October 21, 2024

Dear St. Raphael Families,

As we welcome the vibrant colors of fall, we are excited to share some wonderful events and cherished traditions happening at our school in the coming weeks.

Starting this weekend and continuing for the next few weeks, you will notice a very special sight on our campus – an ofrenda on the quad. Each year, Ms. Santos and her family create this beautiful altar to help us remember and honor our loved ones who have passed. The ofrenda is a deeply meaningful symbol of Día de los Muertos, and it gives our school community a chance to pay tribute to those we hold dear, offering them what they might need on their spiritual journey. You’ll see photographs, mementos, and items that represent the lives of the departed, as well as the four elements:

• Water to quench the spirits’ thirst
• Papel picado (colorful paper banners) representing the wind
• Earth, symbolized by offerings of food, especially bread
• Fire, in the form of candles lit to guide their spirits

We warmly invite all of our families to contribute photos of their loved ones to this beautiful space. If you would like your photo returned, please make sure your name and contact information are written on the back.

Next Thursday, get ready for some Halloween fun! At 1:15 pm, we’ll gather on the quad for our Halloween Parade. We kindly ask that students avoid scary costumes or any weapon-like accessories. Students will change into their costumes after lunch and then enjoy the parade with their classmates and teachers. Following the parade, we invite you to our Fall Carnival on the school field! It's going to be a fantastic afternoon full of excitement.

On Friday, November 1, we will come together to celebrate All Saints Day with a special Mass at 10:45 am. Our 8th graders will be dressed as saints and will join our TK students in this beautiful tradition. We encourage you to join us for this meaningful Mass as we reflect on the lives of the saints and celebrate this holy day together.

Thank you for being such an important part of our St. Raphael School community! We look forward to celebrating these wonderful events with you and your family.

Wishing you a blessed week ahead!

Important Dates:

October 31: Halloween Parade at 1:15 pm

November 1: All Saints Day. School Mass at 10:45 am

November 11: No School for Veterans’ Day

November 20-22: Parent/Teacher Conferences with Noon Dismissal

November 25-29: No School for Thanksgiving Break

In Mary’s Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb, Principal 

During the next five weeks, please pray the rosary as a family. Each newsletter will contain one of the joyful mysteries.  

The Fourth Joyful Mystery – The Presentation                Spiritual Fruit:  Purity of Mind and Body

In observance of the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary take the child Jesus to be presented in the temple to God.  Although not subject to this law, Jesus submits in obedience, and in like manner, Mary, not subject to the law of purification, humbly submits herself to it.  It is currently also, that the old man Simeon beholds the Son of Man.  Simeon immediately recognizes the child as the King and Savior foretold and declares the fate of Jesus as a sign that will be contradicted.  This mystery teaches us the importance of purity in thought and deed.  It is in humility that we can see our weaknesses and failings, while we recognize our constant need of God’s mercy and grace.