We are rightfully proud

     This afternoon I stopped by our Regional Catholic School - Queen of Angels. This is the mid point of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week, and the level of activity was high.  I saw parents and grandparents as well as other interested individuals touring the school, visiting classrooms and the office, and viewing the countless displays throughout the school during the Open House part of the school day, and I am sure this evening's Open House will also exhibit interest.

     I spoke with our Principal and a few of the office staff, I visited a classroom where the teacher had gathered her class around her for a lively discussion of the upcoming school Mass for next week (of which I am the presider).  A reminisced with a parent and her second grade daughter about the "old days" in second grade as we viewed the second grade display.  The kids are always excited when they see me in the hall or classrooms, and a group of little ones (probably K or PK) who were on their way out made a point of waving to me.

     Queen of Angels is a great environment for education rooted in a faith based program.  Our administration fulfills a wonderful ministry in the difficult circumstances of these economic times.  Our faculty is outstanding, certified and dedicated and our support staff loves the kids.  Our parents have chosen the school for their children and sacrifice much to do the best for their children.  Our parishes may not always be aware of it, but their prayer and financial support is invaluable.  But most of all, our youngsters are great - they are the reason that we are committed to Queen of Angels - they are the future of this nation, but more importantly of the Church.  I've included a picture of the school family in front of the school that was sent as a Christmas card, so that you can see what I'm talking about.

We are proud!

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL MEMORY

     We often speak of the education, the teachers, the wonderful experiences of our formative years.  I would like to share a memory today that is not politically correct or health conscious, but is important to me.

     Across a small street from Saint Joseph School in Uniontown where I attended from K through 8 was a small "mom & pop" candy store run by Mrs. Krysiak, a dear lady, the grandmother of a school mate, who had the patience of Job.  In her front room she sold "penny candy" to us at lunchtime, always treating each of us with respect and patience as we tried to decide whether we wanted the Tootsie Rolls or the licorice records or the miniature wax bottles of pop.  Today we know that this is not the most healthy thing, but in our day, it was part of our experience, almost of our curriculum.  Even the crossing of the street was done with permission and supervision.  Thanks, Mrs. Krysiak, for the memories.

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Today word was received of the death of

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua,

the Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia,

who died last evening at the age of 88.

May he rest in peace.