Back to School

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  08/13/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

Welcome back to school to our students, families and faculty in the parish grade school! Last Wednesday we opened the gates for the new academic year and are praying it will be a holy, safe, and successful year indeed. Our young people seem excited to be back in the classrooms (air-conditioned, glory be to God!), and our parents seem happy the kids are back to school…

It’s worth sharing the school’s mission statement with the entire SJV Parish community, and hope you will join me and Mr. Doug Weivoda, the principal, in prayer for our students, families, and faculty:

St. John Vianney Catholic School is a Christ-centered community guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross educating both minds and hearts while achieving high academic standards and embracing the call to serve.

Thank you, as well, to all who have made the past week of celebrating our holy patron, St. John Mary Vianney, the Curé d’Ars, so special. To all who submitted prayer ideas for the holy cards as well as imag

As he always does, Saint Peter stands in for each of us in the Gospel this Sunday. While walking on water, completely trusting in Jesus’ presence and love, it says: “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Probably it is more accurate to say he was distracted than doubted because immediately on falling into the danger of the tumultuous waters he didn’t try and save himself but called on the Lord Jesus. We all get distracted. Easily sometimes. But when we feel overwhelmed or even just hurting let’s put our eyes and hearts right back where they belong: on Jesus!

Let’s do all this as a family, because the family that prays together stays together! Have a great week.