Dear StJPII Parents,
What a wonderful day we had on campus! It was truly a blessing to welcome so many students back home. I was humbled by seeing so many of your smiling faces in carpool line this morning. Not only did Fr. Eamonn greet students as they entered the building, but he also blessed our community by celebrating a Mass of thanksgiving. Our faculty/staff were a true testament to living Saints among us. They welcomed your children and provided a loving, comforting, familiar place to reconnect with their friends. Every one of us has been effected by Hurricane Harvey and so we asked the Lord to continue to bless us with hope in the days ahead as we rebuild.
I also want to thank you for your perseverance as we adjust to getting back to school. I hope your children came home and told you how much I appreciate your family for making the effort to be here. Approximately 70% of our students were back on campus today! Each day brings new changes and new hope and I encourage you to be role models for your children and stay strong even when we are faced with hardships. Any time we are faced with challenges, it is a beautiful gift when we offer them up for those in need.
As this day comes to a close, here is my prayer for you...
"Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then. Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me, and I in Him.'" St Francis de Sales
In Him We Trust,
