Message from School Director

Rev. Fr. Emilio A. Ascaño, LRMS

In today’s Gospel we hear our beloved Lord saying: “No sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.” It is the remarkable claim of Jesus that God lovingly watches over the life and death of even his smallest and least of creatures. How much more, then, is God watching over all of us, who are worth more than hundreds of sparrows. Jesus goes so far as to say that every hair of our head has been counted by God. Jesus is using an image here to express God’s care for the smallest detail of our lives. We can find ourselves wondering whether or not God really cares about me personally. I am only one of such a vast throng. How can God possibly be interested in the details of my life? Yet, Jesus assures us in that gospel that God is indeed interested in the details of our lives. God relates to us in a way that is unique to each one of us. We are called into a personal relationship with God. Because God cares about the details of our lives, Jesus assures us that we can entrust ourselves to God, without fear. ‘There is no need to be afraid.’ This is the kind of relationship Jesus himself had with God. He knew in his heart that God was concerned about the details of his life and he entrusted himself to God, even when his enemies seemed to have triumphed over him. Jesus wants us to know that we can all have the same relationship with God that he has. He invites us to share in his own personal relationship with God and he makes such a sharing possible by sending the Holy Spirit into our hearts, his own Spirit. Through the Spirit, his God becomes our God, his Father becomes our Father.


Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and School Staff,


As we gather here today to mark the beginning of a new school year, we find ourselves at the threshold of a journey filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. It is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and renewed hopes. In this moment, it is fitting that we turn our hearts and minds to the comforting words of Jesus, who assures us of His ever-present care and concern.


These words are a profound reminder of God's intimate and personal care for each one of us. As we stand here, ready to embark on a new academic year, let us take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone. The same God who watches over the sparrows and knows the number of hairs on our heads is watching over us and our children. He is deeply invested in our well-being, our fears, and our aspirations.


To the parents and guardians, you have been entrusted with the sacred duty of nurturing and guiding your children. It is natural to feel the weight of this responsibility, to worry about their safety, their wellbeing, their education and their future. But remember, God is with you in this journey. He knows your concerns and walks beside you, offering His wisdom and strength. Trust in His providence and let your hearts be at peace, knowing that He values your children even more than you do.


To the teachers and school staff, you play a vital role in shaping the minds and hearts of the young ones entrusted to your care. Your work is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring hope, fostering curiosity, and nurturing the soul. It is a calling that comes with its own set of challenges and worries. But take courage from Jesus' words. Your efforts do not go unnoticed by God. He sees your dedication, your sacrifices, and your love. He is with you in every lesson plan, every interaction, and every moment of care.


In this new school year, let us all hold onto the assurance that Jesus offers us. Let us not be consumed by fear or anxiety, but rather, let our hopes guide us. Let us trust that God, who cares for the smallest sparrow, is also caring for each one of us and our children. Let us move forward with confidence, knowing that we are valued, loved, and watched over by our Heavenly Father.


As we embark on this journey together, may we be instruments of God's love and care, fostering an environment where every child can thrive, grow, and become all that God has created them to be. Let us peacefully work together, support one another, encourage one another, and trust in God's unfailing care.


May God bless this new school year and all those who are part of it. Amen.