Our school is our Pride

 Last week we lost a wonderful and caring staff member, Gail Grace Golomski.  Gail was an endearing and service minded office staff who worked tirelessly for the school and parish for the last 12 years.  Although it was a profound loss, I could see the staff, students and the parish community coming together in communion and solidarity to support one another in this difficult time.  We were shocked by the unpredictability of life but learn to accept things gracefully.  No doubt, Gail “ran a good race, fought a good fight, kept her faith” and poured out her life as a libation; Now the crown of righteousness and heavenly reward awaits her; May her soul rest in eternal peace and bliss.

This week we celebrate the Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year is, Faith Academics and Service; it means, spirituality, studies and services.  The purpose of Catholic Education is “to replace the empty mind with an open one” (Forbes). I really see the open mind in our children and teachers as I step into the class rooms and interact with them.  I was delighted to see little Charlie Heck, in the Kindergarten, who learned a song from me;  “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, the Lord Lives in my heart; Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, the Lord lives in my heart; Every day, all the day, the Lord lives in my heart.” Charlie sang all day with joy and promised that he would teach the song to all of his companions in school.  One cannot achieve this purpose of creating an open mind without the collaborative efforts of parents, students and teachers. I call it the triangle of education. A committed and well understood collaboration between parents, students and teachers can bring about this great open and creative mind in the children, bringing an education potential with no limits. Our school is our pride and so we need to support the hardworking teachers and students with all our heart and spirit.  This year, we became the largest Catholic school in the diocese.  Congratulations and thanks to our school principal and staff who work with undivided attention and dedication. “ A teacher affects eternity; he/ she can never tell where his/her influence stops,”  says Henry Adams. Parents and teachers have eternal influence on the children and thus they need to support and collaborate with each other with a positive and caring attitude.  The outstanding students in our high school are indeed from Nativity. The Rhinelander School District superintendent, Dr. Roger Erdahl, told me last week that he is so proud to have Nativity kids in the high school with great discipline and top performance both in academics, sports and extracurricular activities.  Every penny we invest into education is a great asset for us and the community of Rhinelander.  Certainly, our school is our pride and we put all our heart and strength to keep it thriving. Following the footsteps of Jesus, our Master teacher,  we uphold the exciting and challenging  mission of education with great pride and joy.    

                                   Blessings of Peace and Love  ~  Fr. Tom Thakady

Sunday ~ 6:00 pm Mass Change

The 6:00 pm Sunday evening Mass will now be held on the first Sunday of each month at the St. Joseph's site.  Due to the SuperBowl on February 5,  the next 6:00 pm Mass will be held on Sunday, February 12.