Letter From The Principal

Mona Passman, President
November 8, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The CDH school community remembers those who died before us during the month of November.  It is one of the most beautiful times of year within the Catholic Church.  We all have loved ones we miss and remember.  This month allows us to honor them along with all the alumni who have died.

We started the month with our All Saints Day Mass on November 1 when Catholics around the world gather in liturgy to observe the Communion of Saints.  On November 2 we observe All Souls Day and remember everyone who died before us.   Personally, I find great comfort and reassurance knowing my loved ones are still with me. I truly look forward to the day when I am reunited with them, but I still feel their presence every time I celebrate the Eucharist.

As a school community, we also remember those past students, parents, staff members and alumni who have died.  The passing of a young person or one of their parents is particularly difficult.  Please know we continue to remember those who have died and we hold them up in prayer.   One way we do this is our Wall of Remembrance in the Chapel where students, staff and community members can write the name of someone they wish to remember.

In our Honors Spanish 4 classes, the students also observe Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrated on November 2.  In this project, our MILS (Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles) approach to learning is apparent. Students are encouraged to use their particular ‘intelligence’ style to celebrate the life of someone, usually a loved one, who has died.  They do so by creating a box (ofrenda) and recording a narrative (grabación).  These boxes are placed in our Library Learning Center where others may look at the boxes and listen to the recordings.  These tributes are not only meaningful to the students, but also to the rest of us who are privileged to learn more about the person so honored.

As we honor our loved ones who have gone before us, we also share a deep sense of gratitude for all the blessings we enjoy here at Cretin-Derham Hall. The legacy and support of our alumni, family and friends of this school impacts us here every single day.  Thank you for your ongoing interest and engagement with the great things happening here at CDH.  Enjoy this issue!

May you and your families enjoy the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays!