October 23, 2023

Dear St. Raphael School Families,

As we embrace the vibrant colors of fall, we have some exciting events and traditions to share with you in this week's newsletter.

Later this week, you will encounter a special sight on our campus - an ofrenda on the quad. Each year, Ms. Santos and her family create a beautiful space for us to remember our departed loved ones. The ofrenda is a revered symbol of Día de los Muertos, providing a temporary altar for families to honor their cherished ones and offer what they need on their spiritual journey. The ofrenda includes photographs of the departed, personal mementos, and items that signify their lives.

This sacred space also incorporates the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. Water is offered to quench the spirits' thirst, papel picado (traditional paper banners) symbolizes the wind, earth is represented by food, particularly bread, and candles are lit for light. We warmly invite our entire school community to contribute photos to the ofrenda. If you wish to have your pictures returned, kindly ensure you include your name and contact information on the back.

Next Tuesday, we have an enchanting Halloween Parade scheduled at 1:15 pm on the quad. We kindly request that you do not send your child in scary costumes or with any weapon-like accessories. Students will change into their costumes after lunch for our lively parade. We look forward to seeing you there! Following the parade, join us for a delightful Fall Carnival on the school field.

On Wednesday, November 1, we 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 share this Mass with our TK students. We invite you to join us in the church for this cherished St. Raphael School tradition.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant school community, and we look forward to celebrating these events with you!

Important Dates:
October 23: Picture Re-take/Make-up Day
October 26: Living Rosary
October 31: Halloween Parade at 1:15 pm
November 1: All Saints Day Mass at 10:45 am
November 9: End of 1^st 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
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.