We're on our way!

Well, we're in full swing here at our happy little school! The kids are demonstrating their gratitude for all things, big and small! Enjoy!

"I am grateful for everything!" (x2)

"Thank You for my life! I am happy to be me because I have a great family!"

"Today, I am grateful to be alive!"

"Thank You for my life! I am grateful to be me, because I love being odd like I am!"

"Thank You for my life gracious God! I am thankful to be me, because I am who God created."

"Thank You Lord for my life! I am happy to be me, because I am my own person and I have my own personality."

"Gracious Lord, thank You for my notebooks and pens. I love to write!"

"I am grateful for the ability to be courageous. Ways in which I am filled with courage are that if someone is being bullied, I am not afraid to stand up for them."

"I am grateful for the ability to be courageous. Ways in which I am courageous are: confidence in myself, my helping abilities, and my lovingness towards my family."

"Gracious Lord, thank You for the giving me the opportunity to be who I am and be a good roll model for others. Help me to do your will."

"Gracious Lord, thank You for friends and food."

"Gracious Lord, thank You for my family, my life, education, the Church and Your undying Love."

"I am grateful for the ability to be courageous. A way in which I am filled with courage is that I have the ability to stand up for people and change the world."

"Thank You lord for my life! I am happy to be me, because I am great at playing guitar!"

"Thank You Lord for allowing me to be your servant. I can be your servant by spreading the good news and spreading world peace!"

"I am grateful to be courageous . Ways in which I am filled with courage are being able to stand up to kids who are being bullied and not being afraid to stick up for what's right."

Welcome Back! It's going to be a great year!

Here we are again! I am excited about another great year with the 7th & 8th grade! I am so grateful to be back with the students, learning, sharing and most importantly, growing in faith!

Once again, the students are showing us how grateful they are for the blessings in their lives. Please enjoy reading their entries and hopefully you will be inspired to be grateful too!

"I am grateful for long weekends. I feel refreshed because I didn't have much work."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because it gives me chance to learn about God."

"Thank you Lord for this week of school, because many children don't have the privilege to go to school."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because I get to see my friends and get back to learning."

"I am grateful for the long weekends, because I spent time at the beach."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because I get to see all of my friends and be with the people that I love, and who love me."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because I want to get good grades and get into college."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because you get to see all of your friends and teachers again. Also, every morning, I get to have a routine again."

"Thank you for the first week of school, because now I get to take a little break from sports and everything isn't as hectic."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because I can learn and become smarter and I am thankful for all that God created to help us in life."

"I am grateful for the first day of school, because I get to see all of my friends and learn something new each day. Also, because of how a lot of kids can't go to school around the world, so I am grateful that I am able to go."

We are grateful for another school year!

Well, it has been another fantastic school year! I am truly grateful for my students and all that they have taught me this year! They never cease to amaze me, always grateful for the simplest of things! I wish the eighth grade the best of luck as they journey to high school and beyond. I pray that they will take what they have learned and live as lights of Christ out in our world. I pray that they will be the change they wish to see.

"Lord of Creation, I am grateful for the great outdoors! Some things about nature that I love are oceans and the wind in my hair!"

"Thank You God for the rain because it cleanses the earth!"

"Thank You God for giving us the opportunity to go to overlook farm! From this experience, everything I learned was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I really enjoyed it!"

"I Love Fridays! Thank You God for Fridays because we get break!"

"Thank You God for this school year! Some things about this school year that I am thankful are having good friends and good grades."

"I am grateful to have Jesus in my life. Thank You Jesus, for the ability to learn!"

"Thank You Lord for this school year. One thing about this school year that I am thankful for is Catholic Schools week!"

Growing up and learning to be grateful!

"I am grateful for Monsignor Gosselin because he is an honorable priest."

"Some ways that I can see God in others is by their kindness."

"Today I am grateful for school!"

"Today I am grateful for my family's health."

"I am grateful for emotions. Things that make me feel happy are nice weather, listening to music and being with friends."

"Through the years, I have become more independent. I am grateful for my independence because it gives me freedom over my life, yet I still know right from wrong."

