Schools: New year’s goal is to ensure every activity resonates with our faith

Guest columnist 

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room ….” 

As the dawn of a new year graces our calendars, the halls of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School are filled with a sense of joy and renewed dedication. As we wrap up the Christmas season, we are filled with a sense of joy and our hearts are renewed and refreshed as we come back to school after Christmas break. Here, within these walls, the commitment to nurturing both intellect and spirit stands as the cornerstone of our mission. We continue to celebrate the joy of the season and ensure that our school is a place where there is always room made for Jesus, the real reason for the season. 

Rooted in the teachings of Christ, our school has long upheld a tradition of fostering not only academic excellence but also instilling in our students values that will help them to become saints. January marks a time for us to reaffirm our promise to integrate these fundamental values into every aspect of our students’ educational journey. 

At the heart of this commitment lies a faith-based approach to education — one that sees the growth of mind and spirit as inseparable companions on the path of knowledge. Our curriculum is not merely a compilation of lessons but a tapestry woven with threads of moral integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the teachings of our Catholic faith. 

As we embark upon this new year, our goal is to ensure that every lesson, every activity, and every interaction within our school community resonates with the guiding principles of our Catholic faith. Our hope is that we instill within each student a sense of purpose, guided by the light of faith, that will help them conquer anything the world throws at them. 

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School embraces a multi-faceted approach to spiritual growth and academic excellence. Our daily class schedules include moments of prayer and reflection, where students and staff alike gather to seek wisdom and guidance from above. These moments of prayer and reflection serve not only to nurture the spirit but also to cultivate mindfulness and grow deeper in our relationship with God. 

Furthermore, our commitment extends beyond the classroom walls. We stand firm in our resolve to actively engage our students in community service, embracing the call to serve others, especially those most in need, and we work hard at that throughout the year. In November, we honor our veterans in a Veterans Day program. In December, we create cards for residents in the hospital and nursing home to spread the joy of the season. In January, our Catholic Schools’ Week events focus on recognizing and thanking our community leaders. In February, we collect funds to raise money for cancer patients. In March, we engage in food drives to support our local hunger coalition to feed those with food insecurities. 

Throughout the year, we impress upon our students the importance of service to one’s community and expressing gratitude for those in important service fields in our community. Through these acts of service, our students learn firsthand the importance of compassion, empathy, and selflessness — virtues that lie at the core of our Catholic identity. 

As we step into this new year, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School stands firm in its mission to nurture minds and hearts, fostering a community where faith and education intertwine harmoniously. Our commitment to shaping future leaders rooted in faith, integrity, and wisdom remains unwavering, guiding each step we take towards a brighter tomorrow. 

Together, as a community devoted to the principles of our Catholic faith, we stride forward, inspired by the promise of growth, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to both faith and education. 

May this new year be a testament to our dedication — a testament that echoes our unwavering pledge to mold hearts and minds in the light of Christ’s teachings. 

Megan Welchel is school administrator at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in International Falls.