A Message from Father Bill Swengros

My friends,

 Our children are one of the greatest gifts of God.  They remind us of how much He loves us and fill our lives with so much love and joy.  They also challenge us to become the best Christians possible.  I often say that parenthood is one of the surest means by which to grow holy.  Often it is not until we have a child that we experience love for the first time.  They teach us the meaning and value of sacrifice, and they give our lives much meaning and purpose.  Thank God for our children! 

 Let us also offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our parents.  They are the first teachers.  Parents teach children what it means to be a fully actualized person, sharing the basic skills which the children will use throughout life.  Parents are the first evangelists!  They are the first to introduce their children to the Lord and to develop a life-long passion for our faith.  Let us pray in a special way for all our parents and guardians, especially those who are alone or who are raising children in difficult circumstances.  May they know our love and support!

 We also pray for all others involved in the education enterprise — teachers, professors, staff, coaches, and home school parents.  How can we begin to thank you for all you do?

 In a special way we remember one of the most important ministries of our parish, St. Stephen Catholic School.  It is devoted to providing the finest Catholic education possible, inspiring and motivating students to sustain a life-long passion for learning.  We strive to follow the example of Jesus, the best teacher ever, by providing an environment where each and every child is encouraged to develop to his or her fullest potential – mind, body, spirit, and soul.

 The results are indisputable.  Our graduates are known for excelling in high school and college.  In fact, one of the “complaints” the students often make is they were academically “over-prepared!”  They also feel that they have been given a strong moral compass which assists them in the challenges our young people face every day. 

 Given our unique Catholic mission, we also have the opportunity to “rescue” kids who are not thriving in other school environments.  Their grades, behaviors, and general disposition were abysmal with only continued failure in sight.  With a great deal of parental involvement, prayer, and one-on-one intervention with our experts on staff, all of these kids have turned their lives around and are now college-bound. 

Praise God!

 Don’t take my word for it.  Visit our school.  Talk to our teachers, parents, and the students.  Then share the good news with others.  This week we have begun open enrollment for the next school year and there are limited openings.  Financial aid is available.  In fact, there is a special grant for all those transferring from public schools.

 Again, let us offer a prayer for our school and for all our parents and teachers in whatever forum they serve ... may God bless you for all you do for our children!