St. Francis Academy

All my possessions for a moment of time. (Elizabeth I)

Dear Parents,

Wishing a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to you and your family. It’s difficult to believe that ten years have passed since the start of our new century. The swift passage of time is all too apparent here at St. Francis Academy. Our alumni often visit and to my astonishment they are seniors in high school and college. How can this be when I clearly remember them as adorable first graders greeting me with a big smile and a good morning each day.

The days of childhood fly swiftly. Perhaps this year of 2010 our resolution should be to look at our children with new eyes, accepting them for who they are, quirks and talents. Resolve to spend more time listening to their dreams and fears; spend quality time without the incessant hi-tech chatter that accompanies modern life. Studies have shown that eating dinner as a family three days a week lessens the likelihood of teen drinking, drug use, and sexual activity. Nourish their souls by attending Mass as a family each week creating a bond that time will never erode. Read books, play board games, take a walk, listen to their stories and concerns, their disappointments and successes. Don’t allow time to dampen their innocence and enthusiasm for God’s creation with worldly concerns and cares. Above all don’t allow them to be spoiled with an unquenchable desire for material goods ensuring an inability to ever be happy or satisfied.

Time can cause us to forget what is most important as the following story illustrates. A young family was blessed with the birth of a baby boy. When the parents came home and placed the baby in his crib their three-year-old daughter asked to speak to the baby alone. The parents were baffled but since the nursery was equipped with a speaker system they allowed the request. Listening carefully they heard the little girl greet and welcome her new baby brother to the family. She informed her brother that she had been waiting for him so she could ask a very important question. She said, Tell me all about God, I’m starting to forget Him.

In partnership with you, dear parents, time here at SFA will be well spent developing morality, knowledge, discipline, and faith to carry your children through the joyous and trying times of their lives. May I extend my sincere gratitude for all the beautiful gifts, cards, prayers, and thoughts I received during the Christmas season. Your generosity and kindness is overwhelming.

God bless you,

Deborah A. Savage