Christian Brothers High School • Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS MINISTRY Dear Parents and Families,
November 2015 FALL SEMESTER Christian Brothers High School Monthly Newsletter
www.cbhs-sacramento.org
be passed by or overlooked. Beyond the God-given blessings of family, friends, pets, food, shelter, modern conveniences of life, majestic sunsets, and the boundless beauty of nature, I am reminded of the countless blessings that are CB to me. So as I practice my attitude of gratitude, here are some gifts that I am thankful for, not only this November, but throughout the year. •
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At a mass in St. Peter’s Square on October 13, 2013, Pope Francis preached about the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. “If we can realize that everything is God’s gift, how happy will our hearts be! Everything is his gift. He is our strength!” As I reflect on the theme of thankfulness that abounds every November, I am challenged by our Holy Father’s words. How often do we really receive all things as God’s gift to us? Herein lies the challenge… everything is a gift, even those very things that cause us pain, struggle, or hardship. Perhaps the lesson is that our gratitude may not come as a result of“a thing”but in the experience of living with or growing through it. Perhaps we may also find a lesson in humility as our reliance on God and his faithful providence is affirmed. I know we have likely all heard the phrase “attitude of gratitude” expressed here and there. Until a few years ago, I’m not sure I fully understood the importance of such a notion. Just about 4 years ago, my husband, who was 41 at the time, had a heart attack on our return trip home from a family vacation. Needless to say, our lives were sent into a whirlwind resulting in a real realignment of our priorities as a family. In an instant, we were forced to take stock of our many blessings, a good number of which we had long been taking for granted. For the first time in my life I understood the importance of being grateful for not only the big things in life, but most certainly, the small ones as well. I had to pause to ask myself, “Why would it take a life crisis for me to become mindful?” The answer still escapes me but I can now say with confidence that an “attitude of gratitude” is something I strive for daily. This attitude of gratitude is not merely something to “put on” during the month of November when our celebration of Thanksgiving falls. I have come to learn that it is a stance or an approach to living that requires practice. A lot of practice. I will be the first to admit that when hardship or trials come my way, my immediate response is rarely one of gratitude. In fact, it often would resemble something completely the opposite. I suppose what matters is taking the time to pause, reflect and try to see the gift in whatever comes my way. This is where having an open, faithful and humble heart can help. Recognizing God’s hand and holy presence in all things helps me find reassurance in his great love and care for me. This recognition allows me to also appreciate the simple blessings that are constantly all around me, even those that can so easily
The gift of being able to work and minister at Christian Brothers in an environment where faith in the presence of God is not only valued but expressed daily! The gift of wonderfully committed colleagues who serve our school community every day and who make a significant difference in the hearts and lives of the students they serve! The gift and privilege of being able to share my daughter’s high school journey each day with her (and in thanks that she isn’t annoyed by attending the same school where her mom works)! The gift of a school like Christian Brothers where young people are both challenged and encouraged to grow emotionally, spiritually, physically, artistically, and academically, while being supported every step of the way! The gift of a bountifully diverse student body with an energy that helps keep me young! The gift of two amazing teams of students, SRLT (senior retreat leadership team) and the Student Campus Ministry Team (now officially known as “The God Squad”) whose commitment, excitement, talent, and endless creativity never cease to astound me! The unending gifts of mercy, grace, and love that I regularly experience at the hand of my Savior! The gifts of struggle and pain that lead me to a deepening of faith and a continued discovery of self! The gift of all that has been, is, and will be! Wishing you and your family a bountiful month of blessings!
-Jen Yearwood, Director of Campus Ministry
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