"I am grateful for the friendship that holds the class together!"

"Through the years, I have become more independent. I am grateful for my independence because I know my mother thinks I am responsible."

"Today I am grateful for animals, life, sunshine and every living thing on earth!"

"Today I am grateful for my whole family being healthy."

"I am grateful for acts of compassion. Ways that I can show compassion are by giving time to help others in need. Money is great, but if we are to solve a problem permanently, we must come up with a solution that will also be permanent."

"Today I am grateful for family, food, friends, my dog, machines and woodland animals."

"I am grateful for the treasures in my life. Things that I value are life, friends, family, a house and a great school."

"I am grateful for acts of compassion. Ways that I can show compassion are by helping others pick something up if they drop it, instead of laughing at them."

"I am grateful for the treasures in my life. Things that I value are my talents, friends and family."

Welome Sunshine!

Spring is here! Thank You God, for this wondrous, amazing earth that is filled with new life again!

"Thank You God for this glorious sunshine! On sunny days I feel thankful for the lovely weather!"

"Thank you God for this glorious sunshine! On Sunny days I feel renewed!"

"Thank You, God! I am grateful for annoying people because they help me to grow more patient."

"I am grateful to see God in others. Some ways that I can see God in others is by choosing to pick out the good things instead of the bad."

"I am grateful to be Christian, because along with other religions, we welcome all people."

"Thank You, God! I am grateful for your warm sunshine!"

"Some ways that I can see god in others is by not judging them, even if I don't know them."

"Thank You, God for this glorious sunshine! On sunny days I feel great because I feel that god makes sunny days to make people happy and full of life!"

"I am grateful to nourish my faith. Some ways can do this are by centering myself and praying to God."

"Thank You, God for this glorious sunshine! On sunny days I feel happy and loved!"

"I am grateful to be a moral leader among my peers. Some ways in which I can lead are by setting good examples, like being kind to a friend and helping them if they need it."

"I am grateful to be a moral leader among my peers. Some ways in which I can lead are by stopping them if they are about to do something bad."

"Thank You, God for this glorious sunshine! I feel happy because I can spend more time outside!"

"I can be a moral leader among my peers. Some ways in which I can lead them are by motivating the kids on my hockey team."

Looking at things through a new lens...

Sometimes when we can start look at things with a different perspective, we can be open to the thoughts and ideas of others. This, in turn, allows us to truly see the face of Jesus in one another.

"I am grateful for these types of prayer... talking with God about my problems."

"I am grateful to be able to look at situations through a new lens. A situation that I was able to see differently was forgiving someone and seeing what they did wrong as well as what I did wrong and being able to say that everyone makes mistakes."

"I am grateful for symbols of peace. My favorite is the peace sign!"

" I am grateful to be a Christian because we are one universal family."

"Lord of peace, thank You for allowing me to be a peace maker. I can promote peace by not getting into fights at school."

"Loving God, thank You for allowing me to share your good news. Ways that I can share the good news with others are by living the way God wants us to live and by being kind to others even if they are not kind to me."

"Lord, there is beauty all around us! Thank You for the birds, flowers and and trees. Some of my favorite things in nature are flowers and waterfalls."

"I am grateful to be Christian because I can follow in Jesus' footsteps."

"I am grateful to be able to look at situations through a new lens. A situation that I was able to see differently was when I got into an argument with my sister."

"I am grateful to be a moral leader among my peers. Some ways that I can lead are by helping people and making good decisions."

"Lord, prayer helps me to love you more deeply. My favorite type of prayer is Lectio Divina."

"I am grateful to be a moral leader among my peers. Some ways in which I can lead are by setting good examples like being a good kid to friends and helping them when they need it."

We are here to help!

With the Haitian earth quake tragedy and now Chile, we have really taken time to reflect on what we can do to help, what others have and will do to help, and what God wants all of us to do in times of despair.

Often times tweens and teens get a bad rap for being self-centered. The students, from their deepest convictions and desires, want to to be there for people in their darkest hours. Here is some of what they had to say:

"I am grateful to meet the needs of others by sending them food and blankets, especially to the people in Haiti."

