Let God Handle Some of the Load

Good Morning La Salle. Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of a loving God.

I am a worry wart! My kids tell me that all the time. I worry about a lot of things. I worry about my adult children and how they are feeling and how their work is going. I worry about my grandkids and if they are happy, healthy and safe.

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I worry about my job sometimes and if I am giving it my all and reaching my students. And the list goes on…

It is human nature to worry or become fearful when life is in turmoil or out of control. I am sure that we are all worried about the state that our country is in right now and how the Pandemic has affected us all.

We all know someone who feels the need to be in control of everything so that they only rely on themselves for everything. I often wonder if they know how to let God handle some of the load they are carrying.

I sometimes think that there must be a storm going on inside of them as they try to handle the chaos of their lives. All of us have times when we see ourselves in that position. Our hearts are restless and our minds are full of anxiety.

We see and hear about upsetting stories every day that talk about turmoil some people have to endure. We see so many lives being lost to the Covid Pandemic. Four Eye-Catching Quotes

Whenever I hear about yet another  shooting, my thoughts go immediately to the compassion I feel for the victims BUT then my thoughts go to the shooter and what kind of turmoil and  raging storm is going on in their mind. 

When life feels heavy, it’s only natural to long for a sense of control. Our souls seek calm amid the storm; peace among the chaos. And yet, with each new day, we turn on the news and see another upsetting story unfolding halfway across the world or right in our own backyards.. 

The human need to somehow make sense of it all runs deep, even when the things that worry us are much bigger than ourselves, and our ability to control them feels non-existent.

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We need to be secure in the knowledge that God is in control. He has His hand on us. The power of prayer can be strong, whether we’re facing inner turmoil, conflict at home, or anxiety about the state of the world around us. For that reason, prayers for peace can bring us comfort in times when nothing else will and center our spirits by reminding us that paving a path towards a peaceful world starts within ourselves.

Lord we ask you to make us instruments of Peace in a world of chaos. We ask you to help us rely on the knowledge that You are with us always.

 

We pray this in Jesus’ name…

St John Baptist de Lasalle…Pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts…. Forever.

Morning Prayer: Mrs. Patricia Ducharme, Religion Department

A day of Hope, Courage, Compassion, and a Renewed Sense of Purpose

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

Let us also take a moment this morning to remember and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King dedicated his life to bringing awareness to the racial discrimination and injustice that has plagued this country for far too long.

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Justice too long delayed is justice denied; how true these words must ring to our brothers and sisters who have been marginalized by the evil forces of systemic racism and bigotry. The events of 2020 shed light on the reality that we still have a lot of work to do to further the cause of civil rights for all those who have waited far too long for their inherent human dignity to be recognized and upheld. As Lasallians, let us partake in that very mission and exhibit zeal in bringing about justice and equality for all citizens of this great country, and beyond. 

 

Today is Inauguration Day. A staple of our democracy. A day of hope. While this year’s inauguration may be overshadowed by turmoil, division, and the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with an ongoing pandemic, today let us choose to be people of prayer and people of hope. Let us pray for healing and reconciliation in our country and our world. Let us pray for our new President and elected leaders that God protect them and guide them to lead and serve with wisdom and compassion.1,045 Inauguration Illustrations, Royalty-Free Vector Graphics & Clip Art - iStock

In these divisive times, it is important to recognize that true freedom and justice come not from an allegiance to a particular side of the political aisle, but rather from learning to lean on and into Christ – Jesus is The Way of mercy, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life that does not perish. In this way we can not only guarantee our democracy will survive and thrive, but we can bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. 

 

Free Grace Cliparts, Download Free Clip Art, Free Clip Art on Clipart LibraryAs members of the Body of Christ, may we also lean on one another and support one another through these challenging times. If 2020 taught me anything, it is just how much we truly need one another, and together, with God’s grace, we can start this new semester with hope, with courage, with compassion, and with a renewed sense of purpose.

