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Kevin Lovejoy, our Parish Administrator and parent of 8th grader Dan, is our guest writer for today's Blarney Stone. Kevin and his family just returned from a journey to Tanzania to visit his oldest daughter, Sarah, who is in the Peace Corps. I asked Kevin to share his reflections of their visit with Sarah and her work in one of the poorest countries in the world. peace, Chris
Dear Friends,
Thank-you Chris Gavin, for giving me the opportunity to use your weekly Blarney Stone space to share some quick reflections on our experience.
After an amazing two and half week journey to Tanzania, Africa to visit our daughter Sarah who is serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, the Lovejoy household, fresh off our 30 hour trek home from Dar Es Salaam through Dubai in the United Arabic Emirates, is still trying to figure out what day it is and whether we should be cooking breakfast or dinner.
In this world of global, instant communications, where "selfies", "instagrams" and "tweets" can bring images of the world into the very palms of our hands through our smart phones and iPads, we discovered that while these electronic images are informative, they provide but only a virtual experience of reality. There's nothing quite like the "real presence" of living in another culture halfway around the globe; feeling the heat and sweat and pulse of the jungle and crowded markets, smelling new odors and spices never smelled before, hearing the lovely Swahili language and shouts in the ports and villages, swatting at flies, sleeping in beds surrounded by mosquito nets, seeing beautiful baobab and acacia trees, wildebeests and graceful giraffes, and horse drawn plows in small village farms, and watching young girls carry buckets of water on their heads for cooking and cleaning.
Seeing, feeling, and breathing a different culture and community awakened in me a realization that this world we live in is so much bigger and broader than the busy, bountiful lives we live here in North Tacoma. I love the life I lead here in America . . . but after this experience I can't help but ponder what life would have been like if - through the "lottery of birth"- I had been born into a Tanzanian family living in a remote village.
It's a big big world out there. I'm not sure how I'll feel a few weeks from now, as I settle back into my routine, but for today, I feel far less the "center of the universe" than I did before having this incredible opportunity to travel halfway around the world to visit the beautiful people of Tanzania, and live, albeit if for a short time, the life they live.
Blessings, Kevin Lovejoy
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Upcoming Events
January 14: Intermediate Mass, 8:45 AM
January 15: Teacher In-Service, No School
January 18: MLK Jr. Day, No School
January 20: Welcome Wednesday for Prospective Families 9-11 AM
January 21: Middle School Mass
January 28: Primary Mass, 8:45 AM
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2016/17 Admissions
We have several events coming up for prospective families. Please spread the word.
If you know someone who may be interested in attending, please contact the school office at (253) 272-2297. Thank you for spreading the word about St. Patrick Catholic School!
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Kindergarten Update
This week, the kindergarten classes read the Swedish folktale Stone Soup. This is a wonderful tale of how villagers come together and each contribute something from their home to help a traveler make a soup that is "fit for a king." The kindergarten classes made their own "Stone Soup" on Friday where each student contributed one item from their home to make a delicious meal. In the morning, the students added their item to the soup pot and in the afternoon they enjoyed a feast together, complete with our very own king.
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Join the Choir
JOIN THE FUN IN THE SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR!
Open Registration for all interested 4th-8th grade students will be available from January 4-14, 2016. If you've heard the Choir and want to know more about how to join this program, Choir Information and Registration forms are available on the board outside of the music room (Rm. 101), or you can contact Mrs. Lewis via email (mlewis@saintpats.org).
The Saint Patrick Catholic School Choir is an exciting musical opportunity for all students in grades 4 through 8. In Choir, students not only have the opportunity to learn songs, but to also receive professional singing instruction, learn music theory, and receive coaching in performance, presentation, vocal health and team-building skills - all in a group setting. Choir students also experience an enhanced understanding of literature, physiology, math, liturgy, and a cultural awareness through the exposure to foreign languages and history. Our students are fully prepared to succeed in the reputable music programs at Bellarmine Prep and other area high schools.
Students interested in auditioning for the Saint Pat's Musical Theater production in the spring are highly encouraged to join choir.
The Choir rehearses four mornings each week, Monday-Thursday, from 7:30-8:25 am. No singing or musical experience is necessary to join the Saint Patrick School Choir. Students learn and perform a variety of music styles from sacred liturgical, to classic and contemporary choral, to musical theater. Choir students perform their music in public on a regular basis throughout the year, including at school masses and prayer services, assemblies, concerts, parish luncheons and community events.
Open Registration to join Choir is held twice each year: during the first two weeks of the school year in September, and again during the first two weeks upon returning to school after Christmas Break in January.
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Community Ministry
St. Patrick School ended the Christmas Season with a glorious All School Mass on January 7. Father Jerry Graham included incense and extra candlelight. The church was still decorated brightly for Christmas! Students and parishioners joined together in carols as 3rd graders read the readings and prayers of Epiphany. We are thankful for all who decorated and cleaned up, for our choir, and for all who bless our school Masses.
Ordinary Time calls us to notice how Jesus shined the light of mercy on the People of God, as in the story we will hear on Thursday, January 14 about the leper. Please join us for an Intermediate Division Mass at 8:45 AM that day.