"I am grateful for those who help others, because they give hope to all of us."

"I am grateful to be alive, because I know God made me for a reason. I was put here to help other people."

"I am grateful to meet the needs of others by helping them in whatever way I can."

"I am grateful to be alive! Life is great, and I love living!"

"I am grateful to promote peace in these ways... setting a good example and loving everyone I know."

"I am thankful for my family, friends and justice."

"Lord of peace, thank You for allowing me to be a peacemaker. I am grateful to promote peace by being nice to everyone."

"God of Renewal, I am grateful for the rest I received during vacation. During that time, I attended youth serve."

"I am grateful to be alive, because I love life and I like to learn new things everyday."

"I am grateful for all types of prayer, because you can talk to God in many different ways."

"Today I am blessed because I have a place to go at the end of the day."

We are Grateful for Knowledge!

As we are deep into our studies of Jesus' life and the history of the church, the students are gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of the roots of our faith!

"I am grateful that Jesus is the center of my life because he is the only way to happiness."

"I am grateful for those that help people, because they are setting a good example."

"Ways that I can stand firm in my faith are by telling others not to say prejudice things and to accept everyone."

" I am grateful to know the history of my church, because we can learn form the past."

"Lord, I am thankful for my faith. Ways that I can stand firm in my faith are not letting people be talked about behind their backs and to always stand up when other people are being made fun of."

"I am grateful to know the history of my church because I can trace my religion back to see how it started."

"Lord, I am thankful for my faith. Ways that I can stand firm in my faith are by teaching younger people about God."

"I am grateful to me, because that is how I was created and I won't be jealous of others."

Happy New Year!

In this new year, we find ourselves more grateful than ever! Enjoy!

I am thankful for...Love!

I am thankful to be a part of the body of Christ. No one member is more important than another because we are all equal.

Thank You God for wisdom. I am grateful for the gift of wisdom because it allows me to practice my faith.

I am thankful for the stars that live in space that light the world at night!

I am glad to me be me, because I am made in God's image and I am special.

I am grateful for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, because these gifts help me everyday in prayer.

Thank You God for wisdom. I am grateful for the gift of wisdom because I can make the right decisions in life.

I am grateful for wisdom because I can choose right from wrong.

I am grateful to be me, because I am a unique being who appreciates all positive comments.

It is always assuring to have knowledge of my my faith, thank You!

I am grateful for my gifts and talents because I am unique!

I am grateful that Jesus is the center of my life because I am always talking to him.

I am grateful for the ability to learn because we can share our knowledge with other people.

Lord, I am thankful for the ability to do good!

Lord, you give us the ability to love. Some things that I love are beautiful days and flowers!

I am grateful to have been given strengths. Some of my greatest strengths are creativity and bravery!

JOY!

Joy to the world! The Christmas season is upon us. I find it to be a time of great joy. We can look forward to the birth of Christ as a time for forgiveness and renewal. As a class, we reflected on the importance of forgiving ourselves, others, and opening our hearts to Jesus. Wishing you all a very Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year! See you in 2010!

Thank you God for the ability to forgive. I am grateful to to be able to forgive because I can forgive myself and let Jesus back into my heart.

I am grateful for the ability to learn. Some things that I love to learn are exploring math and religion classes because of the social teachings.

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for blessing us with the wonderful gifts of love and compassion.

Some things that I love learning are people's different opinions.

Joy to the world! I am grateful for joy because it makes me happy. Something that brings me joy is prayer!

Joy to the world! I am grateful for joy because being happy is a good thing. Some things that bring me joy are my family, friends, nature and my life!

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for happiness, love, joy, peace, nature, and family and friends!

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for blessing us in the sacraments and my faith and love.

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for friends who will always love you for who are and will always be there when you need them.

I grateful for being a follower of Jesus. Ways that I can follow him are by teaching others his ways of life, and going to Mass.

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for being alive!

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for my life for my life, all the places I have gone and all the people I know, my friends and family, and being able to have you in my life everyday!

