The Shepherd 9-15-23

TheST. COLUMBA SHEPHERD

FORMERLY THE FRIDAY FOCUS GUIDANCE FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

EACH WEEK THE ST. COLUMBA SHEPHERD

provides all the information you need to know and links to things that you might need to cross off your list. Stay organized by reading it every week and making sure that you add events and deadlines to your calendar!

LET'S DO IT!

MASS MOMENTS (FROM MR. CHICK)

I don’t know if you remember what it felt like to be in middle school, but for many of us, it was kind of scary, full of anxiety, and filled with a desire not to be noticed. I felt like I just wanted to survive and get through it all. For many of us, I think the idea of attending a middle school retreat full of prayer and sharing would have felt impossible. But this is where the experience for this “Mass Moment” occurred, at the middle school retreat last Friday.

Technically, this is not a “Mass Moment,” but a significant prayerful moment we shared as a community at our middle school retreat. This moment was and will continue to live as an experience of intentionally sharing love, kindness, peace, humility, and grace, truly a “God Moment.” It happened while all the 6-8 grade returned to the large group gathering after an exercise break from the catechetical instruction and small group prayer. At this point in the retreat, I was already moved by our St. Columba students’ openness and humility to share in prayer with peers. But, that is why I was so impressed and spiritually moved by what happened next.

8th-grade students began singing boldly amongst their school peers. They stood up calmly one by one, moving around the large group while gently extending a hand to a student outside their grade level, inviting them to join in singing and inviting others. Their invitation was in these lyrics written by Phillip Phillips for the song Home:

Settle down; it will all be clear. Pay no mind to those demons that fill you with fear Though the troubles might get you down If you get lost, you can always be found

Know you’re not alone we‘re gonna make this place your home.

MASS MOMENTS (CONTINUED)

LAfter the first person started singing, it was not long before all the middle school students circled around the sitting area in unity, singing and laughing. It was such an image of joy and safety during a child’s life when it can all be confusing and scary. As I watched all this happen, a colleague leaned over and said, “Only at St. Columba.” I thought about that for a long time afterward. And I came to believe that the statement is mostly true.

Undoubtedly, "only at St. Columba” rings true for the schools in this region. Having a school environment where students feel so safe, healthy, happy, and holy that they will participate and even feel compelled to share in a communal activity of vulnerability? True, this is unique to us as a school. This is who we are as a St. Columba community, including faith formation and school. But this is not only happening in the St. Columba community. This is the truth of all communities that put Christ at the center of all things, abiding in Him as He abides in us.

Let us all answer the invitation of our middle school students to be free of anxiety, worry, and fear. Let us pray to cast off ego and pride. May we intentionally and physically show up to join together in singing to the joy of God’s love, abiding in Him and one another as the body of Christ.

JOIN OUR AFTERSCHOOL K-3 STEAM ENRICHMENT PROGRAM!

We are excited to be working with the Powerhouse again this year to offer afterschool STEAM lessons at St Columba From dissecting plants to tech programming and creative circuits, STEAM lessons cover a wide range of sciences Each lesson includes core science concepts including literacy, data collection, model building, experimental design, observational skills, and many even involve fostering a “tinker” mindset.

The Fall curriculum will be exploring Environmental Science, with topics such as Wildfires, Endangered Animals, Plants, and Recycling

(CONTINUED) STEAM CLASSES

BEGIN WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH, 3:15 - 4:15PM

Grades K-3

Wednesdays from 3:15 - 4:15pm, Wed September 20 - Wed Dec 13th

Sessions are $60 per month or $15 per class (months with less than 4 classes will be prorated).

Sign-ups are offered on a monthly basis.

Click HERE to register now. Class is limited to 18 students

TEACHER/STAFF BIRTHDAY COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE

UNTIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH

As we begin a new school year, we give you the opportunity to contribute a single monetary amount to provide one impactful monetary gift to each of our teachers and staff for their birthdays this year. The suggested amount is $25 per family (or any amount you choose) This ensures that the entire staff is celebrated equally as it takes a village to run the School. Giving to the fund is completely voluntary

For the collection to be successful this year, all donations need to be made by Tuesday, September 19th.

Contribute to the Birthday Fund

FIRST PARENTS ASSOCIATION

MEETING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 5:30PM

This will be a happy hour mixer for new and returning parents. More info to come We are really looking forward to the chance to meet with you all. Please send a quick “I will attend” email to parentsassociation@stcolumbascho oldurango.org

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

FR KEVIN PROVIDES WEEKLY SCRIPTURE REFLECTION QUESTIONS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS ENRICH THEIR FAITH BY CONTEMPLATING SUNDAY READINGS.

Based on the readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

Bad things happen to us through the work of others, but the wisdom of God suggests that we let it go. But if we let it go, the other party “gets away with it”, and that offends our sense of justice. Is there a time in your life where you were wounded by an offense, but chose to forgive? How has vengeance been a solution to injustice in your life, or not?

St. Paul encourages the Church of Rome to be aware of their interconnectedness, and that they should be sensitive in putting up with others and their weakness, rather than judging them. Those who are members of Christ need to be most sensitive, so as not to offend the faith of a weaker member? Has this happened to you?

Jesus reminds us of our great indebtedness to God. This imposes upon us a need to be forgiving of debts as well, leaving us in a sense vulnerable to those who would take advantage of us. How do you feel about this? Have you forgiven debts that made you hostile because you lost out? What helps to remind you that everything belongs to God?

THE PARISH CONNECTION

AT ST. COLUMBA CHURCH, WE ARE DEDICATED TO CREATING A VIBRANT AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS SEEKING FAITH FORMATION. HERE ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING ACTIVITIES THAT WE OFFER EACH WEEK. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THESE EVENTS AND EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY OF THE ST COLUMBA COMMUNITY

We're thrilled to invite you all to our Where the Trail Leads Family GIFT Gathering. EVERYONE is invited to this adventure, whether you're a family with young explorers or a seasoned adventurer! (you can stay for brunch and leave before the activities but you're also welcome to stay!)

Here's the lowdown on our trailblazing adventure:

Fellowship Brunch: donuts, something hearty, and coffee with a whole lot of love and laughter, as we share stories and get know each other better.

Crafts and Games: Get ready to channel your inner artist with some creative crafts that'll spark your imagination and deepen your faith connection Conversations that will spark your Faith.

Mark your calendars:

Sunday, September 17, 2023 * After the 10am Family Mass * 11:15am - 12:30 pm * School Gym

Your presence adds a touch of magic to our adventure, so we hope you’ll mosey on over and join us! Let's set out on a journey of growing in faith together "Where the Trail Leads " See you there, fellow adventurers!

THE PARISH CONNECTION

CALLING ALL 6TH - 8TH GRADERS!

BRING YOUR ENTHUSIASM, CURIOSITY, AND FRIENDS - AS WE KICK OFF MIDDLE SCHOOL VITA ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH AFTER 10 AM MASS IN THE PARISH CENTER, 11:15AM - 1PM. LUNCH PROVIDED!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!