“The root of joy is gratefulness…It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
― Brother David Steindl-Rast
Open doors, open minds, and open hearts have helped us cultivate a true sense of joy and gratitude at Mater Christi School this year. As Thanksgiving draws near, we’re celebrating the gift of our community, we’re counting our blessings, and we’re striving to answer the call of Mercy by sharing with those in need.
This month, Mercy Community Service sponsored a grocery store gift card collection and our community came through in a most impressive way. To date, we’ve donated 154 gifts to Joseph’s House in Burlington to distribute to brothers and sisters in need. Thanks to everyone who participated in this effort!
Though we’ve been unable to serve with Mercy Community Service in a direct way due to COVID, we won’t let a pandemic stop us from reaching out to others! Each homeroom in the school participated in a Mercy in Action project this Fall, and students and their teachers have reached out in caring and creative ways to organizations such as COTS, Our Lady of Providence, St. Joseph’s Residential Care Home, the American Red Cross (Grade 1 – Mercy Project), and the Association of Africans Living in Vermont.
This morning, students, faculty, staff, families, Board members, and Sisters of Mercy near and far gathered virtually for a Thanksgiving prayer service. We reflected on the connection between gratitude and joy as 4th-grade students offered the readings from scripture and led us in a Litany of Thanksgiving. Mrs. Farley and a selection of students from grades 5-7 closed our gathering by leading us in a rousing Gratitude Cadence that was a true demonstration of thankfulness and school spirit.We are grateful for all members of the Mater Christi School community and for the countless ways you support and enhance our mission. We are richly blessed! We wish you a healthy, peaceful, and very Happy Thanksgiving!
Jason T. Moore
Assistant Head of School for Spiritual, Religious and Community Life