Thank You God for the ability to forgive. I am grateful to be able to forgive because it can make me a better friend and family member.

Thank You, thank You, thank You God, for this beautiful world that you created for us!

Joy to the world! I am grateful for joy because it allow us to express happiness. Some things that bring me joy are snow, coldness and wind.

To My Students - Thank You!

Although this past week was filled with warm, wonderful holiday memories, it was also one of the most challenging weeks for me as a teacher. As I sat down to read the student's journals, a small part of me was feeling deflated, wondering if I was truly answering God's call and teaching these kids anything at all? As I began to turn the pages of each journal, it was as though God was telling me, no, yelling to me to keep on keeping. It seemed as if each student had written something that touched my heart in some small way. I could have written an entry or two from each student, but because of time constraints and an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, I had to limit it somewhere! You will see however, more than the usual number of entries posted for this week ~ enjoy!

"In the sacraments, we meet the risen Christ - we become the Church. Thank You Lord for allowing us to become whole. We are holy in these ways...by going to Sunday worship or mass every weekend, praying and doing acts of kindness."

"We thank You God for a rainy day that turned into a beautiful day!"

"Thank You God, for the ability to make choices. Help to guide me in the choices I will make. Some of the choices I will have to make will be to do something good or bad."

"I am grateful for the ability to freely choose with God's help. If I didn't have God's help, I would make a lot of stupid mistakes."

"Lord of the Harvest, I am grateful for abundance! The abundance in my life is energy!"

"I am grateful for the ability to freely choose. With God's help, I am grateful to be able to choose these things: to go to school and have friends."

"I am grateful for the wisdom of the church! Some ways that I can work for a just society are by praying for the strength to do good deeds."

"Lord of the Harvest, I am grateful for abundance. The abundance in my life is knowledge."

"Lord of the Harvest, I am grateful for abundance. The abundance in my life is love, church and being caring."

"I am grateful for the ability to freely choose. With God's help, I am grateful to be able to choose to make friends, keep the planet clean, and be a strong leader in my community."

"Lord of the Harvest, I am grateful for abundance. The abundance in my life is happiness, joy and having my family."

"Thank You God, for the ability to make choices. Help to guide me in the choices that I will make. Some choices that I will have to make will be to choose to be a leader or a follower and to choose between good and bad."

"Thank You God for my family, friends, teachers, guardians, and for being alive!"

"We thank You God for friends who make us laugh!"

"We thank You God for the Eucharist!"

"Thank You God, for the ability to make choices. Help guide me in the choices that I make. Some choices that I may have to make will be to do something a friend may think is cool, but it is not healthy or good for you."

"Thank You God, for the ability to make choices. Help guide me in the choices that I make. Some choices that I may have to make are saying no to peer pressure that I will face in the future."

"Thank You God for everything that you have graced me with!"

"In the sacraments, we meet the risen Christ - we become the Church. Thank You Lord for allowing us to become whole. We are holy in these ways...because we are sons and daughters of Christ and God is as holy as you can get!"

"In the sacraments, we meet the risen Christ - we become the Church. Thank You Lord for allowing us to become whole. We are holy in these ways...by having good thoughts!"

Tis the season to be grateful!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I enjoy seeing all the posts of gratitude by my friends on Facebook; only, I wish gratitude wasn't just thought about or practiced this time of year. My prayer is that we can all take a lesson from these wonderful middle school students and be thankful everyday, all year long!

"Thank You God for knowledge, because with out it, I wouldn't be able to write this sentence."

"Thank You for everyone in my life, especially those whom I find hard to accept. Some ways that I will be more accepting of them will be to stand up for them, hang out with them and play with them."

"Thank You God for knowledge, I am grateful for knowledge because it allows us to truly appreciate God's creations."

Lord, You speak to me in different ways, thank You! Some ways in which You speak to me are in my heart and in my soul."

"Ever present God, I am thankful for You. I pray to you in these ways and for these things...through prayer and for my family, friends, my health and to make the right decisions in life."

"Lord, You speak to me in different ways, thank You! Some of the ways You speak to me are by prayer and when I have a choice and I do the right thing."

