Greetings once more from the High Desert, living up to its name as temperatures rise under the cloudless blue sky.
I delayed a little in sending out this month’s letter so as to report on the annual graduation as our 8th graders left to begin their new phase of education at High School.
My strongest recollection of May 2024 will be of cakes! I think we cornered the market this year. There was a cake for First Holy Communion one Sunday, cake (two off, donated by a parent) for Graduation the following Friday, closely followed the next Sunday for Confirmations and finally on last day of school a cake for three of our teachers who leave us this year. Even my ‘sweet tooth’ could not cope but of course our students soon came to our rescue with cake after their nutritious lunches.
But first let me speak of our graduates. Our tradition is that the graduating class lead a prayer service in May during which they crown the statue of the Blessed Mother. This they did with amazing dignity in full Zuni traditional dress, it was beautifully executed.
There followed the students individually presenting their portfolios to a Panel. It was the first time I had been part of such a panel and I confess to having been mightily impressed as the students effectively presented themselves both academically and as young people. I was taken aback by their objective assessment of their own short comings and the ways in which they were seeking to improve. Each showed evidence of the effective remedies already in place. They answered questions posed by the panel and I was astounded at the thoughtful ways in which they responded. That to me speaks of the benefits of attending St. Anthony’s and the success of our faculty’s commitments to the students.
Graduation day finally came round. It was my 10th time officiating at the schools graduation Mass yet even so I was more than a little nervous. The Mass is always an act of thanksgiving for the graduates and for the faculty. The school choir, under Sr. Marsha’s direction sang beautifully. The graduates ministered at the Mass, with the readings, prayers and offertory. Always those prayers give thanks for those donors and friends who make the school possible.
At the end, Mr. Bobelu, 8th grade home room teacher, called each graduate forward and I had the honor of presenting them with their diploma and Sr. Marsha, our principal handed each a personalized copy of the Holy Bible. Our Hope and prayer is that they will make good use of Holy Scripture as they step out the comfortable and safe environment of St. Anthony’s into the big wide world.
The following week, the local high school had its graduation. We noticed with no small sense of pride that graduates of St. Anthony’s took places of honor at that ceremony and were selected to give speeches and introduce guests of honor. Our pride continued as we learned of our alumni being given entry into colleges and universities throughout New Mexico. Perhaps in a religious sense pride is not to be sought, but we have wonderful sense of satisfaction as we find our and your efforts bearing fruit for the future. May the Good Lord keep them safe.
The week following graduation was full of fun as the other grades looked forward to the summer vacation. Despite Sr. Marsha’s strict reminder that it was still learning time there was a whole load of hilarity in every classroom.
As school closed at lunch time on 24th, I made my contribution by supplying ice cream for all the students, which of course raised the excitement level even further. As the students headed home the blanket of silence descended on the campus.
Faculty too were exceptionally quiet as we gathered for a special lunch in the cafeteria. Three of our faculty are leaving us this year. Ms. Chimoni, who has been the heart of our Kindergarten for the last 14 years is finally retiring from teaching. She will be coming in during the new school year as required, but health issues are preventing her from taking up a full time position. We will miss her greatly since she has provided our students with a solid basis for learning as well as introducing them, ever so gently, into academic discipline. Sr. Ansi has been appointed to a new institution in Texas. Her departure date has yet to be fixed and so she will be with us, we hope, for the first part of the New Year. Mr. Jeremy (6th Grade, social studies and religion) will leave us to return to his home in New Jersey. They have been deeply rooted in the hearts of us all.
Summer school has started as I write. So thankfully there is life around the campus once more.
For myself and staff the next few weeks will be filled with maintenance work as we prepare for the re-opening in August. I mentioned in previous letters that I was thankful not to have needed to dig up the parking lot because of plumbing issues. My elation was short lived as a depression in the parking lot became deeper. Excavation was required to find that the asphalt had been laid on top of a now rotting tree stump!
The quadrangle in front of the classrooms has again become over grown with weed growing through the gravel. So we decided to co-operate with Mother Nature rather than fighting against her and are re-working the whole area. So lots to do over the summer “Break”. Daunting through it may be, it will be an enjoyable time which we will make fun. Graduation has shown, it’s all for the “kids” and so very worthwhile. Also, just maybe we will acquire another cake!
Thank you for making it all so wonderfully possible.
Fr. Patrick McGuire
Download May June 2024 Newsletter – PDF
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