 

Let us pray,

Lord, as we begin this second semester of a very stressful and challenging school year, we pray for all our students and their families, and in a special way for our seniors. We ask that you bless their remaining time here at La Salle and help them to make the most of what this semester has to offer. And strengthen us today to choose hope, to put forth our best effort to support one another, and to be adaptable, that we may achieve our God-given potential as students, teachers, coaches, and administrators. 

 

Saint John Baptist de la Salle…Pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever.

Morning Prayer:  Anthony Russo, Religion Department

Fate vs. Destiny

MORNING PRAYER:

Good Morning… Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God…

Fate vs. Destiny. If there was ever a time to talk about this it would be now. 

Fate vs. destiny basically comes down to choice. We are a generation of people who have been motivated by a search for meaning and purpose. What is the reason that we were born? This compels us in a way that other generations have not been compelled. Can you imagine your grandparents and great-grandparents thinking deeply about what their purpose in life was? The need for survival was at the center of all decision-making to them. Most people followed a path of school, family, a paycheck, and providing for their families. But we in this generation and in this culture find ourselves asking about that deeper soul motivation: “For what reason was I born?”. And this is really a prayer. We need to hear our calling and know that deeper reason for why we were given life. 

In this moment of transformation, the world was almost sent on a retreat. To think about how we will transform in this moment of time. This is an opportunity to engage those elements of our fate vs. ouClip Art - Fate Destiny Future | Clipart Panda - Free Clipart Imagesr destiny. What is fate? What are we fated to do? What are we destined for? What are the choices we are making during COVID-19? No one is moving through this time without something changing.

Fate is when we relinquish the power of choice to the circumstances. When we are born, some things are given. We have elements that make us up, like our biochemical elements, our DNA, our gifts, our intelligence. But fate is when we give up. We say “There’s nothing I can do here”. We give up our God-given power of self and co-creation. 

Destiny is when we are in those moments, we choose to write the end of our stories, the end of our moments. We say “No, THIS is how it will end. I will not give this Destiny Fate Stock Illustrations – 2,746 Destiny Fate Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstimecircumstance any power”. Destiny is determined by us deciding in the moment whether we will create what is to come next and recognize that we are not helpless. 

“I cannot be helpless here”. 

“I will adapt to the moment and to the circumstances”. 

“I didn’t know I could do this, but I will move through it. I WILL.”

Of course, Jesus’ life had a destiny. Scripture tells us that “God so loved the world that he gave us His only Son, to die for our sins and that all who believe in Him shall have Eternal life.” Can you imagine if at the Wedding Feast of Cana, as Mrs. Estes spoke about earlier this week, Mary came to Jesus saying that the wine had run out and Jesus gave into fate and said “Oh that’s too bad. Better luck next time.”Free Jesus Wedding Cliparts, Download Free Clip Art, Free Clip Art on Clipart Library

Or if, as Mr. Ciccone spoke of yesterday, someone tries to dim our shine and we accept their definition of who we are and make ourselves small so that they may feel big? That would be giving into fate and not controlling our destiny, and I’m pretty sure that that is not in God’s plan for us.

There is a phrase that goes: “if you find yourself walking through hell… walk faster!”. I think that quote exemplifies where we are in our world today and shows that we can all become leaders and change the course of our own history. So let’s all stand together today, and walk a little faster, taking control of our destiny, and not giving into the times we presently find ourselves in.  How to Walk Faster | Power Walking - YouTube

Let us pray… Dear God, You have a plan for all of us. If we have a pulse, we have a purpose. Let us remember today and always of your all-knowing power and wisdom, and seek to serve each other on our quest to discover what we are truly meant to be. 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle… Pray for us…

Live Jesus in our Hearts… Forever!

Joseph DeLeo, Teacher, Morning Prayer December 10, 2020

 

Be Silly, Be Honest, Be Kind. -Emerson

Good morning. Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.

There is a piece of artwork in my classroom that a student made for me a few
years ago which contains a quote from the philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo
Emerson. It usually hangs proudly behind my desk, but for some reason, it keeps
falling off the wall and landing next to my school bag. I’ve re-pinned this
artwork to my corkboard a few times, but every few days I arrive to school just
to find the piece one the floor…right next to wear I keep my bag. I’m ashamed
to say that I finally gave up on trying to re-pin this art to my wall. I figure, the
painting should just stay where it seemingly wants to be…on the floor…next to
my bag. The quote that is painted on the canvas reads, Be silly, be honest, be
kind. -Emerson.