"Thank You for everyone in my life, especially those whom I find hard to accept. Some ways that I will be more accepting of them will be by finding the best in everyone."

"Lord, You speak to me in different ways, thank You! Some of the ways You speak to me are through prayer, meditation, and caring people in my life."

"Ever present God, I am thankful for You. I pray to You in these ways, by praying through Lectio Divina for peace."

" Thank You for everyone in my life, especially those whom I find hard to accept. Some ways that I will be more accepting of them will be by not criticizing."

"Thank You for everyone in my life, especially those whom I find hard to accept. Some ways that I will be more accepting of them will be by helping them get a question right, or greeting them nicely with an act of kindness."

Life is to short to not have fun, or be grateful!

We learned that just one person can make a difference in this world. We can also have fun while making a difference! God wants us to have fun! In a world that forces us to grow up too fast, it is refreshing to read what the students do for fun - simple and delightful!

"Thank You God for fun! This is how I have fun; I play soccer and paintball, I can go outside and play baseball at my friends house and during the fall, I can go outside and see how many leaves I can catch before they hit the ground or make a big pile to jump in. During the winter, I make really cool snow forts and snow men and have snowball fights!"

"Lord, thank You for the people who have made a difference in this world. Some people that I know that have made a difference are our teachers!"

"Lord, thank You for the people who have made a difference in this world. Some people that I know that have made a difference are the priests that encourage us to keep the faith."

Life is a gift, but we often take it for granted. Lord, thank You for giving me life! Things that I will try not to take for granted is just waking up in the morning."

"Lord, I am grateful to to be a voice for the poor. I can be an advocate for justice by raising awareness and boycotting."

"I can be advocate for justice in these ways... by putting on workshops about the poor and helping them get the materials and love they need."

"Life is a gift, but we often take it for granted. Lord, thank You for giving me life! Things that I will try not to take for granted will be my brother, because he is really cool and nice to me. He is a great brother!"

"Lord, thank You for people who make a difference in the world. Some people that I know that make a difference in the world are U2 and the president."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to meditate because it allows me a chance to cool off."

"Life is a gift, but we often take it for granted. Lord, thank You for giving me life! Things that I will try not to take for granted will be nature, love from parents and having friends!"

Simple words can bring great joy!

The past two weeks have been very busy at SJB. The students have been working on their priest projects, learning about angels, meditation and the difference between works of charity and works of justice! They have so much to thank God for already. When I wrote three simple words on the board, live, love, laugh, the responses were overwhelmingly joyous! If just hearing, reading or thinking positive words can bring about such happy emotions, imagine what we could do if we made an effort to say positive or kind words to each other on a daily basis!

"Live, love, laugh! I am grateful for these words, because they are the simplest way to define happiness!"

"Live, love, laugh! I am grateful for these words, because they bring joy to the hearts of others."

"I thank God to be a voice of change, because some people do not have a voice at all, and some people just choose not to use theirs."

"I thank God to be a voice for change, because it gives me a chance to let my light shine on the earth!"

" I am grateful to have been born to a family with the resources to care for me. Some ways that I can help others less fortunate are donating my time and money and fighting for their rights!"

"Live, love, laugh! I thank God for these words, because they make me think of the good and natural things we have in life."

"I am grateful to have been born to a family with the resources to care for me. Some ways that I can help others less fortunate are praying for them."

"I thank God to be a voice of change, because I can pray for change in our world."

"I thank God to be a voice for change, because youth can make a difference!"

"I am grateful for grace, because it shows me how much God loves me."

"I am grateful to learn about other religions, because it helps me to understand why people of a particular faith, do things differently."

"I am grateful for grace, because I get to eat the Eucharist!"

"Live, love, laugh! I am grateful for these words, because with out them, you couldn't tell someone that you LOVE them, or that you want them to LIVE in peace, and you couldn't LAUGH out loud!"

"I am grateful for grace because I know that God is with me."

"Live, love, laugh! I am grateful for these words because they are other words for happiness!"

"Live, love, laugh! I am grateful for these words, because these words make up me!"

Thank You Real to Reel!

A note of thanks to Peggy Webber and Owen Seery, for taking the time to interview our class about this blog! We can't wait until it airs on November, 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. on channel 22! I am so proud of the students, they are truly an exceptional group of young people! Thank you to Mrs. Rose, our principal, for being so supportive of our internet adventure! We look forward to continuing this blog and inspiring more people to live in gratitude!

We are Mediavores!

They say that the millennials are a media driven generation. While there are some downsides to "all access, all the time" media outlets, my students are learning ways in which technology can be used for the greater good! They now have the ability to share the message of love, hope and gratitude with the world through blogs, music, videos and websites. With the stroke a key or click of the mouse, a positive message can be shared ~ how cool is that?

"I am grateful for technology because it helps me to find information on certain things and it helps me to understand others better."

"I am grateful for continuing the mission of the apostles. A way that I can continue their mission is by treating everyone everyone with respect."

"Our church recognizes certain people as saints. Some people that I consider "saints" in my life are the pastors at my church and Mrs. Soloio because she does the youth group!"

"Ways in which I can share my faith with others are by being polite and respecting others."

"I am grateful for technology because it allows me to experience things I otherwise might not be able to."

"I am grateful to be able to share my faith with others. Ways in which I can share my faith are to forgive everyone for everything."

"I am grateful for technology because it helps me to keep in touch with my family who doesn't live near me."

"I am grateful for technology because there are so many ways in technology, like computers, phones and t.v.'s to get God's message out."

"Our church has recognized certain people as saints. Some people that I consider "saints" in my life are my mom because she follows in Jesus' footsteps and trys to bring me to church every sunday."

"Our church has recognized certain people as saints. Some people I consider "saints" in my life are my teachers, because they teach us important values."

"I am grateful for technology because it gives us an opportunity to communicate with people all over the world, so we can learn new things everyday!"

"I am grateful to be able to continue the mission of the church. One way that I can continue this mission is by teaching the word of God through sign language."

"Our church has recognized certain people as saints. Some people that I consider a "saints" in my life are my mom, dad, grandma and Mrs. Jag!"

Everyday Blessings!

How many of us take a moment to ask ourselves how truly blessed we are? Interestingly enough, when we do stop and ask, our answers are surprisingly simple.


"I am blessed because I was made in God's eyes."

"I am blessed because I was born."

"I am thankful for Wednesdays because it is another day to live happily."

"I am blessed because I am healthy and I have a great family."

"I am blessed because I have loving parents and a loving family."

"I thank God for Fall because I love the leaves and taking pictures of them."

"I am blessed to be a part of the universal church because everyone is the same."

"I am grateful for cool breezes because it is a sign that a new season is coming."

"I am blessed to be a part of the universal church, because it makes me realize how big our Catholic family is!"

"I am blessed to be part of the universal church because we are all united."

"I am grateful for cool breezes because I love feeling the fresh air and seeing it blow through the trees."

Scripture inspires us!

We are right back into the swing of things here at school. I am truly inspired by these students. They are so grateful for the simplest things in life. We don't need to over-complicate our lives in order to be happy. Realizing that we have all we need at this very moment, is so freeing!

"I am blessed with the gift of my life. I am grateful to be alive because I have a great family, friends and talents."

"I am grateful for change because it is a chance for new beginnings."

"I am blessed with the gift of my life. I am grateful to be alive because I can experience God's miracles on earth."

"We are grateful for scripture. One of my favorite lessons from the Bible is the Good Samaritan, because it expresses something that is rarely shown now. It shows that no matter who someone is, you should try with all your power to help them."

"I thank God for Jesus. Jesus is an important part of my life because He is the perfect role model for us and everyone on earth."

"We are grateful for scripture. One of my favorite lessons from the bible is 'do unto others'."

I thank God for my neighbors. One way I can be a good neighbor is by watering someone's plants or taking care of their pet when they are away."

"I am grateful for change because then we cna get out of the ordinary."

"I am grateful for change, because I can explore different ideas, places and I am then allowed to grow in that environment."

