Our Vision
“For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:11).
People often ask me what makes a great school. Great teachers make great schools. There is a condition precedent to that last statement, however. Great Catholic schools are made when they have a strong mission (what we do and who we serve), a compelling vision (who we hope to become), core values (our fundamental beliefs), culture (the way we do things), and a distinctive charism. But what is charism? According to Dr. Tim Cook, a former professor of mine, charism is “a spiritual asset that a Catholic school community has available to help it be distinctive, achieve its educational goals, and enhance its well-being.” Often, Catholic schools draw their charism from their patron saints and we have the best!
Saint Michael the Archangel is the supreme angel. Did you know that there are three archangels named in Sacred Scripture- St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. Literally, the name Michael means “Who is like unto God.” St. Michael is the archangel called to perform mighty deeds in the name of God to demonstrate His omnipotence. St. Michael is a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church. In religious art, Saint Michael is depicted with a sword, a banner, or scales, and is often shown vanquishing Satan in the form of a dragon. As the kids would say, “He’s the bomb!”
Our little Defenders will learn to know, love, and defend their faith not only through their studies but through their interactions with their caring, loving teachers who model Christ. We will stand for and defend truth. Our teachers will protect and love them. Together, we will build an exceptional culture of learning.
St. Michael is so powerful that as Catholics we have a special prayer asking for his intercession:
Saint Michael the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan, and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
This will be our school prayer and our little Defenders will pray it every day following our offering and Pledge of Allegiance.
I hope you can join us on the campus (outside the Mother Teresa rectory) for an afternoon potluck picnic to celebrate the Feast of St. Michael on Friday, September 29.
We will start with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11 am, followed by mass at noon, and then a fun potluck picnic. Please see the QR code below to RSVP!
May the Lord richly bless you in the week ahead.
Yours in Christ,
Shana Druffner
Principal