An End of the Year Message from Msgr. Smetanka

Hello Star school families,
 
It was so good to see so many of you yesterday during the car parade. I loved all the different ways you decorated the cars to celebrate the end of this school year and a way to thank all of teachers for their dedication and passion to teach in our school.  We all enjoyed seeing your happy smiling faces!  Thanks to all the parents and family members who shared in the “on-line” education the past few months.  You will be blessed because of your efforts!
 
Many, many thanks to the teachers who are retiring: Linda Ascencio, Roberta Henrichs, Mary Ann Rusch, Kathy Sigouin, and Maria Walker. They have directly formed hundreds of students through their many years of dedicated teaching, especially here at Star of the Sea. I know how much they treasure their students teaching experiences and they certainly deserve to treasure their “golden years” and all that awaits them.
 
Mrs. Judy Zedan is also looking forward to spending much more time with her two new grandsons as she begins her retirement. For the past 12 years she has been leading the Religious Education office either as the administrative assistant or the Director of Religious Education.
 
I am especially very appreciative of the untiring dedication to Star of the Sea from Ms. Julie Aemisegger for the past 17 years, the last 10 years as our principal. She has been a foundation through all those years keeping our school elevated at the level of “excellence” that we know and expect. While we will miss her, we know God will continue to bless and reward her and we wish her all the best!
 
For your information, the Principal Search Committee has had numerous meetings and interviewed the candidates that have presented themselves to be a fitting match for Our Lady Star of the Sea School.  We look forward to the day when our next principal will join the “Star Family” sharing the passion and dedication we know exists at Star of the Sea School.
 
I also look forward to seeing you in church for Mass during the summer.  Know every precaution is made to keep everyone safe when we come together to celebrate that great gift of the Eucharist Sunday after Sunday. If you are deciding to still keep away from larger crowds, inside and outside, be it at parks, stores, restaurants and likewise church, there are still simple ways to follow God’s commandments to keep holy the Lord’s Day at home.  We all need to continue to pray for an end to the pandemic and to pray for the safety for all.  In addition, boxes are in church to accept your Sunday Offering. It is through  your sacrificial giving that the mission of the parish and school is able to continue. Without it, our programs and ministries cease to exist.  Know it is also easier now to sign up for more direct on-line giving. (That information is found at the parish website.)  May our continued prayers help to bring an end to this health crisis and restore all of us into the Body of Christ.
 
The joy and peace we seek is found in Jesus.  May our Blessed Mother bring us closer together and closer to Jesus, our Life and Rock.
 
Msgr. Gary Smetanka