"I am grateful for change because when people are able to change for the better, it inspires others to do so as well."

Grateful to be back!

September is here again! Cool mornings turn to warm afternoons and the hustle and bustle of school children can be felt everywhere! I am thankful to once again have the opportunity to teach the students the importance of gratitude. Over the summer we read, Be the change by Zach Hunter, a fifteen year old modern day abolitionist. The message was direct and powerful, kids can make a difference! Here are a few of our most recent jottings!

"I am grateful for the gift of life because everyday is a new adventure for me!"

"I am grateful to be a positive influence. One way I can use my influence is by raising my hand in class."

I am thankful for the gift of life! I am grateful to be alive because there is always something exciting happening!"

"I thank God for the community in which I live. One way I can make a difference in my community is by recycling."

"I am grateful for the gift of my life. I am thankful to be alive because I can help make the world a better place!"

"I am grateful for the opportunity to be selfless. Some ways that I can sacrifice for others are maybe helping someone who has a hard time in school and help them study for a big test."

"I am grateful for school because I get to have religion class and get a proper education."

"I am grateful for the the gift of life! I am thankful to be alive because the earth is beautiful and I love my family and friends."

"I am grateful to be a positive influence. One way I can use my influence top help others is by bringing up important topics to people so that they can get involved and make a difference."

What Catholic Education means to me...

As this is the 8th grade's last week of school, I thought it appropriate to pose the question " how will the religious education you received guide you in high school and beyond?" I wanted to share with you what one student wrote.

How will Catholic school education aid me in my life?

Religion is a very important aspect in one's life. I was lucky enough to get a religious education at a Catholic school. Learning my faith in my youth will help me to be a kinder person, a more devout Christian and I will raise my children in this faith. God calls everyone to do His will and I think learning about God's will is the most important step in our life long journey to heaven. Jesus tells us to treat others as we would want to be treated. Learning to be kind to others is a small step in changing this world full of hatred and war into a world of peace and Love.

Being kind is a very easy thing to do. Whether it be holding a door open for someone, or helping someone with a large package, you can display kindness in many different ways. Going to a Catholic school, I learned many different scenarios in which one can display kindness. I believe if I didn't go to a Catholic school, I would not have the knowledge of what kindness stemming from God's Love truly is. Going to church on a weekly basis and praying in class have revealed to me that faith in God is all that really matters in our lives.

In our school we are free to practice our faith as Catholics without any discrimination. Knowing that others pray to God as you do, definitely makes you feel more comfortable to go to church or pray aloud. In a public school, children are not allowed this privilege. In Catholic school, we learn what prayer can do. Catholic school plants a seed in your soul that will grow and make you a better person. Passing down the tradition of going to Catholic school and to Mass is not only vital for the churches survival, but it allows new generations to take part in such a great and awesome way of life.

I will bring up my children in the Catholic faith because of my religious education. Taking my children to church, letting them go to parochial school and teaching them how to pray are just a few of the ways I will raise my children. God call us to spread His Good News and what better way to do that than to pass it down to our children. Hopefully my children will be as grateful as I am for a good Catholic education. As participants of a catholic school, we are a step ahead of others on our path to God because we have a deeper understanding of our faith.

Jesus asked us to be his disciples. Our parents encouraged and allowed us to attend Catholic school. Our Pastor gave us opportunities to grow in faith through retreats and youth group. Our religion teacher taught us the ways we can live out our faith. With help from all of these people, our faithfulness will flourish for all our lives.



"I am grateful for being raised in the Catholic faith. I demonstrate my faith in these ways: Coming to school even after the big Boston trip, giving a listening ear to a friend and being honest and truthful to my family and friends."

"I am grateful for being raised in the Catholic faith. I demonstrate my faith in these ways: by being helpful and grateful for everyone and everything."

"I am grateful for being raised in the Catholic faith. I demonstrate my faith in these ways: I go to church, I help others and I treat others the way I want to be treated."

"I am grateful for the years I spent at this school. My fondest memory was going to Heifer Internationals Learning center - Overlook Farm!"