Dear Families,
Please take a look at the Lenten project our students and their families did at our Family Activity Night.
It is their interpretation of Pray/Alms/Fast.
Congratulations to our eighth graders who were confirmed by Bishop Monforton on Wednesday March 19th at Our Lady of Loretto who hosted our FOP Confirmation this year.
Meet Our Extended Family- St. Monica (Feast Day August 27)c. 331-387-St. Monica’s parents gave her in marriage in her hometown of Tagaste, North Africa, to a pagan, Patricius, who had a violent temper. Monica’s prayers and example finally led to her husband and mother-in-law converting to Christianity. Monica’s oldest son, Augustine, was a rebellious teenager who rejected his faith and led a sinful life. She tried all kinds of different tactics to lead Augustine back to the faith. She argued with him, she begged him, and she even refused to let him eat or sleep in her house for a time. Through all her failed attempts to turn her son away from sin, Monica continued to pray. One day while praying, she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith, so Monica stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him- –sometimes staying much closer than Augustine wanted. When he was 29, Augustine decided to teach in Rome. He set sail for Rome one night, telling his mother that he was going to say goodbye to a friend. Monica discovered his plan and followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan, so she followed him there. In Milan, Augustine became a student of St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. Monica continued her prayers for Augustine. A few years later St. Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends on Easter. Soon after, St. Monica passed away. St. Augustine became one of the Church’s greatest bishops, theologians, and teachers. He is also recognized as a doctor of the Church.
Take Time to Chat – Why do you think the tax collectors and sinners were drawn to Jesus? Why was the father so happy that the younger son returned? Why wasn’t the father angry with the younger son? Does the reaction of the older son surprise you? Why or why not? St. Monica models’ perseverance. In what way does she inspire you?
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski
Wednesday, April 2nd- Class 5:30-7pm, Reconciliation Retreat for 2nd grade students and parent