Dear OLMC Community,

The Home & School Coffree on Friday had a wonderful turn out! Thank you to so many of you who came out to learn about and be a part of the Home & School Board. I will send more information about the volunteer opportunities in case you were unable to attend. 

Here is information for the last week:

*Thursday is Mass for 5th and 6th grade. Please have your child wear his/her mass uniform. 

This past week, in addressing our 8th grade graduates, Fr. John referenced Charles Dickens' great work A Tale of Two Cities. The opening line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” is easily one of the most recognizable even outside of literary circles. No doubt, the year 2020 will hold the distinction of being among “the worst of times” for the foreseeable future. But, as is so often the case, the worst of times brings out the best in people. Nowhere was that more apparent than among this community! Parents, students (big and small), grandparents, extended family, OLMC parishioners, community members--the list of people who helped make our school year a success is long. Each one contributed in a unique way and all should rightfully share in the joy and celebration of what has been accomplished!

One evening, years ago, while working in the emergency room, a young physician did something that left a lasting impression on me. Things were moving along at the usual rapid pace when we were alerted to two patients from a serious motor vehicle accident, en route. For the next hour, many of the nurses and doctors worked to resuscitate and stabilize these patients. Meanwhile, people who had come to the ER for treatment of injuries and illnesses of a less acute nature, waited. This did not sit well with one patient.

Dear Parents, 

This is the last FULL week of school! Hard to believe that we are here! I have a few reminders for the upcoming week:

*Monday - We are having the 8th grade retreat at the Newman Center. If you have an 8th grader, please refer to the email I sent on Friday for more information. 

*Wednesday - Mass day for grades 5 and 6. Children must wear their Mass uniform. We will have our 8th grade graduation this evening. Please keep them in your prayers. This is only open to the families of the 8th graders. 

Dear OLMC Community,

First I want to wish all of the Mothers, Grandmothers, Sisters and Aunts a very Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you are having a wonderful day as you deserve it!

The beginning of May has started off so beautifully! On May 1st we had our last two Confirmation and First Holy Communion Masses. The children did a beautiful job and I am so thankful for the teachers who worked so hard to prepare them.

This past week, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer applied to the FDA for emergency use authorization of its COVID vaccine in those 12-15 years of age (current authorization is for those over the age of 16). It is expected that EUA will be granted this week and the Pfizer vaccine could be available to your children within two weeks. In all aspects of healthcare, prior to administering treatment we seek “informed consent”. That means that the patient is given all the necessary information, based on sound scientific data and the clinical experience of medical professionals, to make a decision that is best for them.

Dear OLMC Community,

Yesterday we had our last round of Confirmations and First Communion ceremonies. The children were amazing- it is so beautiful to see them celebrate the sacraments with each other. I am so thankful to Mrs. Abbott and Mrs. Hartley for how well they prepared the children- it certainly showed!

Thank you for all of the well wishes, cards, flowers and drinks for Principal Appreciation! Mr. Groseta and I felt very loved! You are too generous!

Over the past several weeks, many have asked why the infection mitigation strategies we have used since reopening, especially pertaining to mask wearing, have not been removed. These same issues have been discussed, at length, with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s School Health Team. At this time, we are engaged in what we in healthcare call “watchful waiting”. That may sound like nothing. In fact, it is something. Webster defines watchful waiting as “a policy of taking no immediate action with respect to a situation or course of events but of following its development intently.” (Merriam Webster Dictionary)