5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
We just competed the celebration of Catholic Schools week. This has been a challenging year for Seton Catholic School and Alleman High School. Much of the teaching has been virtual. Extra-curricular activities have been minimal. All this has been a great hardship on our school communities. Because of the pandemic, enrollment has slipped which is even more concerning.
Our teachers and administers, like all school personnel every where have had to change their teaching tactics on the fly. They have had to have great patience and they have had to portray a positive attitude to their students. I have been very impressed with their efforts.
Recently, our schools have reconvened in person instruction. This is a great blessing for the students involved. The children need the social interaction, and they need to be with their friends. We all need to pray that our students can remain in class the rest of the year.
In 1906 when Sacred Heart parish was established the first thing that Fr. Culemans did was establish a parochial school. This ministry has been the keystone of our Catholic community. Our Catholic schools have survived economic hardship and epidemics before, and they have come back stronger.
This is a moment when we are going to see how much we value our Catholic educational institutions. I would encourage everyone to support our schools by sending your children to them and by offering them your financial support.
Lastly, I would like to offer congratulations to Jane Barrett who was named principal of the year in the Peoria Diocese for the 20-21 school year. There is a wonderful article about her in the Catholic Post this week.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. During the past week Louann Goodnight, Seton Catholic Schools art teacher died after a lengthy illness. She served our school for many years. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for her grieving family.