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!
As we continue through our Lenten journey, I cannot help but reflect on the rain that we had last week. Even though the rain is cold, wet, and can cause us problems in Santa Barbara, it is also a sign of life to the flowers just waiting to blossom in the springtime. Furthermore, the rain washes away the dirt and grime on the sidewalks and cars. Please remember that Jesus always promises us life and has given us the gift of Reconciliation to wash away our “dirt and grime.” Monsignor Jon is making his way around the classrooms so students in grades 3-8 can go to confession. There is a Reconciliation service for all of us at St. Raphael Parish at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 8th. What a beautiful blessing!
Just a reminder that every Friday during Lent, we are selling $5 grilled cheese sandwiches served with fruit and milk, and includes a side of vegetables or a cup of soup. 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 as funds will not come out of your child’s food truck account. These lunches will help offset the cost of our overnight trips for grades 5-8. Remember you can always come for a grilled cheese sandwich, too! Lunch is served from 12 - 12:30 pm.
Important Dates:
April 9: Talent Show at 1:00 pm in the Parish Hall
April 12: Stations of the Cross at 1:15 pm
April 15: Jeans for Jesus
April 18: Holy Thursday Prayer Service at 11:00 am. Noon Dismissal
April 19-28: Easter Vacation
Station Ten: Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes | Station Eleven: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross | Station Twelve: Jesus Dies |
They divided Your garments Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be | Nailed to the cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be | Once the prophet said: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be |
Download Newsletter (Fall/Winter 2018)
