ary K.I.T.EBy Lynne Lang, Director of School Climate for the Catholic Education Office, Archdiocese of St. Louis
The expression “go fly a kite” has been recognized as a negative comment, referring to one’s annoying presence. … The kite is a symbol of springtime and can have good application for Catholic school climate. There is no better way to teach empathy than in the moment it is needed. So by looking for teachable moments, we find ourselves looking out for others, becoming aware of ways we can be of service. …
Kindness requires us to place the needs of another before our own. When we practice the Virtue of Kindness (a fruit of the Holy Spirit), we are imagining we are walking in the shoes of another. … Kindness in God, practiced as a virtue, is an act deliberately intended to help another get in heaven, … Most of us just think of kindness as being helpful out of human need. If we reach for a deeper meaning in our actions, we are imitating Christ, and choosing to help a brother or sister along the journey to eternal life.
So the next time you let someone with fewer groceries step in front of you in line, that is an expression of empathy, recognizing even such a small burden as this can make a difference. Your extra smile and encouragement may make all the difference in how a person treats the next person that comes along in a parking lot, a schoolyard, or at home.
Note: Lynne Lang will present on “Restorative Discipline” to all parents on Monday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. and, again, on Tuesday, May 15th at 7:00 a.m.
2nd Graders Preparing for First Holy CommunionIt comes as no surprise to the 29 2nd grade students when they hear Msgr. Vincent Bommarito ask them to “Please stay after a school Mass”. The 2nd graders know that they are not in trouble. They know to head up to the sanctuary (area around the altar). The students know this because almost weekly since the beginning of March they have meet with Msgr. Bommarito to study and understand the Eucharistic Prayer which will be used during their First Holy Communion Mass.
This time with Msgr. Bommarito adds to what the students are learning in their classroom under the guidance of Mrs. Jennifer Ruggeri and Sr. Bridget Smith; and, what they are reviewing with their parents through family pages in their “We Believe & Celebrate First Communion” book.
The 2nd grade students will receive Jesus in The Eucharist for the first time during Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5th. Please keep the children in your prayers.
News from PTO…Get ready for a day of fun!
In St. Ambrose tradition, 4th Grade took their trip to Jefferson City on Wednesday, April 18th.
The students along with their parent chaperones, Mrs. Jenn Smith (teacher), and Ms. Kathy Mitchell (teacher’s aide) first stopped at the Fireman’s Memorial in Kingdom City. Their second stop was a tour at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion were they were able to see all the lovely paintings of each first lady and some of the pieces of furniture left by past governors. After the Mansion tour, they enjoyed a picnic style lunch on the grounds behind the mansion.
The group’s third stop was the Capital building where they by Representative Michele Kratky (65th District) and got to visit the House of Representatives’ Chambers. The House was on a session break but all got to walk around and even get a picture taken with Rep. Kratky by the Speaker of the House’s chair/podium. One of the 4th graders’ favorite stops in the Capital building was the room that Thomas Hart Benton painted his murals! Each section depicted a pictorial timeline of our state’s history.
After leaving the Capital building the students and adults went to the Missouri Highway Patrol Museum where they viewed displays of information concerning traffic safety, law enforcement, drug abuse and items relating to the history of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The final stop of the day was to the Runge Conservation Center where the students took a class about reptiles and amphibians. The students got to touch some native reptiles and amphibians of Missouri, including a Red Milk Snake and a toad! Of course, the class could not return without a stop to McDonalds in Kingdom City.
It was a wonderful day full of learning and a excitement!
