Dear Saint Ursula Community,
SUA Palooza was a tremendous success! Lelia and I want to thank all who attended, made a donation, purchased a raffle ticket, volunteered, or contributed to the event in any manner. We are always sincerely grateful for all of the ways that you support the mission of Saint Ursula Academy. As usual, the students were the highlight of the evening. Junior Lucy Steinert and Senior Lena Garr both spoke about the impact that SUA has had on their lives. Each student had her own experiences to share, but common themes were learning how to become strong, independent women and the growth that happened through challenges and opportunities both within and outside of the classroom. Lucy and Lena both articulated their experiences so well, but what struck me most was their confidence - in themselves, their message, and SUA.
Looking ahead, because it will be here before we know it, I want to pass along some information from our own Sister Jerome and the Ursulines of Cincinnati. As a gift to our SUA community, they have commissioned a painting of Sr. Thea Bowman to hang in Chapel Hall. On March 19th, our community will come together to honor the life and impact of Sr. Thea Bowman with a Mass at 10:30 am followed by the art installation. Sr. Jerome asked me to share with you the invitation that follows this letter; all parents and caregivers are most welcome to attend the Mass with us.
In addition, Sr. Jerome and the Ursulines of Cincinnati have shared resources with faculty and staff that we will incorporate into Advisory times so that we can all learn about Sr. Thea’s inspiring life. Her ministry occurred in the 1960s through her death in 1990, so relatively recent times. There is a cause for her to be canonized a saint. Early in Sr. Thea Bowman’s life, she learned that in order to give herself fully to God and to her work she needed to recognize how important her African-American heritage and spiritually was to herself and her service to others. Her biography explains, “She emphasized that cultural awareness had, as a prerequisite, intentional mutuality. She was eager to learn from other cultures, but also wanted to share the abundance of her African-American culture and spirituality. Indeed, Sister Thea became a highly acclaimed evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer sharing the joy of the Gospel and her rich cultural heritage throughout the nation.” We are very thankful for the Ursulines of Cincinnati for facilitating this meaningful celebration for us.
Enjoy the rest of the week and this break in the weather.
Go Bulldogs!
Kathy
Here is the updated two-week calendar.
Here is the invitation from Sr. Jerome and the Ursulines of Cincinnati:
