October 16, 2023

Dear St. Raphael School Families,

I trust this message finds you well and filled with the joy of the autumn season. As we move forward into another exciting week, here are some important updates and reflections for you:

On October 18th, we commemorate the Feast Day of Saint Luke the Evangelist, a pivotal figure in the development of Christianity. Saint Luke's profound influence is evident through his Gospel According to Luke, one of the three Synoptic Gospels, and his authorship of The Acts of the Apostles. This New Testament book provides us with invaluable insights into the early Christian church's journey following Christ's Resurrection.

Saint Luke holds a special connection with the women in Jesus' life, particularly Mary. It is through Luke's Gospel that we encounter the beautiful stories of the Annunciation, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, including the Magnificat, the Presentation, and the poignant account of Jesus' disappearance in Jerusalem. We owe to Saint Luke the Scriptural components of the Hail Mary prayer: "Hail Mary, full of grace," spoken at the Annunciation, and "Blessed are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus," uttered by her cousin Elizabeth.

Reading the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles as a family can provide a profound opportunity for reflection and connection with Saint Luke's character, one who cherished the marginalized, advocated for inclusivity in God's kingdom, respected women, and instilled hope in God's boundless mercy for all. Let Saint Luke's teachings inspire our hearts and minds as we delve into his writings.

Our annual Halloween parade is swiftly approaching on Tuesday, October 31st. This year, our parade will be held at 1:15 pm on the school quad. To ensure comfort throughout the school day, students will have the opportunity to change into their costumes during lunchtime. Following the parade, we are excited to reintroduce the Fall Festival. Our dedicated teachers and Student Council are diligently organizing this delightful experience for our student body. Please note that we do not permit scary costumes or costumes that incorporate weapons, as we prioritize a safe and enjoyable celebration for all.

I am thrilled to share that we are making significant strides toward our Annual Fund goal of $50,000! Your generosity and support continue to inspire us. If you haven't had the chance to contribute or share our Annual Fund information with your family and friends, it's not too late. Remember, your participation percentage is instrumental in our ability to secure grants that benefit all our students. Please consider clicking here to donate and help us reach not only our financial goal but also achieve 100% participation.

Your dedication to our school community is truly appreciated, and it is through our collective efforts that we create an environment where our students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

Important Dates:
October 16: Jeans for Jesus
October 17: Progress Reports Go Home
October 19: School Mass at 10:45 am
October 23: Picture Re-Take Day
October 31: Halloween Parade at 1:15 pm

In Mary's Love,

Ms. Michelle Limb
Principal, St. Raphael School
During the next five weeks, please pray the rosary as a family. Each newsletter will contain one of the joyful mysteries.
The Third Joyful Mystery – The Nativity Spiritual Fruit: Poverty in Spirit
The time for the birth of Christ has come. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem where they find there to be no room at the inn. Mary is left to give birth to her Son in a modest and meager stable. Along with the interminable glory of Christ’s birth, Christ’s entrance into the world is marked by poverty and suffering. This mystery teaches us the virtue of poverty in spirit. Christ calls us to continual detachment from earthly things, and in so doing; we move closer to Christ and join our sufferings with His.