The Catholic School

At the end of January each year the Catholic Schools in the United States pause and celebrate the gift of Catholic Education, especially elementary and secondary schools.  Since the first parochial school begun by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton until our own time, Catholic Schools have been important ministries among the Catholic Community as well as the benefit they offer to our country.  The education begun at an elementary level prepares a child not only for a lifetime of learning, but the religious environment fosters a sense of awareness of other-worldly realities.  We are created in this world for a greater destiny.  This awareness helps to heighten our confidence that each person is created with a particular dignity, for a particular purpose, and to celebrate eternity with Jesus Christ.  From our first moment of conception, we begin eternal life, hopefully always moving towards God. 

Our Catholic Schools, both St. Raphael’s and St. Gabriel’s, continue this long history of ministry and rely upon your support, both spiritually and financially.  No child attending either of our schools pays the full cost to educate a child.  No child can expect to be formed in the Faith without the good example of parishioner families.  Each school relies upon the parish community to further the work of evangelization and formation. 

On January 26th, both schools will offer an “Open House” after Mass; St. Raphael begins after the 9:00 am and St. Gabriel’s after the 10:00 am Mass.  I invite you to visit your parish school and recognize the good and vital work that is fostered by our committed faculty and administrations. Now more than ever, the ministry of Catholic Education relies on the support of the entire community.  Celebrate our long history of success!

Building Bright Futures

We continue to move closer to our goal of $5.5 million and are grateful for the support of our parishioners.  This is a challenging goal for a parish our size but we remain confident because of the importance of our projects and the enhancement it will bring to our school and parish community.  Have you made a pledge yet?  Please do so soon.  We are at $4.8 million in pledges and need everyone’s participation.  Our hope is to wrap up the pledge period in the next several weeks.

Do you know an alumnus of St. Gabriel’s School?

With the wonderful help of some of our alumni, we are reaching out to graduates asking for their support for the “Building Bright Futures” campaign.  If you hear mention, please offer a supportive encouragement for participation.  If you have addresses (email and street address) of alumni, please call the parish office and we can add them to our list.