75 Years of Catholic Education! 75 Years! I cannot believe that school is starting this week! A big shoutout to the maintenance staff who helped to get everything ready and in good shape for the new year. The floors are waxed and rooms are ready for a new year. And, if you take a look out at the playground, they even painted the fence and the playground equipment. It looks great! Thank you!
It is also hard to believe that September 5 marks the 75th anniversary of the first day of school here at St. Francis! Praise God for all the years that our youth have come here to learn and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
As we look back at 75 years of Catholic education, I look forward with great hope to the next 75 years! As our brothers and sisters in Christ poured their hearts and souls into making St. Francis de Sales into what it is today, how can we do the same so that in 75 years, the generations that come after us may have an awesome place to learn and grow and fall ever more deeply in love with Jesus? To help us celebrate these 75 years, Bishop Woost will come celebrate the 9:00 a.m. School Mass on September 19.
Just a few weeks ago, we initiated a feasibility study with the help of the Diocese of Cleveland and Partners in Mission to help us figure out what is needed for the future of Catholic education here in southern Summit County—especially within our cluster parishes. They will study demographics and trends in our area to help us decide what needs to be done to make the future a successful one. The study will conclude in November. I will keep you updated along the way.
The theme for this school year is H.O.P.E. Helping Others Pray Every day. The hope is that every month, we will introduce a saint to the school children and teach them a way of prayer associated with the saint. As I teach them a different way to pray, they can take that home to their family and friends and Help Others Pray Every day!
God bless you all!
Fr. Jeremy
PS Mark your calendars for the Parish Festival on September 13. Fr. Bline will be there to preside at Mass at 4:00 p.m. It happens to be his birthday too! So, let’s celebrate!
