Great Cloud of Witnesses

In Hebrews 12, we are reminded that we belong to a large cloud of witnesses... cheering for us as we run the race of life keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Last night, we had a visual evidence of this cloud of witnesses as family, friends, teachers, and clergy gathered to celebrate our graduating 8th graders. Thank you Father Henry and Father Frank for the Mass to ground us that this event is first and foremost about our walk of faith. Thank you Mrs. Marita and teachers for arranging the Mass celebration, servers, etc.

Then we we went down to the Social Hall for a great meal and fellowship... followed by a program. There are so many people to thank for this recognition dinner and program. We were proud of our graduates and so many family members who joined us. Thank you food servers, cooks and my faithful jr. high partner, Mrs. Marita. Thank you Mr. Masterson for reminding us what "counts"... and thank you Kourtney and Marco for your speeches. Thank you also Nikki and Niccolo for the PowerPoint and thank you Brother Tom for making it happen; this was no easy feat.

Also Brother Thinh, we wish you Godspeed as you continue to respond to God's call on your life.

Yes, the goal line for this school year is in sight. Please join us tomorrow for Mass at 9 a.m. and a reception for Mr. Eaton and Brother Tom after Mass. Students may leave early with parents; otherwise lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and dismissal is at noon. Wow... the hours are short... and God is with us through it all.

Thank you for your support to me and my students. Please pray for Mr. Eaton and his family during this time of transition... and also pray for Mr. Dan Bell as he sets his course to join us in July. May all of us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Next time that I check in I will be on summer break. Stay safe... and happy.

Wins and Losses

In these last days of this school year, we are participating in the win-loss game. We had many winning memories to celebrate with our 8th graders as they "officially" had their last day on Friday. On the other hand, there is a great sense of loss as we send them on to high school. We will hear their voices echo in our minds for weeks to come, and we will recall their contributions to their lives. Thank you 8th graders for sharing this year with me, Mrs. Marita and all others at OLL. We have faced challenges and we have faced set-backs. We also have known progress and success and been drawn closer to the God of prayer in our shared journey of faith. We have learned from each other and more about God. In the end, we can say that we belonged to the win-win family of faith. Blessings as you take on new academic and faith adventures.

This last week will include the logistics of putting away books, taking down bulletin boards, doing grades, etc. Students will be asked to help out with these tasks. Also there will be times of fun. Monday Grade 7 (8th graders are also welcome) will tour the Buvala farm, Sande farm, and end up at Hagens for a cook out. We leave school at 8:45 at be back by 3 p.m. Tuesday I will be working on the graduation program and grades.

Wednesday at 5 p.m. 8th graders should gather in the sanctuary for a class picture. Mass begins at 6 p.m. and after worship, there is a dinner and program in the social hall. The cost is $8.00 per person...please call with reservations RIGHT AWAY! Report cards are given to 8th graders this day.

Thursday will be used to clean desks, blackboards, etc. So please wear "work" clothes that day. Friday we have our final school year Mass at 9 a.m. and then a gathering in the Social Hall. Reports cards will be given out on Friday. Students may leave AFTER Mass with a parent; otherwise they are excused at Noon. Yes.... School year 2007-2008 will be history.

Parents: please send all textbooks and library books back to the school. These tools of learning are very costly to replace.

Thank you to everyone who has made this year possible. Thank you workers for the ALL the remodeling done to the junior high building. Thank you drivers, cupcake bakers, bazaar supporters, financial donors, prayer warriors. Thank you sixth graders for your good work in English and World History Thank you Father Henry, Father Frank, Brother Leonard, and Sister Margaret. Thank you Ms. Sara for faithful support to all of us. Thank you Mrs. Bietka and Mr. Bitzer. Thank you Ms. Nancy and Mr. Michael, Thank you Mr. Eaton, Brother Tom, and Brother Thinh; we will miss you. At Our Lady of the Lake we do not believe in winner and losers, but rather each student is a precious child of God. Through Jesus, we are joined together on the winning team! Our future is bright.