Dear Parishioners,
As a Catholic school, St. Brendan Parish School has made significant efforts to form generations of caring, committed, educated Catholics. While facing challenges in continuing this role of passing on Catholic Identity, St Brendan Parish School has done an exemplary job by providing programs and services to enrich the academic program and support the development of student and family life. In this document I would like to cite ways the school administration, faculty, and parish have helped to make faith come alive for members of the school community and to reinforce its Catholic Identity.
During Back-to-School Parent Conferences the faculty directly asked each parent how they were fostering the faith formation of their children. This partnership of faculty and parents working directly and cooperatively to form the Catholic faith is a ministry for both to the benefit of the students.
The school recognizes that parents, faculty and students must work together to effectively form Catholic faith within the student body. In cultivating the faith formation of St. Brendan Parish School families, a family prayer is now included in the weekly letter from the principal. Mrs. Grewal recognizes that parents are the most significant people in a child’s life and the primary educators. By praying with their children and helping them grow in their love and knowledge of God, the parents are gifting their children in the traditions of the church. The old adage, “A family that prays together, stays together” is appropriate here.
Modeling Christ-like living is another value that is important to the St. Brendan Parish School community. Our parents are extraordinary models of volunteerism in their support of the parish and school. It was evident that the older students have caught this value and have seen how it has made their lives more meaningful. A number of students volunteered many hours at a CYO Treasure Island Nursery School. They cut and nailed boards to make planters, and installed an irrigation system at the nursery school for underprivileged students. These children now enjoy freshly grown crops that they planted, watched grow, and harvested. Our St. Brendan Parish School students came away with good feelings that they have made the world a better place and the lives of others much happier. Giving IS better than receiving!
On a Sunday morning in September, a large number of students were commissioned as altar servers. The school worked cooperatively with the priests in preparing these students. In committing to serve the Church the families and students carry out service to the Church, and a dedication to Christ-like living.
When the Men’s Club sponsored a pancake breakfast for the parish, the Youth Ministry Students from the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade served as altar servers, readers, and ministers at Mass. Then they served food and stayed to clean up after the breakfast. Many people at the breakfast complimented the students for their efforts. Research indicates that children adopt the values not only of their parents but also of groups to which they belong. Our students involved in school and parish service are planting seeds. As they grow older, their Catholic faith will lead them to service to those in need in the world community.
St. Brendan Parish School continues to reflect and plan on how best to foster faith formation for the 21st Century. It is an ongoing process and requires that parents work in tandem with the school and the parish to bring the message of Christ and the teachings of the Church to our students.
Rosaleen Adams, School Advisory Board member
