departed and not yet reached heaven. Our Catholic faith teaches us to cherish the memory of our loved ones and to connect with their souls through prayer, especially during Mass. We are reminded that life is transformed, not ended. Our prayers for the departed seek God's mercy and the eternal peace of our loved ones as they await the resurrection. Saint Padre Pio wisely said, “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!”
In this month of remembrance, we also celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, providing opportunities to reflect on family, our ancestors, the founding of our nation, and God's wisdom. As we navigate through November, let us all strive to be kind, thoughtful, genuine, and above all, THANKFUL!
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. However, let us not forget to make time for the little things with our families. Amid the busy weeks ahead, I encourage you to take moments to simply "be" with your children. Time is a precious gift that we can never retrieve once it's gone, and it means more to children than we often realize.
A friendly reminder that Parent/Teacher conferences will commence next Wednesday. All students will be dismissed at noon on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week. Students not picked up by 12:15 pm will be sent to After School Care, and a drop-in fee will be applied. There will be no school the following week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you enjoy this time with your family, as we all have much to be thankful for.
Thank you for being a part of the St. Raphael School community. We look forward to the many moments of gratitude and togetherness this month brings.
Important Dates:
November 9: End of 1st Trimester
November 10: No School for Veterans Day
November 15-17: Noon Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Vacation
In Mary's Love,
Ms. Michelle Limb
Principal, St. Raphael School
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.