St. Mary's Catholic School
Weekly Snapshot Newsletter - March 18 - 22
We pray that all of our families have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and continue to have a blessed Lenten season!
Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me - St. Patrick
Gospel Reflection, Second Sunday of Lent
Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Luke 9:33
Peter was excited, perhaps beyond any excitement he had experienced before. In fact, to say he was excited is most certainly an understatement. It may be more appropriate to say that he was overwhelmed! Why was this the case? Because he had just been given a very small glimpse of the glory and splendor of God!
This is the Transfiguration. Jesus took Peter, James and John and they went up a high mountain together. These three Apostles had no idea what was coming. Most likely while on the way they were complaining inwardly, wondering why they had to go up the mountain. But the mountain is a symbol of our upward journey to Heaven. It takes focus and drive, commitment and resolve to go there, and it’s an elevated place, a place away from the ordinary occurrences of life.
So they were on this difficult climb up the mountain and suddenly they stopped in shock and awe. They saw before their eyes Jesus changed in a glorious way, His clothing being whiter than any white they had ever seen. And Moses and Elijah, the great Law-giver and the great Prophet, were there before them conversing with Jesus.
And what was going on in Peter’s head? What was he experiencing? He was experiencing a small glimpse of the glory and splendor of God. Jesus, who up until this moment had kept His divinity veiled, lifted the veil ever so slightly. And with the lifting of that veil, His divinity shone through brighter than anything this world could ever contain. And Peter, James and John did not know what to think. But Peter cried out that he wanted to build three tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah! For within that momentary experience, he experienced the desire to remain there forever.
So why did Jesus give these Apostles this very brief experience of His glory? Because they would need that taste of His goodness for the road ahead. They would need to forever remember what their final destiny was. They would need to hold this experience close as they endured the many crosses and sufferings ahead. And they would use this experience to remind themselves that whatever they had to endure on the journey up the mountain of life is worth it. Because on the summit is a glory so great that no hardship they would have to endure would ever prove to be too big.
God wants to give that message to us through them. He wants us to ponder this experience they had and He wants us to try to enter into it so that we too can willingly press on during the journey.
Reflect, today, at the beginning of Lent, on the glory of God that makes the crosses we endure all worth it. Take advantage of this experience of Peter, James and John and try to make their experience your own. Be consoled by God’s glory and never forget that this is the ultimate promise He gives to all who press on.
Lord, may I be consoled by Your glory and splendor. May I believe in this glory and keep it ever in my mind as I press on through the hardships and challenges I face. You travel the road ahead of me and You will lead me on my journey if I only trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You! Amen!
SAINTS @ PROVINCIALS: BASKETBALL
Our Girls played hard against the higher seeded Grand Trunk and came up just short 55-51 in their opening game, but bounced back to defeat Parkland Immanuel Christian 49 - 44 before coming up short in their final game against EH Walter. They played so hard and gave it their all! We are so proud of you saints!
Our boys opened the provincials tourney with a commanding 91-60 win over JT Foster, but came up short against the #1 seeded Stirling in the next game and played admirably against Rosemary in their final game. The boys gave it their all and we are so very proud of them!!!
SAINTS @ PROVINCIALS!!! - - - ARCHERY
A great job at provincials by our St. Mary's archers!
Alexis Salsbury was 136 overall and 65 out of 713 female shooters!
Keaton Heisler was 289 overall and 167 out of 859 male shooters!
Kansas Moxness was 770 overall and 448 out of 859 male shooters!
What a great showing Saints!!!!!! We are so proud of you all!
We sent out teams off in style at our super awesome PEP RALLY led by our awesome CHEER team!
A huge CONGRATS to our Jr. Girls Basketball team on their 44-38 victory this past Tuesday against St. Andre Bessette! On to the GOLD MEDAL MATCH in Fultonvale on Tuesday! GO SAINTS!!!
Pi Day was awesome! We celebrated March 14th with free mini pies for all and raised money for Valeda House while doing it! Thanks to our Student Council for all your hard work!
Our Grade 12 Religion class has begun mentoring younger students at St. Martin's and it is going so great!
Help Support Catholic Education in Alberta!
Please consider signing the following petition in support of Catholic Education in Alberta.
Alberta is currently seeing the emergence of a vocal public school lobby advocating for one publically-funded system. That would eliminate the choice that parents have to send their children to Catholic schools.
This petition is being circulated by GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education) and Elk Island Catholic Schools fully support this initiative.
Click on the following link PACE Petition Supporting Catholic Education
Thank-you for your support
Volunteer opportunity for students!
EICS 2019-2020 School Calendar has been approved!
March Important dates / Looking ahead:
March 17th - St. Patrick's Day
March 18th - St.Patrick's Day (observed at school)
March 19th - Parent Council Meeting @6PM in School Library
March 21st - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 22nd - World Water Day
March 22 - 29th - Spring Break - School Closed
April
1 - School Resumes
3 - Early Dismissal –Staff Meeting
8 - Report Cards
10 - Parent Teacher Interviews 4:00-9:00
16 - April School Council Meeting 6:00
19 - Good Friday – No School
22 - Easter Monday – No School
Important Notice for Parents and Guardians - Safe Arrival / School Messenger
Time to update PowerSchool info - Yearly Consents and Demographic Info
Community Events
St. Martin of Tours event calendar - please click the link below to access
MHCB March Newsletter
Contact
Website: https://stmy.eics.ab.ca/
Location: St Mary's Catholic School, Vegreville, AB, Canada
Phone: (780)632-3934
Twitter: @stmarys_veg