A Blessed Easter Greeting

The Easter season has arrived, and we come to celebrate this greatest event in the entire world; ‘Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia!!!’ Each year, the Easter greeting remains the same, but we are not the same, so although some of these words may seem familiar, hopefully they will resonate in our hearts in a brand new way. All of us have experienced things in the past year, some of them joyous, and some of them have brought a deep sense of grief into our hearts. There have been marriages and children born, others have graduated from college and high school and some have begun new jobs or retired from careers. Then there have been harder moments; divorce, death of a loved one, losing a job, having to move or a serious illness or accident has come close to home. How similar all of this is to Holy Week.

Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the cries of ‘hosanna’, only to hear people shouting ‘Crucify him’ by Thursday night into Friday morning. Many of them later realize what they had done, and recognize the Christ at his death; and the awesome event they would come to experience on that 1st Easter morning when they saw the risen Lord in their midst. Holy week is truly a microcosm of our life, the joy and celebrations intermixed with our sufferings and failures. In all of these events in our lives, we are called to look into the empty tomb and ask: do I really believe in the empty tomb? Do I believe that Christ is risen? How does this change me; does it make a difference in my life, my choices and actions?

With this in mind, we have an invitation especially for two groups today. First, to those who are joining us for these celebrations who are not weekly Mass attendees: I would like to welcome you home, and I pray that the Lord will touch your hearts and inflame that desire for Him that is in your heart. I hope that you experience the risen Lord in the Word and in our community, and this will lead you to return each week to worship our God.

The invitation to regular worshipers is to let the risen Christ bloom ever more brightly in your hearts. Reach out to those who are here perhaps for the first time. I have found our community to be open in many ways, but I also know that we can always find ways to be more welcoming. We have so many visitors here, not only today but throughout the summer months. This is a good time to ask; are there some things I can do to make their worship more fruitful? Do I welcome strangers, or do I get upset that someone is in my pew? Allow Christ to use you as his instrument, to reach out to those who may be hurting, to those searching for Him; to be his voice, his hands.

Wherever we are right now, know that Christ is knocking. Yes, he loves us, and he will not reject anyone. But because he loves us, he will not allow us to remain where we are. He is calling you to himself, always to the next level. On this Easter day, enter into the empty tomb, see the cloths lying there and seek him who is already seeking you. May you and your loved ones have a blessed Easter season.

God bless.

Fr. Jim

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Thank you for your interest in Prairie Catholic Schools.  St. Gabriel’s campus is our elementary school, and encompasses grades Pre-K though 4th, and St. John’s campus is our middle school which entails grades 5th through 8th.  Additionally, on-site daycare is available at the St. Gabriel’s campus.
 
We know that choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. The entire staff at Prairie Catholic appreciates the fact that you are willing to consider our school, and wish you to know that this is greatly appreciated. The education of our youth is an honor and a great responsibility that we do not take lightly.

A Catholic school offers a unique environment with very special opportunities for its students to grow spiritually. Prairie Catholic is no different. Our setting allows educators to share their faith and values while educating their students, your children. We are committed to helping children grow in faith and love and to display respect and fellowship. Prairie Catholic does not discriminate based on faith and includes many non-Catholic families. These families appreciate our caring, student-centered environment that teaches children to follow Christ’s command to love one another and treat others with respect.

Prairie Catholic provides a strong academic curriculum and a safe learning environment for students to reach their greatest potential.  We support each child by recognizing his or her own talents and instilling an appreciation for the gifts of others. This atmosphere fosters a mutual respect for one another.

We encourage, and are committed to, a cooperative partnership between family and school.  We seek to work with you as parents, in helping your child become the best they can be.  We believe in the mutual relationship of school supporting family and family supporting school.

At Prairie Catholic, we are positive people – learning, loving and living our faith.  We aspire to create a place where your child is safe, happy and knows they are special.

We would love to discuss further the opportunities we can offer your child.  Please call us for a personal tour at:

(608) 326-8624  (St. Gabriel’s)
(608) 326-4400  (St. John’s)

Sincerely,

Wade Marlow

Principal, Prairie Catholic Schools

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