Fr. Simon's Letter - August 20, 2023

Two weeks ago, our school football team gathered on the field to begin their practices. Early last Monday, the Notre Dame High School bus pulled into our parking lot to pick up students. Ready or not, the new school year has begun. And in something we haven’t seen in a long, long time, CPS students will begin school on Monday, August 21, two days before our parish school opens its doors to welcome 570 plus students for the 84th time. Our teachers returned this past week 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. Please join me in welcoming our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Patty Collins, and new faculty members who 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 facelift to the tunnel that connects our three-building school is safe, bright and welcoming. The new play room for our Moppets program will also be available for use by our pre-school students. 

We are honored to have among our students the children and grandchildren of alumni parents and grandparents. Building upon the great legacy of Msgr. Dolan, who established our wonderful school over eighty years ago, we continue building a firm foundation for the future. While Catholic education as witnessed in previous generations has continued to change, one thing has been consistent since the time of Msgr. Dolan: the core of Queen of All Saints School continues to provide quality education centered around our faith for our children. The theme for this school year is “Together We Are Strong,” a theme that will be celebrated at the school Masses and be part of the everyday prayer, learning and other activities in the school.

Catholic education is about developing saints and scholars. By sowing the seeds of virtue and truth, our students will flourish in faith, mercy and love. Anything less cheats our school children of their God-given dignity. We have inherited our church and school that have been built through the labor, love, faith and sacrifice of generations of believers who have gone before us. Their generosity and witness made our faith, our parish and our school possible. We are honored to continue to build upon the legacy of such a firm foundation entrusted to us.

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 at Sunday Mass, and in our school and parish activities!

I invite all school parents and students to bring your backpacks for a special blessing as you begin a new school year. The blessing will take place at the 9 am and 11 am Masses on Sunday, August 27th. Please also mark your calendars for our Mass on the Field on Sunday September 17 at 11 am followed by the Oktoberfest.  

I look forward to seeing you as we come together in active participation to build our community together – for together we contribute to its growth, and together we are stronger!


Blessings!!