The Patriot Report – February 28, 2020

Live Mercy. Be Holy.

Live Mercy. Be Holy. That was the theme of the Los Angeles Religious Educators Conference this past week. Some of our staff had the privilege to attend this amazing conference. With over 240 workshops offered by over 170 speakers, it is the largest gathering of Catholics for a conference in North America. The conference attracts world class speakers and this year did not disappoint. 

One speaker, Fr. Greg Boyle (founder of Homeboy Industries; the largest gang reform program in the world), spoke to the audience about the essence of the Gospel message. Fr. Boyle communicated that in his work, he understands the importance of seeing each person as divinely created and deserving of respect and love. He reminded us that Jesus never rejects anyone. Fr. Boyle instructs us that the God we have, the God who is love, breaks down barriers and welcomes everyone. We are an inclusive school because our God is inclusive. It is this spirit, of welcome and inclusion, that needs to permeate our school. 

The BC Provincial Health Officer produced a guide for schools and facilities for protecting themselves against the spread of COVID-19. I have attached the guidebook here for your reference. The school is following the guidelines set out in this document. Click here to see the document. 

Recently, members of the grade 5 class entered the 14th annual student poetry contest from Polar Expressions Publishing. We are extremely proud and pleased that several students from St Jude Elementary have been chosen to be published in a poetry book entitled, Around We Go. Congratulations to: Jaden, Emily, Jordan, Janna, Therese, Caitlin, Anita, Carson, Raenesha, Kyle, Alex, and Sara!

Congratulations Grades 1 and 4.  They will be representing St. Jude School at the Regional Speech Arts Festival on Tuesday, March 10th at St. Francis Xavier School.  

St. Jude School, with the help of El Shaddai, is in the process of purchasing new tables for school and parish events. We will therefore be selling our wooden folding tables at $25 each. These tables are heavy duty. Please email the office (office@stjude.ca) if you are interested in purchasing tables. Tables will become available for purchase once our new tables have arrived. 

Student Led Conferences will be held on Fri, March 13th.  Regular classes are not in session on this day.  Students are to be in uniform when they come to the conference.  Please click here to book your appointment time.  

Burnaby Judo Club is pleased to offer an Intro to Judo Camp during the Spring Break at St. Jude School. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. This intro camp is only offered to students in Grades 1 to 4.   Come check it out.  Early Bird Pricing in effect. 

To register, click here or visit www.trackiereg.com/2020SpringCampStJude

When is the Camp?
Camp Week 1: March 16^th to March 20^th
Camp Week 2: March 23^rd to March 27^th

All camps run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm in the school gym.

Come join Fr. John McCarthy and the parishioners of St. Jude Parish for three days of spiritual reflection, discussion, and prayer. Dates are March 2, 3, and 4. Begins with 7:00 pm Mass. All are welcome. 

Students at St. Jude School wore plaid and patterned outfits today in support of raising funds for Chalice. From its own website, Chalice explains that it is “a Catholic international aid charity focused on child, family, and community development. We work closely with lay people, religious missionaries, and local communities to provide care for the many children and families caught in the dehumanizing grip of poverty.”

This is an excellent charity worthy of our support. Thank you to all those who contributed to this most worthy charity.