This week’s first reading is an account of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles and empowering them to preach with confidence. One of the interesting things is the parallel between how the Spirit came down in fire, loud sound, and personal revelation to the apostles on that Pentecost day and how Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, where similar things happened. But the most important aspect of this reading is not the extraordinary phenomena of fire, wind, and the gift of tongues. Rather, the crucial point is the transformation that took place in the lives of the apostles, who changed from timid souls cowering in a locked room to fearless witnesses of what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection. These same changes occur today in all who receive the Holy Spirit. It is in this sense that Pentecost still happens, as those who live according to God’s Spirit experience the same life-transforming power of God that changed the apostles two thousand years ago.
The second reading this week ties the coming of the Holy Spirit to Baptism. Not only does everyone receive “the manifestation of the Spirit for some benefit,” but all are baptized into one body, where all “drink of one Spirit.” In like manner, the Gospel links the Holy Spirit with the forgiveness of sins—the sins wiped away at Baptism and the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism. The Holy Spirit does not come only once to us but continues to dwell within our souls and transform us.
Where has the year gone? There are only two and a half weeks left in the school year, and this week we will say goodbye to our 8th Graders. We thank God for our 8th Graders… for their friendship and laughter; for their learning and growing. We pray for them as they journey into the future, that they will be safely held within God’s loving hands. The 8th graders will begin their graduation festivities this week.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to Mrs. Kathleen Cook. She did an amazing job in preparing the 7th and 8th-grade students for Green and Gold. It was a spectacular night. Thank you to the teachers and former teachers who came back to assist us in making this a memorable night for the 7th and 8th graders. Thank you to the parents for your participation!
COVID-19 Update Students: 2 Faculty/Staff: 0
Security Update Please click on the link below access a letter from the Police Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department.
Please know that we continuously update our school security plan and schedule walkthrough assessments with Nassau County Homeland Security and the RVC Police Department regularly. Both RVC and Homeland Security completed assessments of the school last year and the recommendations have been implemented. We have installed numerous security gates and cameras. We installed a guard rail around the perimeter of the playground. The signage on the building has been updated and maps of the building have been posted. A thorough assessment by Nassau County's Homeland Security will be scheduled again to continually assess the security of the school and implement their recommendations.
On Monday, June 6th, the 8th Graders will attend Mass at 9:45 A.M. and dismiss at 11 A.M. to the Parish Center to have their yearbooks blessed and then receive them. Fr. Duffy will spend some time with them, and then they will be escorted to Monaghan’s for a luncheon. Students who are taking the bus home on Monday must contact Mrs. Anne Nelson at anne.nelson2@gmail.com.
The 4th Graders will participate in the written portion of the NYS Science Exam and the 6th and 7th Graders will take their Math Final Exams on Monday. Please make sure that your children are well-rested, eat a nutritious breakfast, and come to school on time with a supply of number 2 pencils.
The parent portal will close on Monday, June 6th.
On Tuesday, June 7th the 8th Graders will participate in their Field Trip to Great Adventure. The 8th Graders are to arrive at school at 6:15 A.M. They should wear their Gold Team T-shirts and gym shorts.
Field Days begin this week. Please take note of the revision to the days to accommodate a rain date at the end of the week. If you ordered food from My Food Days on your child’s field day, please know that your account will be credited. Permission slips are due on Monday. Wednesday, June 8th
On Wednesday, June 8th the 8th Graders will attend their Graduation Dance from 7:30 to 11 PM in the Parish Center.
Thursday, June 9th is Awards Night at 7:30 PM in the Cathedral. The 8th Graders should arrive at school at 7 P.M. and meet in the Newman Hallway by the 6th-grade classrooms.
Friday, June 10th is Graduation at 7:30 P.M. in the Cathedral. The 8th Graders should arrive at school at 7 P.M. and meet in the Newman Hallway by the 6th-grade classrooms.
Friday, June 10th is the LAST day of Kindergarten. Monday, June 13th is the Kindergarteners’ Closing Ceremony. Kindergarten students do not have class on Monday. They should arrive to the Gym on Monday at 3:15 P.M. for line up. The Closing Ceremony begins at 3:30 P.M. There are no tickets needed to attend this event.
Next week the Protecting God’s Children Program will be taught by your child’s religion teacher. Click on the link below to access the program materials and introductory video that the children will view. Please make sure to tell your child’s teacher if your child is not going to participate in this program so you will know the day the lesson will be taught and the time your child should arrive to school.
Back to School Supplies: Please click on the link below to access the link to order your school supplies for next year. Orders must be submitted by June 18th.
Flynn and O’Hara Uniforms and School Shoes: Please click on the link below to order your school uniforms. Stride-Rite in RVC is no longer supplying our school shoes. Flynn and O’Hara carries our school uniform shoes.