The 2008 – 2009 school year seems to be zipping by and the second semester is jam packed with opportunities for students, staff and parents to share in the faith life of the school. We will kick off the new semester with the Blessing of the Throats on Tuesday, February 3rd 2009 for the Feast of St. Blaise. This is a great opportunity for students and staff to participate in one of the many sensory traditions of our faith. At the end of the month we begin the season of Lent with 2 liturgies on Ash Wednesday. Through out the season of lent we will focus on Fasting, Prayer and Good Deeds as three practices to help prepare us for Easter. In addition to the faith activities at the school, students and their families are encouraged to partake in the Development and Peace Share Lent Campaign. Further information on this can be found at http://www.devp.org.

All students and staff will have an opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation from March 30 to April 2. We are appreciative to the priests of our local parishes as well as the Holy Cross Fathers who assist us in our reconciliation services each semester.

April 3rd and 4th Notre Dame will partner with St. Kevin’s Parish and the St. Kevin’s family of Schools to participate in ThinkFAST. Students will fast for 26 hours while participating in activities which raise awareness of social justice issues and to raise money for Development and Peace. Please contact Mrs. Jarrett at the school to sponsor a student or for any information or questions about the Chaplaincy program at Notre Dame. Many blessings for the Semester!

Stephanie Jarrett