Dear Cathedral Family,
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike."- Luke 10:21.
These words of the rejoicing of Jesus resonated with me as I prayerfully pondered this message, written for you as we begin Advent 2022. I suppose those of us who consider ourselves "wise and learned" may pause when reading this passage, but consider this: how children approach Advent and Christmas is so pure, so full of wonder and anticipation, even more so when juxtaposed with how many adults approach this season, with helter-skelter busyness and worry. With this in mind, I ask you to join me this Advent season in striving for "childlike wonder" in our approach to each day, up to and through the entire Advent and Christmas season. After all, here at Cathedral, we work with "big little kids" each day to transform them according to our Mission and Vision. But even with that transformation, we too can be transformed to be more like children in how we look at the world with wonder and awe.
We certainly have much to celebrate and look forward to this month. This first semester has seen the return of our Theatre Department, aka CaTheatre, in full force. With two rousing productions and practically full houses for each, our theatre program is back! Jordan Fox and Michael Moffatt, our Theatre Directors, have brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and the students are flocking to participate in this program. The spring musical, Sponge Bob the Musical, is poised to be an even greater draw. Bravo and bravo again to Jordan and Michael!
We also are basking just a bit in the glow of our fourth National Blue Ribbon award, which we received in Washington, DC, last month. It was an honor for me personally to receive the award, along with Principal Julie Barthel, STEM Director Dr. Aarti Brooks, and Vice Principal for Academics Mark Matthews. In the ballroom for the actual presentation, they announced that 294 schools nationwide won the award, with 55 two-time winners, 15 three-time winners, and (pause for applause) two four-time winners! Yes, we were one of them, and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized nationally for our ability to teach and learn with the best. Hats off to us!!
Finally, a shout-out to our educators. I have heard it said that:
God created Teachers in His wisdom and His grace.
We see evidence of this each and every day here on the Hill. Guided by our Mission and Vision and led by our faith, our administrators and educators work together to educate hearts and minds. The challenges of our time are unique but not unprecedented; educating young people has always been a noble cause, and with the sublime teachings of Jesus and the model of Blessed Basil Moreau, and the teachings of Holy Cross, our work is truly full of grace. I am fully grateful for the top-notch educators on our team, and we are working as a team to improve every day. Please take time to thank our educators during this holy season.
I thank you for your partnership with us. If you're reading this message, you are part of our Irish family. May we all be as children in our wonder, awe, and joyful anticipation this Advent. May God bless you, your family, and dear old Cathedral.
Humbly in your service,
Robert Bridges, Ph.D.
President