Dear Friends:
Schools have opened and life is now returning to normal, and this year at St. Mary’s School we are delighted to welcome well over 360 children from the three-year olds in our prekindergarten program through to those in the eighth grade, some of whom will have been in our school, when all is said and done, for eleven years in all. We have welcomed some new faculty and staff, and the school, under the direction of Deacon Dominic Corraro, the principal, is in good hands. I am confident that the children entrusted to our care who will be formed in our Catholic faith will profit from their experiences in our school. As pastor, and as a product of Catholic education myself, I am fully committed to our parish school. I want it to succeed, to be as excellent as possible, and to grow even more. I am of the opinion that St. Mary’s School is the best in the Archdiocese. It is a credit to our parish, and its contributions to the life and vitality of our parish are inestimable.
That being said, I will reiterate some words of caution that I wrote in the bulletin several months ago regarding public education here in Milford as well as elsewhere. Not everyone chooses to send their children to a Catholic school, and some find it difficult to afford. Nonetheless, I urge parents of children enrolled in the public schools to monitor carefully what their children are being taught. There are reports of public schools teaching CRT (Critical Race Theory, which is in many ways contrary to the teachings of the Church) as well as promoting or tolerating fluidity in gender identity. My point is simple: parents of children enrolled in public schools should take an active, regular and consistent interest in what their children are being taught. There can be no place for indoctrination of any kind. Parents are the primary teachers of their children. This includes formation in faith and spiritual matters as well as politics and social issues. Let your voices be heard at the Milford Board of Education meetings if you have any concerns.
We are now preparing to resume regular meetings of the Pastoral Council (what was once called the Parish Council) after the disruption due to the pandemic. This body meets five times a year to review various dimensions of parish life. Each meeting is topically focused. The Pastoral Council is not deliberative in nature, that is, it does not make final decisions. It exists to advise the pastor on all matters of parish life, and as the current pastor, I take the advice of the Pastoral Council with the utmost seriousness. If you would like to be considered for appointment to the Pastoral Council, please let either myself or Deacon John know. You may also call the parish office at (203) 878-3571.
The weekend of September 10-11 we will be holding a drive in support of the Deacon John Rigely Food Pantry. Monetary donations or donations of food are most appreciated. Given the dire state of the economy in this country at present, the needs are greater than ever.
Have a good week!