Last Wednesday, our 8th graders took their annual Social Studies trip to the state capitol in Olympia. In addition to parent chaperone, Nelson Nakata, a special guest guide accompanied the class, former Governor Gary Locke. Not only did the students get to visit the planned Olympia Capitol Building locations, they also got to go into the Governor’s Mansion and hear personal stories from Gov. Locke about living there for 8 years. Students additionally were visited by current First Lady Inslee and Lieutenant Governor, Cyrus Habib. Habib who is legally blind, spoke directly to the students about overcoming any and ALL personal setbacks in life. As Gov. Locke toured with the students, he explained how laws are passed and the “politics” behind bills. The day finished with the students participating in a mock trial of a real case in the Temple of Justice.
What a fun and profitable “Bon Voyage – The Love Boat” auction we had this past weekend. The items were fabulous, the food was delicious, decorations amazing and the passenger list, superb. The waters were smooth (even the ones from the sky) and we arrived safely back to the shores of St. Anne with a bounty of treasure from our generous bidders. Special thanks to our cruise Captains Andrea and Nelson Nakata, along with their hard-working deckhands who guided us on this inspiring adventure.
On Sunday, our celebration of Holy Week began with Palm Sunday liturgies. Lent is coming to an end and we prepare for the joy of Easter!
Each morning during Lent, we have gathered as a school community in Banchero Hall to say a decade of the rosary and reflect on the needs of our human family across the world. This week we will continue this practice and celebrate a symbolic Seder Meal on Holy Thursday and a Simple Meal on Good Friday. Students will eat their lunches on Thursday in the classrooms before joining the symbolic Seder. Our Simple Meal on Good Friday consists of ramen soup, crackers and water. There is no need for students to bring a lunch that day and there will be no hot lunch. Quiet music plays as students spend their lunch time silently reflecting on those who have limited access to food and water. Our culminating activity will be the Living Stations of the Cross in the church at 2:15pm on Good Friday. Please join us.
Our Easter break begins after dismissal on Good Friday. It is always an exciting time but also we need to remember the reverence of the day and the Passion of Christ. At dismissal, we are once again planning a silent dismissal and ask for your cooperation and help in keeping the calm, quiet, prayerful nature of our afternoon.
Finally, I hope you are able to take this last chance before Easter to observe Lent with our community. Our parish offers a number of wonderful liturgies and rituals in observance of the Triduum. Different than an ordinary Mass, the liturgies of Holy Week can help us see our faith in new ways. Scheduled for this week are:
Holy Thursday
March 29
7:00pm; Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Our Second Graders, as part of their preparation
for First Eucharist, will participate in the Washing of Feet
Good Friday
March 30
2:15pm: Living Stations of the Cross presented by our 5th and 8th graders
7:00 pm: Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross
EASTER VIGIL
Saturday, March 31
8:30 pm Mass
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, April 1
8:00am and 10:00am Mass
I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Easter!
