From Steve Hammond, Principal

Chapel Reflection

January 31, 2007

Stars

There are stars in the sky.  Bright stars. Faint stars. Blue Stars.  Red Stars. White Stars. Big stars. Small stars. Young stars. Old stars.  Then, there are clusters of stars that are so far away that they look like a single star in the night sky.  And then, there are even whole galaxies, composed of billions of stars, that are so far away that they look like a single star.  A single, small dot to our eyes that in actuality is millions of light years across!

 

The community that we have formed at our school is much like the night sky…made up of stars…..all beautiful and all having their special place.

 

During Catholic Schools Week, we recognize these wonderful stars.  On Sunday, several of Saint Patrick Catholic School students kicked off Catholic Schools Week by giving speeches at their church.  I would like for all those who gave speeches to stand and be recognized.

 

Also on Sunday, our music director and virtuoso pianist, Mr. Chris Kypros gave the community a most remarkable concert on Sunday of music from Bach, Prokovief, Beethoven and Chopin. On Monday, we recognized the school dining staff, and janitorial staff. They are important stars in our sky. Yesterday, you, the students, recognized your parents through lovely essays, recognizing your love of this school and thanking them for sending you to Saint Patrick. 

 

Today, we take the time to recognize the Board of Directors at STPCS. The creators.  They are the stars from which all the other stars here were born.  They had an idea that there could be a Catholic school on the west side of Norfolk. They stuck to the idea, worked so hard. You don’t how hard.  They probably didn’t know just how much work there is …. in starting a school. But they never gave up.  They stayed the course.  Stepping up to the table when and where needed. Never waivered. And when they were called by Jesus, just like in the Gospel today, they said “Yes” Lord.  Their commitment to you, to the Church, to Jesus is radiant and that is why we enjoy it so much when they are here. On top of it, they are fun.

 

Let us recognize them:  Chair: Mr. Chuck McPhillips, Mr. Art Prince, Mr. Donny Price, Mr. Bill Hagan, Mr. Ed Power.

 

A school is only as good as the people who work in it.  And we have a school filled with shining stars and constellations who through their intelligence, heart, understanding, sense of service and love…make this school shine with the love of Christ.

 

They are our teachers and staff.  I would ask all teachers and staff come to the front. It is through the work of their holy hands, that you can get an education…..an education that focuses on every aspect of your self.

 

The Staff: You are not always able to see their hands at work. But, oh, how those hand work doing the many things that make up a school:  admitting students, talking to parents, proclaiming what the school is about, making the facility safe and beautiful, raising money to keep tuition affordable, getting mailings out, setting up for masses and chapels, paying bills and conducting business, solving problems, communicating well, counseling.  All these things and more that have to be done well in order for the primary function of a school to take place.  For these lovely stars:  we are grateful.

 

Our Primary Function:  The highest calling.  To be a teacher.  To touch the lives of students and change lives forever because of their care and intelligence. To touch the future.  To challenge when called for.  To hold when needed. To shine as a model.  The hands of a teacher mold and polish with the care of the greatest artisan.  Because they have the greatest subjects to work with:  Human Life. Students. You. These lovely stars are intent upon helping you reach your highest destiny. They are your TEACHERS. 

 

Blessings of the Hands:

 

Finally, we would be remiss, if we did not recognize a great man and saint whose feast day it is today.  He was a great educator.  You do not know this, but his influence is palpable here.  He walks these halls just as if he were alive. His name is John Bosco.

 

“John Bosco’s theory of education could well be used in today’s schools. It was a preventive system, rejecting corporal punishment and placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play.”

“John was ordained to the priesthood in 1841. His service to young people started when he met a poor orphan and instructed him in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices and taught them catechism.”

“After serving as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, John opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy and powerful patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, shoemaking and tailoring.”

“By 1856, the institution had grown to 150 boys and had added a printing press for publication of religious and catechetical pamphlets. His interest in vocational education and publishing justify him as patron of young apprentices and Catholic publishers.”

“John’s preaching fame spread and by 1850 he had trained his own helpers because of difficulties in retaining young priests. In 1854 he and his followers informally banded together under Francis de Sales.”

“With Pope Pius IX’s encouragement, John gathered 17 men and founded the Salesians in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls.”

Comment:

“John Bosco educated the whole person—body and soul united. He believed that Christ’s love and our faith in that love should pervade everything we do—work, study, play. For John Bosco, being a Christian was a full-time effort, not a once-a-week, Mass-on-Sunday experience. It is searching and finding God and Jesus in everything we do, letting their love lead us. Yet, John realized the importance of job-training and the self-worth and pride that comes with talent and ability so he trained his students in the trade crafts, too.”

Sound familiar? 

John Bosco is a star as well.  Although he died many years ago but his light still shines. He is like the light of some stars we see in the sky.  Although we see the light, some stars have long since exploded … gone super nova.  But there light is still streaming towards us and on us, inspiring us, bathing us in its beauty.

 

John Bosco is this type of star. And shall ever be.