Dear parents, teachers, and friends of SSP School,

Happy Friday! This was a fun week that is about to be trumped by an even more exciting week: Catholic Schools Week 2022! See page 2 of the Notes for more details. Our students will begin the week serving as ministers at Mass on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. They will be altar servers, musicians, cantors, and lectors. I hope you join me at one of the Masses this weekend.

Just a reminder, our families are the best marketing tool we have -- we need you to help us spread the word about what a great place SSP is. Share our new video with friends and tell them why they should check us out!

Today is bittersweet. On Monday, Ms. K will return after an extended medical leave. We will be happy to have her back. We had a number of awesome people step in and sub in her absence. We are sad to say goodbye, at least for now, to Karen Roeseler, who was an extraordinary extended substitute. She stepped in and made a positive impact in the lives of the young people to which she ministered. Thank you, Ms. Roeseler!  

Yesterday, our 7th and 8th graders spent a great day at the Marianist Retreat Center. The day was hosted by Paul Masek, formerly of REAP Team fame. Person after person complimented our teachers on the quality and character of our students. That is a direct reflection on their parents, as you are the primary educators of your children. One of the mini themes of the retreat was the masks that we wear in public and the masks we place on others. This point rang home with me as I reflected on the saint of today, St. Thomas Aquinas.

St. Thomas Aquinas is one of my favorite saints. He was mislabeled in his youth as a big dumb ox by his classmates. St. Thomas was one of the most brilliant minds in the history of the Church and was given the designation of the Angelic Doctor. It is my hope that we can see the gifts, talents, and uniqueness that our Creator has showered upon us. May we also see and appreciate those gifts in one another. May we always strive to be the best versions of ourselves and may all that we do bring honor and glory to God’s holy name.

Have a great weekend and a blessed Catholic Schools Week,

Greg Sturgill