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The “Emerson” refers to the author, but it almost reads as a
directive to me personally. Ironically, since the painting sits next to my bag, it is
one of the first things I see every morning. This quote is pretty simple
really…Be silly, be honest, be kind, and recently my students have reminded me
how powerful this quote can be…and boy… I needed it. We need to allow
ourselves to be silly, go off-script, l et our guard down. We need to be honest
with each other and ourselves, how am I doing? How are you doing? We need to
extend acts of kindness, no matter how small we think they are. So, as we go
about our day today and i n the days ahead, l et us do our very best to make time
to be silly, and always be honest, be kind.
Let us pray,
Lord, help us to be the best version of our honest selves. Give us the strengthFree Free Mercy Cliparts, Download Free Clip Art, Free Clip Art on Clipart Library
to take a step back and be present with and for each other. We also thank you
for the gift of those in our lives who are beacons of kindness, honesty, and
silliness. And may we always be reminded of your presence in our lives and in
those around us.

 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle….Pray for us
Live Jesus i n our Hearts…Forever

Stephen Emerson, Math Teacher, Morning Prayer

The True Meaning of Family

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

The concept of family is a really interesting thing. From before you can even remember, you are essentially made to live with a defined group of people that oftentimes share your looks, personalityGenetics Traits and Family PEOPLE 163 Pc. Clip-Art Set! Great For NGSS!Genetics Traits and Family PEOPLE 163 Pc. Clip-Art Set! Great For NGSS!

traits, and heritage. We learn to love this group of people unconditionally. This concept teaches us from a young age how to be part of a basic community, a lesson we use for the rest of our lives. 

 

From the time I was really little, my parents, especially my dad, emphasized the importance of family. Every Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, and even birthdays and smaller holidays were always spent together, complete with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. It reminded my siblings and I that we always had people in our lives that would love and care for us unconditionally. Christmas Eve, in particular, is always very special for us. In classic Italian spirit, my dad and I always prepare the 7 different kinds of fish for everyone, similar to the way he and his dad did when he was my age. Italian Family Diagram | QuizletSome other annual Christmas Eve traditions for us include exchanging gifts, Skyping relatives stationed overseas, traditional questions about how my “marks in school are”, and a lot of eating. When my grandfather passed away in July, I recognized the only downfall to having a close knit family: loss hits that much harder. But this is where the value of family shines through. It reinforces your faith in the fact that, together, you can get through anything. 

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Almost 4 years ago, I joined a new family, the Lasallian family. Being a part of this family is a big responsibility. What we do and say reflects not only on just ourselves, but on our community, and what that community stands for. When I stepped onto campus in uniform for the first time in August 2017, I knew for certain that I had just joined an incredibly special and unique family. Over the past 4 years, teachers, friends, and club moderators have taught me what it means to be Lasallian both inside but more importantly outside of the classroom. Whether that be volunteering at Open House, getting your friend through a tough situation, or even packing a bag and spending a week in Montana, every experience here has taught me the true meaning of family. 

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Let us pray. Lord God, remind us to be ever-aware of Your presence in the different families we are a part of. May we never lose sight of the fact that each day You give us is a blessing, and that somebody will always love us unconditionally. Help us to constantly maintain our faith in You and to remember that, a community, united as one, can get through anything. 

St. John Baptiste de La Salle

Pray for us. 

Live Jesus, in our hearts, 

Forever. 

Neil D’Attelo, Class of 2021, Morning Prayer, October 20, 2020

We Ask, We Seek, We Knock, We Pray!

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Last night, just as I was about to sit and write this prayer, my lights flickered, then the wifi went down, and like many of you, we lost power.  “Just perfect,” I thought.

