March/April

2/24/2020

Lent: The season of Lent has begun with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, and it is important for us all to remember that St. Francis exists because of our faith. We cannot lose sight of the reasons why we exist, and we must do the things necessary for our faith to endure. We acknowledge the importance of education in our lives; do we also recognize the importance of our faith? The season of Lent provides us the opportunity to reflect on our lives, and if necessary, to change. May I suggest we use this penitential season to reflect on our faith commitment and choose to do something positive to strengthen our relationship with God.

Catholic Charities: We pride ourselves as a Franciscan school, which provides a holistic education, in forming the spirit as well as the intellect. We want to foster life long learning and an understanding of the Franciscan values of life. Over the years, St. Francis High School has always been a leader in the Catholic Charities Drive. As president of this institution, I am so very proud of the continued generosity of our young men. They receive nothing for doing this except the knowledge that they have helped out someone who is less fortunate than themselves. The collections are completely voluntary and will take place during this season of Lent. We ask our young men to donate the money they would spend on pop, snacks, candy bars or playing a game in the Campus Store to the collection for Catholic Charities. Please help the Alverna peer ministry group in their efforts to support this appeal.

Justinian XXXIX: Plans for the Dinner-Auction on Saturday, May 9^th are well under way with the auction just two months away. I would like to thank everyone who has done so much to help this fund raiser continue to be successful. Thanks to everyone who has donated a gift or cash. There are still a few gift gathering parties scheduled. If you are planning to attend a party, items are still needed for Leisure Sports and Entertainment, Liquor and Restaurant Gift Certificates, as well as Super Silent. Check out our Amazon wedding gift list for ideas. If you were not able to attend a gift gathering party, you may still donate a gift by dropping it off to Kate Taggart in the IA office. Thanks also to those working on the various committees, those who have hosted parties, and those who will host parties. Invitations have been mailed out so keep an eye on your mail and make your reservation early. Remember, the deadline for reservations is April 24^th. A tri-fold pamphlet detailing various sponsorship opportunities has been sent to you in a separate mailing. Sponsorships, cash donations and catalog advertisement opportunities are available and are explained in the pamphlet. The deadline for ad copy is March 20^th. Join us in celebration of Justinian XXXIX.

If you are not able to attend, a way that you can participate in the excitement of the night is by purchasing some Spilt Club Tickets. A special offer has been mailed to you concerning the three raffles. You do not have to be present to win. You can help the Justinian and support the school while having a great chance of winning a substantial amount of money! Spilt Club tickets can be purchased by filing out the form found in this newsletter. Thank you again for your support!

Annual Giving Appeal: There is still time if you would like to make a donation to the Annual Giving Appeal. Your support of this annual appeal is greatly appreciated and is another way we overcome the difference between the cost of educating your son and the actual cost of tuition. We are able to make up the difference with our four fundraisers: Red Raider Raffle, Daily Draw, Justinian and the Annual Giving Appeal. Thank you to the many people who support the ministry of educating the men of St. Francis.

Happy Easter: Since this newsletter covers the months of March/April. We are also preparing for Easter and spring break. Let us all rejoice in what our faith provides. The disciples find the tomb is empty and begin to understand the significance of Christ’s mission in their own life. Like so many others throughout the ages, people around the whole world will be received with great joy into the Church during the Easter Vigil. Some will be baptized into the faith, and many will be received into full communion. All of us have a story to tell about our own conversion. Our religion is a faith of constant conversion, a daily turning towards our risen Lord, growing ever closer to Him who has redeemed us. Each Sunday is a little Easter when we can renew our baptismal commitment in the very presence of the risen, living Lord. Let us all sing an “Alleluia” and be joyful for we are all called to be His followers. May God bless all during this holy season.

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