Letter from the Principal - December 2020

By Mona Passman, Principal
December 9, 2020

Dear Parents, Guardians, Colleagues, Students and Friends,

Christmas break is right around the corner. Sadly, many of our holiday conversations center on what we can’t do this year because of COVID-19. For many people, this reality is the result of economic hardship, family illness, and COVID-related job stress, among other things. We hold them in our hearts and prayers, and we remember them in our actions.   

For others, these limitations are simply the result of our social obligation to follow strict pandemic guidelines. For those of us who are blessed with limited hardships and who are simply following CDC and MDH guidelines, we can do this. In fact, we are called to do this. If we indeed believe in the hope of Advent and the promise of Christmas, we must do this. 

A central tenet of our Catholic faith is the pursuit of the Common Good. So often, we are inclined to view this as sacrificing our individual freedoms. I challenge each of us to reframe this paradigm. As Christians, we choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We are bestowed with many blessings in light of His birth. Let’s remember these gifts and blessings instead of our sacrifice.

This Christmas season we have an opportunity to return to the simple and profound message of our Savior’s birth. The most difficult sacrifice many of us will make is the opportunity to gather with all of our loved ones. I am among those who will be without my family this Christmas, but in so many ways, I have grown closer to them and learned to cherish our traditions. We may not be able to attend Christmas or Midnight Mass, but we can still observe Christ’s sacred birth by lighting candles, listening to Christmas hymns, and observing the beauty of winter. We may not be able to dress up for the annual Christmas parties or hang out with our friends, but we can enjoy time at home, playing games, reading books, watching movies, drinking hot chocolate, and eating Christmas cookies, all in the comfort of our pj’s or sweats. And for those of us who like snow, maybe we will have the opportunity to ski, skate, snowshoe or sled. Finally, please indulge me in one last pitch--take a walk at St. Catherine’s University some night. Their Christmas lights are spectacular! 

There are many who are truly suffering this holiday season. If you are able, please find it in your heart to share your treasure or talent with them.  

I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Please stay healthy and be well,

Mona Passman, Principal