This month we strengthen our faith by focusing on the Eucharist. The word Eucharist comes from Greek words that refer to giving thanks. Going to mass and celebrating the Eucharist together is a great way to give back to God for the blessings he has given us. As we prepare for Lent, make a special effort to attend mass more often and draw even closer to God.
Another opportunity to draw closer to God and get to know fellow community members is by joining Father Crispin for snacks and fellowship at our Saturday Socials where all are welcome. The next one is after the 5pm Mass, February 10, in the Parish Admin Building. Also, note the St. John Knights of Columbus Fat Tuesday Fish Fry on the 13th. Scroll down to the Parish news for more information.
All-School Mass for Ash Wednesday will be celebrated at 9am on Wednesday 14. Dress uniform is required. We realize this is also Valentine’s Day. We will observe Valentine’s Day on Tuesday 13, which we will combine with Mardi Gras. On that day, the intermediate department will have a bake sale to raise money for our Unbound friends. The Mardi Gras Market will open in the courtyard at 3:05pm. Everything will cost $1. Thank you for your support.
Speaking of giving thanks, let’s all thank the Parent Association and all the volunteers who helped out on Purple and Gold Day. I heard so many students express that this was the best day ever! The lunchroom was transformed; I heard a chorus of excited oohs and wows as the students entered the ‘campsite in the forest.’
Thank you, Pablo and the 8th graders for arranging a terrific spirit day! The intermediate band and the primary dancers opened the afternoon. Daniel R. played a splendid and very moving rendition of the National Anthem. And then the noise level rose as the 8th graders took on the teachers in volleyball and basketball! Fr. Crispin supported the teachers as we competed against them in the half-time tug-of-war and musical chairs!
Competition continued throughout the weekend. Congratulations Eagle Speech Team! Our students did an amazing job competing at the Seattle Prep – Middle School Speech Invitational on Saturday and made a positive impact on the judges and tournament director. Many of our students won their rounds and the following students achieved Tournament Wins! receiving a Seattle Prep tournament plaque for their accomplishment.
- Sofia O. – 3rd place, Tournament Win – Novice, Dramatic Interpretation
- Elle G. – 1st place, Tournament Win – Novice, Dramatic Interpretation
- Zoe V. & Emerson S. – 2nd place, Tournament Win – Open, Dual Interpretation
In basketball news…….this weekend saw our middle school varsity teams battling through several tough playoff games. Shout out to the 8th-grade boys for a thriller of a game against Lakeside. In this rematch of last year’s championship game, they came out victorious! The 7th grade boys team also won their game. Both teams go on to the championship on Saturday at Blanchet High School at 5:30pm. It’s time to put on your spirit gear and cheer on our teams! Let’s pack the gym – Go Eagles!
Did you see that work is beginning on the playpit? The students are already excited and very curious as the ‘remodel’ gets underway. For now, we have fenced off part of the blacktop for traffic, and we are encouraging new games as we wait patiently for the re-opening. Thank you for your support of the 2023 Fund-a-Need, and please give generously in 2024 so we can finish the project!
Happy Lunar New Year! The preschool led us in a colorful and festive Dragon Dance to usher in the year of the wood dragon, a year that has the potential to bring good fortune, action and expansion.
Wishing you a most auspicious year,
Bernadette O’Leary
