The Academy of Saint Matthias
Bridges
Issue #19 2016
Upcoming Events
Sunday, January 31 -- Open House for Prospective Students/Families (1-3 pm)
Tuesday, February 2 -- Mass at 9:30 (Sunday Best for Students/Uniforms)
Wednesday, February 3 -- Open House for Prospective Students/Families (9-11 am)
Thursday, February 4 -- Academic Expo (6-8 pm)
Friday, February 5 -- Half Day, No ESP
State of the School from Father Jordan
January 21, 2016
Dear Parents of Students at St. Matthias School,
As you know, I promised that I would send you a letter about the future of our grammar school by the end of January. We are aware that Catholic grammar schools are one of the unfortunate victims of changing social norms or value. Also, the number of children in the average family is reduced from years past. I am a product of the large “Catholic family.” Each year, throughout the United States, more Catholic schools are forced to close their doors to the dismay of many parents and even students. So, it should not have surprised any concerned parent that reduced enrollment and the unsustainable subsidy threatened the continuation of St. Matthias School.
Let me thank parents, faculty members, staff, and Principal who have worked in many different ways to assist me in making a decision about the future of the Parish grammar school. I know you love the school and the programs that prepare your children so very well for entry into high school. Many have spoken about how important St. Matthias has been for the formation of your children. I hear earnest pleas to do whatever I can to help parents prevent the death knell from ringing for our school.
Speaking with members of the parish staff, the Parish Financial Council and the Parish Pastoral Council as well as with a number of faculty members and the Principal and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese, and spending quite a few hours with the Lord, I have made a decision concerning our school.
St. Matthias School will continue! In making the decision to move forward, it is my intention to assist the school administration create new and exciting avenues for parents and students to assist the Principal and faculty in becoming much more than we have been. I know you are relieved and happy. But you must know that my decision will need your strong and active support to succeed.
As you know I promised my Archbishop, Cardinal Wuerl, that I would continue to assist the parish and school, giving up the opportunity to return to retirement. I mention this not to seek any adulation, but more importantly, to let you know that you are a part of that promise. Your help and support is essential for us to succeed. After experiencing the efforts of many to give me reasons to continue the education of your child(ren)
at St. Matthias, I believe that your commitments serve as a promise to me that you are “ready and willing” to “walk the talk” and not to merely “talk the talk.”
While many students are being raised in the values and traditions of other faiths, my hope is that each of us, regardless of our religious persuasion, needs to be a part of St. Matthias Parish by our participation in our school. That does not mean that I want you to become Roman Catholics. Rather what it does mean is this: I would hope that in the years ahead we could initiate with your help specific religious events of prayer during the academic year. If we can reduce the division between the parish and the school and create the St. Matthias Community, I do believe graces will come to our mission in abundance. Gathered together in prayer on occasion, sharing meals together, we can become a community that is truly alive. If you and I, along with the school administrators, can create a new and powerful spirit, we will see the seats occupied by children who will always remember St. Matthias School.
My letter is lengthy. However, this is the only way that I can share with you all the components of the conviction that fills my heart as I look forward to a school that is afire with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
And now, my sisters and brothers, let us make a resolution to pray for the success of our school and new community joined together with a common mission, a “family” goal. May Jesus Christ, our Savior, teach us how we can together overcome any challenge. May we not forget we have a special intercessor for all of us in this family: St. Matthias, intercede for all of us.
Faithfully yours,
Reverend Milton E. Jordan
Pastor
Report Card Release Date
Catholic Schools Week Schedule
Catholic Schools Week runs from January 31- February 5
Sunday- Open House for prospective students/families 1-3pm
Monday -- Penny Wars begins. Bring in change and the pair of classes with the most coins wins a dress-down day!
Tuesday -- Mass at 9:30 am- families encouraged to attend- dress is "Sunday Best" for Students or Uniform.
Community Lunch
Wednesday -- Open House for prospective students/families - 9-11 am
Thursday -- Student Appreciation Day, HSA sponsored lunch, Academic expo 6-8 pm
Friday -- Teacher Appreciation Day- half day, no ESP, Penny Wars ends.
Teacher Appreciation Day
Don't Delay Re-Enrollment Fee Increases February 1
Skating Fundraiser Rescheduled
ACE Marathon
Over 40 teachers and supporters from across the US will be coming to DC in March to run the Rock and Roll Marathon in support of Saint Matthias. This awesome opportunity is thanks to 4th grade teacher, Ms. Surat, who is a part of the Alliance for Catholic Education program. To learn more about ACE go to ace.nd.edu and to check out our fundraising (or to donate!) go to https://www.crowdrise.com/acerocknrolldcmarath Runners are welcome to join us in running the 5K, half and full marathon! Contact Ms. Surat if you need more information esurat@stmatthias.org
Prospective Family Open House
Referral Discount
For every family you bring to Saint Matthias that enrolls, you are given a tuition discount of $500.
Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle
Email: agreer@stmatthias.org
Website: school.stmatthias.org
Location: 9473 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD, United States
Phone: 301-577-9412
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stmatthiasadw
Twitter: @stmatthiasadw