REFLECTION
“It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to a person, and a person to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for God is charity.” – St. Albert the Great
I came upon this quote by St. Albert the Great this week as Wednesday, November 15, was his feast day. It is similar to the passage found in the First Letter of John 4:8, “Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” For me this one of the most important scriptural passages as it crystalizes what matters most. It is directly taken from Jesus’ new commandment he gives in the Gospel of John that we are to “love one another.”
As a culture today, the word love is so frequently used that it does not hold much meaning anymore. The scriptures were not originally written in English as Greek was more widely used in that place and time. The Greek language has different words for love and in the passages above the word used is “agape,” which is a sacrificial love. It is the type of a love that a parent has for their child. It is the type of love that exists in battle when one sacrifices their life to save others. It is the type of love in which one gives of their material wealth to benefit others who have less.
With the passing of Remembrance Day, and the coming of the Christmas season, we would do well to reflect on charity and how we might come to build God’s kingdom here on earth by being more charitable in our words and actions.
PURDY'S CHOCOLATE
Each year the Gr. 7 Class sells chocolates through Purdy’s. One of my favorites is Peanut Butter Fingers so I will be sure to get my order in. Those wanting to give the gift of chocolate will do well to support this fundraiser. See the image below to place your order today.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Our Christmas Concert: “The Little Drummer Dude” will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
*Note: this date has been updated and is different from the one sent out in the calendar originally.
SICK POLICY
Cold and flu season is upon us and more and more students and teachers are being exposed to the numerous viruses that are traveling around. You can help stop the spread by helping your child follow good hygiene practices at home by washing their hands regularly and also by getting plenty of rest. We will not be sending home work for sick children, their priority is to recover so that the school can remain a happy and healthy place. Anything your child misses can be made up when they are well enough to do so. If your child is sick please send an absence form into the office as soon as possible. This can be done online through our school website: https://stjude.ca/absentee-note/
Thank you and stay safe and healthy!
PICTURE RETAKE DEADLINE NOV 21
Picture retakes arrived today and have been sent home with students. Please note the November 21 order deadline. Thank you!
DECEMBER AFTER SCHOOL CLUB NOTICE
Please note that the After School Club will close early due to two school events in December.
December 20, 2023–closes at 4:30pm
December 22, 2023–closes at 3:00pm
ST. JUDE PARISH MASS TIMES
St. Jude Parish Mass Times
Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm.
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Nov 24 – Pro-D day, no school
Dec 14 – Christmas Concert
Dec 20 – Staff Christmas event; After School Club to run until 4:30
Dec 21 – Learning Update Goes Home
Dec 22 – Last Day of Class before Christmas Break; After School Club runs until 3pm
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