Dear Families of Holy Name,
A big congratulations to our 8th grade girls on their basketball conference championship last night in Carney. They came together as a team to win it. We are so proud of their efforts. A huge thank you to coaches Tony Derkos and Lori Jurek. Yes the girls learned the skills of basketball, but they also had opportunities to grow in virtue. I hope they can continue that success into our high school sports program. In the end, we become better people because we do hard things together— not just relying on ourselves.
The Tony Melendez concert moved hearts here at Holy Name on Tuesday. It was a powerful witness and our students shared how much it impacted them. From his brother Jose’s testimony of wanting to essentially disown Tony to the bullying Tony himself endured. Recognizing that your identity is not found in what you do or are capable of, but that you are a child of our Heavenly Father. He loves and delights in us. Tony’s struggles and determination highlighted for our students that we can do hard things and God will not only get us through them, but His love will shine through us. One powerful moment was Tony singing a Hail Mary and asking students to share prayer requests up at a microphone. We have families that need our prayers. My heart goes out to them. Please lift up our school families in your daily prayers.
This week I witnessed amazing lessons in multiple different grades. I would like to share that the teachers are embracing the classical pedagogy that not only sets Holy Name apart, but it is helping our students effectively learn. I saw first hand how our teachers guide them to discovery and wonder. I do not wish to embarrass one particular teacher, but let me say that I wish I had it on video to share with anyone looking to teach classically. It was a model lesson. The students engaged at a high level and responded in truly thoughtful and insightful ways.
Looking ahead, we have the All Saints Day event on November 1. It is a holy day of obligation and we hope you will find a Mass time that works for you and your family and then join us for the celebration.
The Holy Name High School Cross Country team is competing in the UP Finals tomorrow in Munising. Say a prayer that they compete well and they will honor God with their performance.
The high school also received additional equipment for the woodworking program. A big thank you goes out to the donors. It will enhance the safety, but also the quality for our students’ experience.
One last celebration to note. After the Tony Melendez concert a parent commented that she wished we could do more praise and worship at school. I am happy to report that during our daily convocation that our 4th and 5th graders lead us in a praise song each day. There are now some 6th graders joining as well. Additionally, Deacon Bob exposed the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel. Our students have an opportunity to praise and adore our Lord on a weekly basis. Adoration gives quiet time to listen to our Lord and His vocation for us. It is hard to listen when we are always talking.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Peace and joy,
Nathan Vande Hey
Principal
