There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend and signed it "From Your Valentine."

According to other myths, the custom of sending valentines grew from a belief in the Middle Ages that birds began to choose their mates on February 14.

But the best reason for honoring St. Valentine as the patron saint of love is his own great love of God, which never weakened, even at the cost of his life.

In reality, Christ asks us to love one another everyday. He also adds: not just those who love us back, but everyone. This is the unromantic side of love, but it is the courageous side.

Affirming this courageous side of love, St. Francis de Sales wrote: "It is to those who have most need of us that we ought to show love more especially, for in doing so we give a greater proof of our love."

Like St. Valentine, wouldn't you like to be caught in the act of doing something good? Recall the last time you donated a generous sum to your favorite charity, treated a humbly dressed person with great respect, turned off the television and took time to listen to a family member, withheld judgment until having all the facts, admitted you were wrong, decided to let someone who hurt you off the hook and maybe even prayed for an enemy.

One of the new programs we intend to implement for our students is a Christian Service Program. Through the St. Mary's High School Christian Service Program students will have a structured program in which they can better understand the reality of service to others. Potentially, the Christian Service Program will allow students to experience Christianity in a dynamic way by actively participating in a wide variety of community service. This program eventually will become a graduation requirement.

At St. Mary's we offer an education with a foundation in the Catholic faith, allowing our young people to maximize their God-given abilities. A St. Mary's High School student can expect a challenging academic curriculum, individual attention from caring educators and an emphasis on spirituality and service to others.