As we approach Thanksgiving, winter is wrapping us in her snowy mantel turning our pueblo in a wonderland of green trees, gleaming white leaves and of course doubled laughter from our young people. As my old bones cry out for heat, the kids want snowball fights and teach me how to make snow angels! The inherent joy of young people never ceases to amaze me. May they be blessed.
The highlight of this last month was assuredly our Native American Day. As I have mentioned, all our students embraced the preparations with gusto. Every day the drums rang out through the campus and I noticed that even during breaks the youngest were demonstrating the intricate footsteps to each other.
On the day, several hundred family members filled the school gym to watch the children dance in their ancient tradition. I was distracted from the performances by watching the pride in the faces of parents.
I believe that this year’s program was better than ever. I noticed not one mistake as each grade danced with poise and elegance. Two young brothers who are particularly adept were chosen by their fellow students to be leaders in groups well beyond their years. They took part in four dances at the end of which they were both ecstatic and exhausted.
But for me there was a particular moment of pride as one of the younger students took center stage. At eleven years old, he had been chosen as a “Zuni Prince” for this year. In full regalia, he took the microphone and addressed the assembly in fluent, faultless English and Zuni. He spoke of pride in his heritage and his school and gave thanks for the life and position that he had been given. The applause was rapturous and my pride was shared by ever member of the faculty.
Native American Day soon gave way to Halloween. For days before hand canteen conversations were all about ‘who are you going as’. Because of the weather, the parade was held in the gym. (I made sure not to be chosen as a judge, you lose a lot of friends in that role.) I realized my age when I could not recognize some of the cartoon characters that were appearing.
It was also great fun listening to the little ones describe the roles and actions of their cartoon ‘heroes’. Sr. Marsha asked me when I had time to do it as I gave out 110 bags of candy personally prepared by me the week before. I could only say that some little things are really important. Without exception every student said thank you. Even that renews a sense of pride in our kids.
On Halloween I have to go to one of the other churches for a vigil Mass for “All Saints”. Just as I was about to leave three “trick or treaters” arrived at the rectory door. I was little late in leaving but it was worth it to know that the students feel the Church is part of their ordinary community. Thankfully I still had bags on candy on hand to give before they moved on to the convent to perform their song.
On a personal note, you might guess that I enjoy talking with the students. They are generally very much at ease with me. At our all School Mass I try to interact with the student body and while maintaining a sense of reverence in our worship, try to find ways of keeping the attention of such a wide age range of students. I don’t know how I got the idea but one week I used balloons flying high demonstrating freedom in walking God’s path and life weighed down (tied to water filled balloons) with inappropriate behavior. I got the desired reaction.
This week I limited myself to questions and answers. After a 5th grader answered correctly a kindergartener stopped me and said “I was about to say that”). Honestly those moments are precious. I am sure liturgists would fault me, but our kids listen and want to learn. It’s their future.
I am aware that I am recounting the fun we have at school. Alongside that, the academic rigor continues unabated. Parent teacher conferences took place with good results. Every teacher prepared accurate and positive reports for their students plus areas for improvement. Sr. Marsha has just completed her twice yearly observations of classes and post observation conferences with teachers. (The faculty all appreciate these conferences and use them to best advantage for the ongoing teaching practice.)
I am deeply saddened to report that Sr. Marsha will be leaving us at the end of 2024. She has been recalled by her Religious Order to return to California. Being a member of a religious order I understand how difficult this is for her, but out of Obedience she will move on. The Order gave us notice of this some time ago and we have been looking around for a new principal. Sr. Marsha has been with us for over 8 years, has the respect and admiration of parents, faculty and student body and has moved our school forward in every way.
The students have learned of her departure, one 4th graders said to her, “Is it true? I am going to cry”. As I write the right person has not yet come forward. Our demands are high. We want someone, skilled in education, faithful to our catholicity, loving and respectful of Native America Culture. Please storm Heaven for us. Meanwhile Sr. Marsha and I are preparing plan B.
Hopefully you will receive this note before Thanksgiving. I also hope that my few words will indicate for how much I have to offer Thanks. I give thanks for our wonderful kids and the joy they bring. I give thanks for our dedicated faculty and staff who give of their very hearts to our students. I give thanks for you and all our friends who make the wonder of St. Anthony’s amazingly possible.
Be blessed in every way. With Thanksgiving…
Fr. Patrick McGuire
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