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That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:3
Dear Friends,
What a busy and purpose-filled Spring at Escuela! Just as the flowers growing in the wake of the springtime rain, our children are blossoming right before our eyes, in the garden that is Escuela de Guadalupe! With the careful cultivation of their teachers, parents, and school community, our children grow into the learners and leaders they were born to be!
Sr. Susan Swain Service Day- It goes without saying that this day is one of the most important to our school community. Year after year, in memory of one of our most influential founders, Sr. Susan Swain, our students ventured out all over the Denver metro area on a simple, yet faith-filled mission – to learn and to serve. On April 20th, our students, staff, and parent volunteers either walked or loaded public transit buses to arrive at over a dozen separate service sites (Bessie’s Hope, Clinica Tepeyac, Salvation Army, and GrowHaus, just to name a few) to be boys and girls in the service of others. We then returned to have small group discussions to reflect on our experiences and the impact the day had on us as Guadalupanos.
Run-A-Thon – Even though Mother Nature had plans, we had others – because nothing was going to stop our hard-working Guadalupanos from fundraising in service to their school! Our middle schoolers braved the wind, but just to be safe, our little ones ran in our gym in what was one of the most fun Run-A-Thons we’ve ever had. It was heartwarming to witness the excitement in the face of each student as they ran all the laps they could, high-fiving our Lobo mascot, incredibly eager to make a contribution to their school. The camaraderie and sportsmanship that permeated the room as our teachers pitched in, tagging each student for every lap they ran, and shoulder to shoulder with parents and siblings, cheering on every student, was a joy to behold!
Sacraments of Initiation – This Sunday will mark the completion of the sacraments of initiation that 2nd through 5th graders receive as they experience what real renewal of spirit is! A joyful time for our community, we celebrate the fact that our children are capable of accepting Christ on their own by supporting them on this important journey. Earlier this week, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, 2nd and 3rd graders experienced what true forgiveness is. They’ve learned that confessing their sins is a fresh start – a beautiful opportunity to restore their relationship with the Lord. Our 3rd graders then received their First Communion this Sunday here at Presentation Church. And on Friday, our 4th and 5th graders came together with their teachers, families, and sponsors as they stood before God and were Confirmed. I would love to extend a special “thank you” to Msgr. Bernie Schmitz, who Confirmed our students, and celebrated alongside our pastor, Rev. Ed Poehlmann, and Deacon Pablo Salas.
Partners, teachers, staff, and parents – I hope that this Spring, you’ve experienced the same life-giving spirit that I have in being a witness to the love and light I see in our children! With every opportunity to serve others, to grow as individuals and critical thinkers, and to grow in their faith, they show promise in becoming the compassionate leaders and 21st century changemakers we strive to cultivate here at Escuela de Guadalupe. Please join me in praying for each and every one of them as they finish out the school year in the few short weeks we have left!
+Peace
Paul F. Dull
President