Dear Parents/Guardians:

With last week’s symposium for enrollment management sponsored by the Archdiocese under our belt, we will be soon be kick-starting our campaign soon, so we ask for your prayers that our school will continue to grow and thrive in Christ.

To continue with The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, the Fourth Essential Mark is, “Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum.” The greatest contribution that authentic Catholic education can make to American culture is to restore to that culture the conviction that human beings can grasp the truth of things, and, in grasping that truth, can know their duties to God, themselves and their neighbors. Catholic schools conform to mandated curriculum guidelines (established by the Archdiocese), but implement their programs with an overall religious orientation aimed at fostering love for wisdom and truth, and integrating faith, culture and life. While many may adhere to the expectations of relativism, we carry on with the conviction that Truth CAN be learned.

Where in the world is Fr. Stan Fortuna? Finishing his pilgrimage to Poland and Rome, Fr. Stan returns to America to El Paso before he is off to St. Augustine, Trinidad. In a recent message on his site he stated, “As we make the transition to Rome to pray at the tomb of the great JPII, please be sure my continued prayers for you, your family, friends and all your intentions carried in my heart as well as my intention book – every step of the way. Peace and Blessings now and 4 ever in Jesus and Mary…” If you haven’t been online yet, take the time to check out his site at www.francescoproductions.com. Among other things, you will find a variety of materials and sources for inspiration.

A few reminders: St. Anthony Community Night at Wendy’s Restaurant is on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We are still in need of families to be present to greet people and thank them for their support; Wal-Mart, in cooperation with the DOC and Waste Management, is sponsoring the Recycling Challenge each Saturday during the month of November; the State of the Parish Address is on Monday, November 17, and the State of the School Address is on Thursday, December 4^th with Fr. Robert. All are welcome!

Our apologies: Taylor Knudson received the first quarter Effort Award, and we inadvertently left her name off the list. Keep up the great work Taylor! Also, we deleted Veronica Hernandez’ name by mistake on the thank you for the High Interest classes. We appreciate her help with the Pirates class!

Clara Wilterdink has sent in our Box Tops for Education and the school will be receiving a check for $606.60. Thanks to Clara for all her hard work in keeping this program going, and thank you to all of you who bring your labels in. Please keep those labels coming!

We also give thanks for the benevolence of the following people: Sarah Reed for the books she donated to our school library and Sonja Hutchison for the children’s books and games she donated to our school.

Lastly, if you are looking for ways to get involved, but time has wrapped its fingers around you, we have other opportunities waiting. We will give our school Web site a face lift, so if you or anyone you know has the talent, please give me a call. Also, the PTSO is compiling a yearbook and will begin sales soon—we can use extra hands.

God bless you and yours. May we never fear the Cross or the load with which he has blessed us.

Pax et lux,

Joseph Skerjanec