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Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week is January 31 - February 6.
Our Catholic Schools Week Committee is busy planning fun events for the week.
What is Catholic Schools Week?
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2016 is January 31 - February 6. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service." Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.
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Box Tops
Thank you for your support of the Box Tops program. The school recently received a check from the Box Tops program in the amount of $465.40.
Please continue to support the program by bringing in your box tops!
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Jump Rope/Hoops For Heart
Jump Rope/Hoops For Heart is coming soon.
Parents, we are excited to kick-off Jump Rope/Hoops For Heart! Your student will be bringing home the information this week. This is Saint Patrick Catholic School's 20th year supporting this wonderful cause. Your student is becoming a Heart Hero by taking care of his or her own heart, spreading the message of the American Heart Association, and raising funds for lifesaving research. Thank you for supporting the American Heart Association!
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CYO
Basketball
Our teams are doing well. We have 2 or 3 more weeks to wrap up our seasons. Please get out and support our players. Here is the schedule for January 16th:
7th and 8th boys play at St. Charles:
8th boys' green play at 9:00 am vs. All Saints
8th boys' white play at 11:40 am vs. St. Charles
7th boys play at 2:30 pm vs. Visitation
7th and 8th girls play at St. Pats:
8th girls play at 10:00 vs. St. Charles 8th girls
8th girls play at 11:20 am vs. St. Pats 7th girls (this is both teams' last regular season game of the year)
4th - 6th teams play at Bellarmine in Names Gym:
6th boys play at 9:00 am vs. St. Charles blue
6th girls play at 3:30 pm vs. All Saints 5th
5th boys play at 11:15 am vs. St. Frances
5th girls play at 10:00 am vs. St. Frances 6th
4th boys play at 1:15 pm vs. Holy Rosary
4th girls play at 4:15 pm vs. St. Frances
Here are the game summaries that were received:
The 6th grade girls played a fast-paced game against St. Francis on Saturday. Breanna nailed 6 points early on, and Robyn added another 2 to the board. The Knights ramped up the defense and it was back and forth until late in the first half when high-scorer Jo put up 8 (of 12) points. Lauryn got in a couple of rebounds and a fast break to add another 6 points (of 8) to the 22-11 score at the half. The Shamrocks ran their plays and screens well, with improved rebounding toward the end aiding Jasmine (2) and Bella (2) in sealing the deal for 32 to 21 victory.
The 5th grade boys played their best game of the season against St. Charles Gold. We jumped out to a 9-4 lead early in the first half. But true to their strength of character, St. Charles roared back and had several chances to take the lead, but could not quite get it. Our boys' finished with a nice 11-4 run to end the half and put us up 20 -12. In the second half we seemed to get to almost every rebound. We kept running our plays and finding open people for the shot. We won 31-18. Matteo had 12 points. Kellen had 10 points. Peter had 4. John had 3. Liam Mc. had 2. Peter and Matteo were our leading rebounders.
Volleyball
Next week we will have sign ups in the classrooms. Please remember in Pierce County, volleyball is a coed sport. We are currently looking for coaches and assistant coaches in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Let our athletic director know if you are interested. His email is cyoatletics@stpats.org.
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Tuition Assistance
The Fulcrum Tuition Assistance deadline is January 15. We encourage all families who may be eligible to apply!
About Fulcrum:
Supporting The Future Of Catholic Schools
For more than 150 years, Catholic schools in western Washington have maintained a tradition of academic excellence and faith formation. However, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult for these schools to meet their operating costs while remaining affordable, especially in economically struggling communities. The Fulcrum Foundation's plan addresses the key financial challenges for Catholic schools today.
Mission
Established in 2002, the Fulcrum Foundation provides financial assistance to promote and support Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle primarily through tuition assistance, assistance to schools in need, and initiatives that promote academic excellence and faith formation. How We Help
In fiscal year 2011, Fulcrum distributed more than $2.9 million dollars to families, schools, and teachers in Catholic schools throughout western Washington. Our programs help to ensure that Catholic schools remain open, accessible, and excellent. For more information about Fulcrum Tuition Assistance, or to apply, click below.St. Patrick Catholic School is also offering financial aid for the 2016/17 school year as usual. We would like any family in need of assistance to please complete this application. The application for the school's tuition assistance is due on February 10. If you have any questions about this, please contact Bonnie Viafore in the school office at (253)272-2297 or bviafore@saintpats.org. Thank you!
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From the Parish
New E-Newsletter!
The parish will soon be publishing an e-newsletter, The Cornerstone. Please click below to subscribe.
Youth Group
Saint Patrick Youth group meets every other Sunday from 4-5:30 PM in the Parish Center. We have fun, great fellowship, games, food, and grow in our faith. Come every time we meet or whenever you can make it. Bring a friend and join us.
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The mission of St. Patrick Catholic School is to nurture in its students an abiding Catholic faith while pursuing academic excellence and modeling honesty, respect, and service as dynamic members of our world community.
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St. Patrick Catholic School | 1112 N G Street, Tacoma WA 98403 | 253-272-2297
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