click here for full bulletin
From the Pastor’s Desk
If all had been normal in our world, schools would have been opening this week. Instead, our Catholic schools are scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 19 while public schools in the St. Johns County School District will now begin classes on Monday, August 31. Even amidst these changes there are many other differences that the new school year will have for students and school staffs alike.
Earlier this week I spoke to the teachers at Cathedral Parish School as they gathered for the first day of pre-planning. I asked them to have the “long view” in their minds and hearts in approaching this school year. No matter what, our world will eventually come to an end with having to face the day-to-day upheavals that this pandemic has unleashed. The Spanish flu epidemic held its grip for over two years. It’s important to keep in mind that this will come to an end. When we stay strong, knowing that an end will come, we can stay focused on the most important things.
Such a view is even more important for an institution that is based on the Gospel of Christ. The “long view” for our Savior is to get us to the promised gift of eternal life. That is the most important message we have as a Church to proclaim and share within our ministries. Yes, there are and will be things that challenge us. However, we can never become so focused on today’s problems that we lose sight – and possibly lose our faith and trust – in the eternal gifts God wants us to be ready for as well.
Parishes and schools, Christian families and organizations have to keep the “long view” in mind. It’s what kept Jesus going as he faced His Passion and Death. Just as He placed trust in His heavenly Father, so we must do, too.
Love,
Fr. Tom