cathedral - Weekly Memo March 12th

Weekly Memo March 12th

There’s something green in your future! If you go out next weekend, you’ll undoubtedly run into some verdant tribute to Saint Patrick which will likely involve alcohol. The real Patrick, a fifth century missionary, would frown on how off message we are.

Kidnapped from England in a raid and enslaved for five years in Ireland, Patrick survived a harrowing escape home. According to his autobiography, he began to dream that Irish voices were calling him back to save them from idolatry. Feeling inadequate to the task of becoming a missionary, Patrick committed himself to learning all the theology he could. What he lacked in learning, Patrick made up for in sheer fervor. Despite the constant threat of death and great adversity, Patrick joyfully served his former tormentors and led them to Christ.

Our tradition asks us to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year, preferably during Lent. In this time of reflection and quiet, we might hear the voices of our enemies calling us to forgive and to heal. To forgive often requires great courage and faith. We are blessed to have amazing role models of such men. Jesus forgave the cruel soldiers from his very cross! We can do nothing less.

PRAYERS REQUESTED for:

Consolation of the family of Antonio Gonzalez upon his passing; he is the father of Oscar Gonzalez ’99;
A peaceful transition for those in hospice; especially the mother of Mrs. Peevey and the mother of Mr. Haggerty;
Thanksgiving for God’s blessings on our community; especially for the success with Gates Scholars finalists;
For the Spirit’s healing of those who are ill; especially Mr. Stowe, Mr. Haggerty, Mr. Carrejo, and Tony Medrano’s mother;
Those in mourning; especially the Talamantes and Palacios families;
God’s blessings on our development efforts;
God’s continued blessings on our admissions efforts;
In thanksgiving for Sabbath rest.

KUDOS and THANKS:

Parent – Teacher Meetings went very well last Thursday and there was a steady flow of parents. We are challenged to balance instant information with I-Now with vital human contact/relationships. Thanks to everyone for a great job of being professional and caring.

Kudos to Mrs. Dunbar for providing the signs and lunch. Kudos to Mrs. Lujan and Mr. Flores for organizing the well-run event.

Gates Scholars Finalists: Congratulations again to the eleven senior scholars who were selected by the Gates Foundation: Alfredo Acuna, Mario Aragon, Jose Anaya, Carlos Contreras, Mario Federico, Paul Horcasitas, Jesus Leyva, Luis Pasaret, Luis Rodriguez, Erik Telles-Giron, and Esteban Urias.

Kudos goes to Chief Justice Barajas for mentoring this group and for Mr. Salas for assisting with editing.
We’re gearing up for a media blitz to maximize the impact on admissions and news. Please be cognizant that the public schools are on spring break and the media would want to do a comparison.

Price’s Give ‘Em Five Grant: Congratulations to Mrs. Dunbar for landing a grant from our friends at Price’s Dairies for a new stage curtain in the Gurereca Auditorium.

Welcome Home: We were pleased to host Crispin Lopez ’04 during a quick visit home to see his parents. Mr. Lopez is currently a producer/reporter for PBS News Hour out of Arlington, VA. Kudos to this outstanding grad for doing so well so soon in such a competitive field!

NEWS and INFORMATION:

CHS Spring Blood Drive will be on Tuesday, 20 March, in the Guereca Auditorium. Please encourage our students to get into the lifelong practice of donating blood.

The good news is that if you had your last tattoo professionally done in the states, you too can donate!

From Sister Elizabeth: Please forward this link to your teachers. Since we are a 501(c)3 organization under the IRS ruling our teachers meet that criteria. The link takes them to the public service loan forgiveness program. http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PSF.jsp

NPR Story Corps, an oral history project, is at Loretto Academy for the next week. Please contact Analisa Cordova ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) if you’re interested in having your story recorded for the Library of Congress.

Gates Scholars Assembly: Just as we honor our student athletes on state championship teams, we need to seize this teaching moment to positively impact our young men and to give them a clear goal.

We’ll run a mass schedule later on in the week for the assembly.
It happened rather quickly so we’re scrambling to organize something which conveys the right tone. Thanks for your patience.

Honor Roll Breakfast for third quarter will be on Friday, 16 March, from 7:15 to 8:00 AM in the MPB.

Parents of students receiving Gold or Blue Honor Roll are invited to be our guests. Thank you for pushing your son to excel!

Saint Patrick Elementary will be celebrating their patron saint on Friday, 16 March, with their annual parade. They have asked all St. Patrick’s alumni to walk in the morning parade with them.

There will be more details forthcoming.

CHS Talent Show will be Friday, 16 March, evening at 7:00 PM in the Guereca Auditorium. There are twelve acts signed up for the evening’s entertainment. It promises to be a memorable night. Please come out to support our very talented young men.