Sr. Roberta's September Message

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Dear Parents,

The opening of School has been wonderful. Teachers and students have shared summer experiences. Together we are refreshed, renewed and excited for the new school year.

I also wanted to share with you my summer experiences that have helped me to begin the school year with hope and deep trust in the beauty of the families at St. Peter the Apostle. Together we do make a difference. I spent my first week home on a Retreat focused on the Beatitudes. Everyday I prayed for each one of you and our school. The last 2 weeks I spent at our Center in Buffalo, NY with our Rwanda Sisters. They are from the area where our Sister School is located. It was wonderful to hear their stories of self-sacrifice and service. They expressed how grateful they were for our support. Our sacrifices have helped their mission work. Hundreds of children have been touched by your generosity. The Sisters are now furiously learning English so that they may be fluent when they return to Rwanda. The sisters know that the schools, orphanages, clinics they are responsible for can be taken away by the Government if they do not speak English. It seems rather outrageous to us but it is a reality to our Sisters.

The Beatitudes announce happiness for those who want to serve God. Jesus showed the way to heaven by his teachings and examples. The Beatitude we are studying this month is “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This Beatitude becomes clearer to us the more we pray and live the words of Jesus: “Come to Me all who are weary and find life burden some, and I will refresh you.” Putting our trust in God’s hands allows us to ‘mourn’ and to be ‘comforted’. The role of the parent is to teach their child/children that the things/events that bring them sorrow and sadness will be comforted, knowing that God will help them and love them.

May we TOGETHER pray, learn, serve and live.

God Bless,
Sr. Roberta