This school year we adopted a theme from St. Francis de Sales: "The consideration of others is the offspring of charity." This theme in my opinion can be interpreted in a variety of ways. However, we realize that our mission is to nurture and develop gospel values in all our endeavors.

One way to interpret St. Francis' words can be taken from the 25th Chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Jesus reminds us, "Whatever you do for one of the least of my people, you do for me."At St. Mary's High School, we invite our students, teachers and school community to participate in the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith and to generously and wisely become good stewards who donate their time, talent and treasure to improve the world in which we live.

It has been clearly evident that the students, faculty and staff took this theme seriously by their kindness and generosity to many individuals and groups. They clearly understand that serving the needs of the poor is rooted in a fundamental truth: that our time, talents and treasures do not belong to us; rather, they are gifts from God. "Our possessions are not our own," observed Francis de Sales. "God has given them to us to cultivate, and he wants us to make them fruitful and profitable." Not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

Another interpretation naturally lends itself to introspection. We need to remember that changing our hearts ultimately leads to changing the way we relate to others. God has given each of us many gifts, but these gifts were never given for just ourselves. They were meant to be shared and to improve the lives of others.

Examining our relationships is a helpful way to discover those areas we need to work on in our own lives. Healthy relationships are life giving and ever growing. They make us feel alive and inspire us to give life to others. Relationships require time and energy; good relationships don't just happen. They require sacrifice and letting go as we try to know and love another person. To some degree, all relationships invite us to change, and that is perhaps most unsettling. If we don't change, we become stuck and lifeless. Thank God for the people in our lives who invited us into a relationship. They offer us the gift of life and God asks us to do the same for them and for others. "The consideration of others is the offspring of charity."

I want to thank the families that will be leaving St. Mary's for their consideration of entrusting their children in our care. I want to thank the Class of 2010 for sharing their gifts and talents with this community and let them know that they are in our prayers.

Finally, I want to recognize the loss of Mrs. Ann Marie Pierce and Mrs. Dian Kern from our school community. Their lights shined brightly while they were with us. Grant that we may hold their memory dear, never bitter for what we have lost nor regretful for the past, but always in hope of the eternal kingdom where we will be brought together again. With faith in our future and trust in God, I wish you all a peaceful summer.

Mary, Queen of Angels, St. Francis de Sales and St. Dominic, pray for us.