+Dear St. Cecilia School Families, 

Over the last two weeks, we witnessed our young people celebrate the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. It was special to watch the excitement as our 3rd Graders received the Eucharist for the first time. Just today, the PREP students were confirmed by Bishop Fitzgerald after a long wait. As their parents, teachers, and leaders, it is up to us to continue to support them in their faith lives and lead them closer to Jesus every day.

One way we can help our young people is through our witness of serving God and God’s people. When they see us put our faith into action, our young people will develop the confidence and courage to do the same. They will know helping others can change lives forever, just as we read in this simple story.

A good witness for our young people is Blessed Carlos Acutis. He enjoyed PlayStation, drawing silly cartoons, playing football (soccer), and joking around with his friends. He was a typical teenager but he died at the age of 15 of leukemia. Pope Francis talked about him today and said, “Yesterday in Assisi, Carlo Acutis, a fifteen- year-old boy in love with the Eucharist, was beatified. He did not settle into comfortable inaction, but grasped the needs of his time because in the weakest he saw the face of Christ.... His witness shows today's young people that true happiness is found by putting God first and serving Him in our brothers, especially the least. Let’s make a round of applause for the new young Blessed.”

Blessed Carlos Acutis had his priorities in order. He said, “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” Let us pray that our young people, and each one of us, will make this our life’s plan as well! Have a great week!

God bless you,
Sister Catherine Irene, IHM