Fr. Simon's Letter - August 22, 2021

This past week, some of the area high schools reopened and many of our families were dropping off their kids at college. These are bittersweet moments. Later this week, Queen of All Saints School will open its doors to welcome 600-plus students to a new school year for the 82nd time. Last year was challenging, but we are proud that we were able to provide in-person learning to 550 students. The fact that our enrollment is up is testament to parents’ faith in Catholic education and the truth that there is no good substitute for in-person learning.

Last Monday, our teachers returned to school with renewed enthusiasm and a confidence that is contagious. Our principal Mrs. Carlson worked extra hours this summer to find the best teachers available to minister to our children. The seven new faculty members are excited to be part of a school that has distinguished itself to be a ‘Blue-Ribbon School.” Our maintenance staff has worked hard to get the school ready for opening day. The improvements we made in the Lemont building, especially in the lobby, the tech room and the special resource room are already appreciated by the teachers and will be a welcome surprise to the students.

I want to thank you, parents, for entrusting your child to our care and education. I know that your child’s education and future are very important to you. The fact that you are making the sacrifice to send your child to a Catholic school is a sign that you want only the best for your child. And so do we! Please be assured that we will work very hard to provide the education that will help ensure the future you wish for your child. We will do everything we can to provide a rich, solid Catholic education but you too are a vital part of your child’s education. To support your child’s education, we look forward to your presence and participation in our school, Sunday Mass and parish activities!

As the school opens, so do many of our parish ministries and activities.  We have 40 different ministries in the parish that celebrate and live out our mission statement of being and becoming a community that is committed to Christ, sharing God’s gifts and building the Church together. At our ‘Mass on the Field’ on September 12, the Parish Pastoral Council along with the ministries will have a ‘ministry fair.’ This is an opportunity for all of us to learn and become part of the ministry and mission of the parish. I look forward to seeing you as we come together in active participation to build our community together. We are the Body of Christ and together we contribute to its growth!

Blessings!!