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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear O’Gorman Parents & Students:
As we begin our Lenten journey, I thought I would share with you an interesting story that I received from Loyola Press. It certainly caused me to pause and reflect on my own actions.
LENTEN STORY: Courtesy of Loyola Press
I attended Ash Wednesday services on my lunch break one year, heading back to work afterward. Throughout the afternoon, as coworkers came by with questions or pages needing proofing, they would catch sight of my forehead and inevitably remark, “Oh, you're Catholic!”
True, I had not broadcast my religious affiliation far and wide at work. It was more a matter of respect for others; in a diverse newsroom, where all are required—and proud—to provide an unbiased account of events, we tread carefully on topics that might strike raw nerves.
At the same time, I don't think the revelation of my Catholicism really shocked anyone, either. I didn't live in obvious opposition to my faith. But it made me think: What do I do to demonstrate my beliefs? Should others know by my actions that I have at heart an unending connection to this religion into which I was born?
Ash Wednesday, with its conspicuous mark of faith, is atypical for Catholics. As we read in Matthew 6: 16-18, we are not to mope or moan while fasting. We are to wash our faces and trust that God will see our good works, even those done in silence. We are to carry our crosses with courage and grace.
And we all have crosses, some more heavy than others. It may seem that your neighbor has it easy: She's always chipper or his yard is neat and his car clean. But no one escapes trouble or sorrow entirely in this life. It may simply be that they have washed the ashes from their faces and bear their crosses in silence.
So what can you do this Lent to demonstrate your love for God and your willingness to share in the cross his Son carried for us? You can take up the crosses you encounter daily, and you can do so with faith, hope, and love.
Think of 40 small steps you might take this Lent as you walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. Add your shoulder under the cross—his cross, your own, and others'. Even more, try to do so with the trust that God sees your efforts, and that, paradoxically, there is no greater satisfaction or reward.
NORTH CENTRAL ACCREDITATION (NCA/AdvancEd):
We continue to evaluate the seven accreditation standards for quality schools. Our January late start provided an opportunity for our staff to evaluate how we currently meet the seven accreditation standards. In April, we will begin to develop our standards assessment report. This report will serve as a valuable self-assessment and as a tool to prepare for our quality assurance review in spring of 2011.
