It helps that I knew the ending.
Sunday, 9.11.16
Dear Families,
15 years ago. I remember exactly where I was when I learned about the first plane that flew into the Trade Center in New York. It is hard to believe that none of our St. Pat's students were alive when the attack happened. I was thinking of that moment as I drove down to Portland on Saturday morning, listening to a story about 9-11. Doreen joined me for a meeting that I had, and we decided to stay overnight--to make it a short vacation stay.
After dinner, we decided to take a stroll to "walk off dinner" on what was a beautiful evening. The streets were busy, and we were people watching when we found ourselves at an old theatre that was showing the new Tom Hanks movie "Sully," a movie that I told her I wanted to see. "Perfect timing," Doreen said. "The movie starts at 7. Wanna see it?" "Perfect," I said.
As the movie began, it was evident that my memory of 9-11 and the movie's imagery of a plane crashing into downtown Manhattan were going to make for an emotional 75 minutes. It wasn't too long before a tear emerged, as the heroic story unfolded. About that time, Doreen reached with a little squeeze to hold my hand. Then she leaned in and softly said, "It helps that I knew the ending." Instantaneously, I remembered: the woman holding my hand lost her pilot-father in a plane crash when she was 11. We kept our hands together.
Most of the time we don't know how something will end, or why things happen as they do. We do things because it is our job. We do things by faith. We don't do things to be heroes, but sometimes, our efforts are heroic because we do the right thing against great odds and for the good of others. Sometimes, it is grabbing a hand and hanging on tight because the ending is never clear, but doing it together makes the difference.
Let's pray for peace and for those who show us how to live heroically.
Chris
|
 |
We are starting a new tradition at St. Patrick Catholic School.
Students will be required to wear school uniforms for picture day, September 20.
Order forms will be sent home soon.
|
Please return the Emergency Notification Form updated Certificate of Immunization Status forms to the office as soon as possible.
|
Congratulations to the Saint Pat's Choir for receiving the distinction of being invited to perform at the National Association for Music Education Conference in February 2017. They will perform in the keynote address, the biggest, most prestigious performance of the conference. We are very proud of our singers!
|
|
Back to School Night is September 22.
Parents, please join us at 6:30 in the Gym.
|
|
We offer many options for fulfilling commitment hours. Click the link below to sign-up.
|
Runners, don't forget to attend our Cross Country Clinic, Thursday, September 15th, 3:45-4:45, at the University of Puget Sound track.
|
Congratulations to Jessica S. for
First and Third place medals in the Bremerton Karate tournament last Saturday!
|
|
Save the date for St. Pat's Touchdown Tailgate, October 8. This new event combines food, football, and fun!
Proceeds will benefit the school's endowment. More information will be available soon.
|
Protecting God's Children For Adults
September 27 | 6:30 PM | School Library
This class is an opportunity to satisfy the Safe Environment class requirement for new volunteers and employees.
Learn More and Sign-Up
|
Join Cub Scout Pack 299 for a visit from the Reptile Man.
September 23 | 6:30 PM | School Gym
All school families and parishioners are invited.
Learn More
|
Alumna Molly Clavenna recently shared a witness talk at Mass regarding her call to become a missionary. Learn More |
Our Parish & School picnic is coming up on September 18. All parish and school families are encouraged to attend. Also, don't miss the blessing of catechists and students at Mass, and the Knights' Soccer Challenge after the picnic. Learn More |
Our Sacramental Preparation has begun for parish and school children. The children signed the Covenant of Faith on Sunday, September 11. Learn More |
Our Youth Group meets for the first time this school year on Sunday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Learn More
|
|
We have a need for shade plants on our grounds, especially hostas. If you have some shade plants that you are dividing for fall, keep us in mind. Plants may be delivered to the school at any time. Thank you!
|
|
We recently received the following information regarding influenza from the Pierce County Health Department.
Learn More
|
|
