Dear Parents and Friends of OLMC School,

It's another great day to be at a Catholic school. Pope Francis I was designated Time Magazine's "Person of the Year," declaring him the most influential global newsmaker of the past 12 months. I doubt that such a title will go to the Pope's head, but whether you are Time Magazine, a faithful Catholic, or an unbeliever, we can probably all agree that the Pope has earned this title. From his simple celebration of the daily Mass to his asking of the world: "Who is responsible for the refugees dying on European coasts?" he has caught the attention of religious and non-religious parties, and this is because Jesus Christ has something to say to everyone.   In the Pope's recent Apostolic Exhortation "Joy of the Gospel" he addresses the burdensome bureaucracy of institutions which obstructs its very purpose, including even the Church, and he has every appearance of just getting started. I think we have changes ahead that will once again allow the power of the gospel and the grace of Jesus Christ to penetrate into our world and transform hearts and cultures.

The School is hosting a toy drive beginning December 12th through next Thursday. If you have new toys or games, teen clothing, etc that can be donated in preparation for this Christmas season, please send them into the school between now and next Thursday.   Our National Junior Honor Society will be overseeing this project for us. Thank you for your generosity.

Please save your old shoes! Beginning in the New Year we will be collecting used shoes, outgrown shoes, and otherwise unwanted shoes, in a shoe drive. Kelly Company will pick up the shoes in exchange for $2/pair. The shoes benefit the poor and/or are recycled for other uses. The School has long wanted to purchase a logo mat for the front lobby area and will use the funds from the shoe drive to do so. Thanks for thinking of us as you clean out the bottom of your and your children's closets.