1st Sunday of Lent
In this week’s Gospel, St. Matthew is intent on showing us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jewish hopes and prophecy. And the Church has specifically paired our first reading and this Gospel passage to highlight certain parallels between the Old and New Testaments. The most obvious is that both are temptation scenes: the first successful (Adam and Eve), and the second unsuccessful (Jesus defeats Satan). But if we look a little closer, we can see another close parallel.
Both Eve and Jesus are tempted with food, death, and power. This threefold temptation overcomes Eve in the absence of Adam. But in the second temptation, the new Adam, Jesus, is the subject of the temptation, and the future Eve, the Church, is at a safe distance. Interestingly, in chapters 26-23 of Matthew, Jesus will successfully give food to his followers in the Eucharist, will go to his death on the Cross, and receive power from the Father in his Resurrection. What Jesus refused to the devil at the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel, he gives freely at the end of his Gospel. Ironically, what Satan promised to Eve and could not deliver, Jesus offers freely to the new Eve, the Church, in the Paschal Mystery.
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing Winter Recess.
We are in the Holy Season of Lent. The school children will be making sacrifices, praying, and giving alms to the poor. We will be keeping the intentions of the parishioners of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish in our daily prayers.
Below is a glimpse of some of the types of sacrificing we will suggest to the students:
Nassau BOCES Speech and Language Pathologist: I am happy to announce that Nassau BOCES has secured Mrs. Linda Schmid, Speech-Language Pathologist, once again, to conduct speech evaluations for students who were recommended to be evaluated back in the fall. Mrs. Schmid will be here this Monday, February 27th, and Tuesday, February 28th to conduct the evaluations. Once the evaluations are completed, you will be informed of your child’s results and if he/she qualifies for speech. Not all students may qualify. Mrs. Schmid will then begin speech classes for those who qualify next Tuesday and continue meeting with the students every Tuesday. Please note, not all Nassau County Public School Districts participate in this program. Baldwin students will be evaluated by the Baldwin School District separately. Those from Baldwin who qualify will receive speech services from Mrs. Schmid.
Incoming Kindergarten Screenings: Kindergarten screenings for registered, incoming Kindergarten students will take place this week on Wednesday, March 1st, and Thursday, March 2nd by appointment.
1st Reconciliation: Please keep our 2nd graders in your thoughts and prayers as they received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
Paul Effman Band Program: Band lessons are canceled this Thursday, March 2nd. Please click on the link below to access a letter from Miss Coon regarding the Paul Effman Band Program.
NYS Prep Classes: Please click on the links below to register for the NYS Prep Classes being offered to students in grades 4 and 6. Registrations are due on February 28th. Please note, there was a typo on the grade 6 ELA form. All morning classes regardless of grade, 4 or 6, are from 7:30-8:15.
Friday, March 3rd is a 12-noon dismissal to allow the teachers and administration to meet for our monthly Faculty Meeting. Aftercare will be in effect from 12 noon to 4 P.M.
Please stay tuned for when the next school Mass will be celebrated.
The Mothers’ Club and Fathers’ Club Parents’ Night Out Event that was scheduled for Saturday, March 4th has been canceled.
The Luck of the Irish: Please join us as we participate in this year's RVC St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 25th. Interested families and students should fill out this Google Form below by Sunday, March 19th.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Participant Form
Drama: Please click on the link below to access the drama schedule for March.
Middle School Sports
Basketball: Congratulations to the Girls and Boys Basketball teams on both an undefeated season and two championship wins! A huge thank you to the coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Cook and Mr. Prendergast!
Girl’s Cheerleading: Thank you to the cheerleaders for cheering and bringing on the stag’s spirit throughout this season! Thank you, Coach Farrell!
Bowling
Practice: Tuesday 2/28 @ 3:00-4:00
Location: Maple Lanes -RVC
Meet: Friday 3/3 @ 3:45
Location: AMF East Meadow
Spring Sports: Be on the lookout for Spring Sports sign-ups over the next two weeks via email. 7th and 8th grade Boy’s and Girl’s Lacrosse, Boy’s Baseball, and Girls’ Softball. If you are unsure if your son or daughter needs an updated physical, please email Mrs. Brower or Ms. Poore.
Please email the coaching staff, Mrs. Brower (mbrower5546@stagnes-school.org) or Ms. Poore (kpoore5546@stagnes-school.org) with any questions.
School Board
All Enrichment confirmations have been sent out. Please remember to send in your checks by this Friday 3/3 to Michelle Creegan c/o Mollie Creegan 4-2. If your child has a conflict with Test Prep or Play practice - please let us know immediately so that we can open up your spots to students on the waitlist. Please email creeganmichelle@gmail.com with any questions.
There are still some open classes if you are still interested in signing up.
On the Horizon
The Parent Portal will close on March 10th for the teachers to prepare for the 2nd Trimester Report Cards. All tuition accounts must be up to date (March 1st tuition received) to receive your child’s report card as well as to participate in parent-teacher conferences.
Grade 8 Confirmation: Saturday, March 18th at 12:30 P.M.
Green and Gold: March 30th
Peace and blessings to you and your families this 1st Sunday of Lent.
Mrs. Cecilia St. John, Principal