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2020 has been a monster of a year.  It has taken so much.  Recently, I asked some students what they missed most from our pre-pandemic days.  This is what they told me, in no particular order: 

  • Going to the movies
  • Being all together
  • hugs
  • Playing a regular sports season
  • Seeing my grandparents
  • Being able to eat our food in Dunkin
  • Seeing someone’s smile
  • Huddling around one lunch table in the cafeteria

Our nation and our world are in need of healing and of peace.  Over 200,000 people have lost their lives in this pandemic.  We cry out for racial justice for our brothers and sisters of color, and our very planet is on fire, global warming threatening our very existence. 

I’m not sure what the lessons of this year will be. But as I sit here writing by the flashlight of my phone, prayer seems like a good place to start.  In today’s Gospel, we are told, “Ask and you will receive, Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you.” 

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And so, as a people of faith, we do what we do when we don’t know what else to do.  We ask, we seek, we knock, we pray.

God, our Father, Our Mother, Our Friend

Our source of all comfort.

Bring Healing to our world and to our friends,

To those who are ill and who are hurting

Surround them with your love

In these days that test our limits and try our patience,

May we grant each other charity, an extra measure of grace, a little more slack.

We know that, even as we are humbled and sad, we will laugh and rejoice again.

Take good care of us Oh Lord, so that we can take good care of one another.

 

St. John Baptist de La Salle: Pray for US

Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever!

Morning Prayer:  Thursday October 8 – Mrs. Christine Estes, Lasallian Animator

 

Afternoon Reflection:

 

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God:

Who or what in your life needs God’s peace and healing? In what circumstances today were you able to grant another charity, patience, or grace?  How can you take better care of those around you? 

St. John Baptist de La Salle: Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever!

Let Us Be Each Other’s Caretakers!

Good Morning La Salle and DLS. Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God:

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our lives. There is little good that has come out of the trauma we have all experienced, but there might be something positive in our future to look forward to, and that is this: The world is going to start over again and we have the opportunity to make it a better place. We need a more balanced, humane system. We need a more honorable government. We need people to come first. We don’t get to that place without a crushing transformation. We need to know how to awaken that power in ourselves. As overwhelming as it is for each person, it will be in this experience that we discover how truly empowered we are as individuals and as children of God. When we look at what’s happening, one way to approach it is that we are somehow going to have to navigate through it. We don’t have a choice. We were dealt some pretty awful cards, but everything that we are facing requires all of us to transform something in ourselves, to see the world differently, to approach the world differently.

2020-21 School Year + Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

It is a challenge – make no mistake about it. Especially as we see the world on fire – whether it’s on the streets or in the forests. We cannot avoid the messages around us anymore… It’s pretty clear that we are intimately connected to each other, and that we are each other’s caretakers. 

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As Scripture tells us, “Do we not all have one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously – a man against his brother- defiling the covenant of our fathers?” We are in this fight together, and we will need each other’s help to catch us when we stumble, to hold out a hand when we need assistance, to offer up a kind word when we are feeling low. 

Last week, I was walking to my mailbox to see if I had any mail, and as I made my way from the MAC to the main building, I could hear other teachers in their classrooms, headphones in their ears, speaking loudly so everyone could hear them over the fans, both in the classroom and at home, and I heard the voices of students through the computer speakers trying to stay included in the class discussion. Instead of being sad at the circumstances we find ourselves in, I almost had to laugh, because this all seems so fitting. Here we are, a group of imperfect teachers and students alike, and yet we are making it work. We are being each other’s caretakers and making sure we have what it takes to get the job done. There is NOTHING more Lasallian than that. And we are in the best place possible to succeed. I actually have no doubt that we are going to make this year not just a tolerable year, or a year with an asterisk attached to it, but a year that will be successful, that we will come out of smarter, better, kinder, and holier. 

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Let us pray… Dear God, you don’t send us trials in our lives to punish us, but rather you allow us to learn from those hurdles that we have to overcome, those crosses we have to bear. Let us always remember that we need only to look at the example your Son set for us by carrying His Cross, which was all of our Crosses. Let us be each other’s caretakers and be grateful for our community here at 612 Academy Avenue. 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle… Pray for us. 

Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever!

 

Morning Prayer:  Thursday, October 1, 2020

Joseph DeLeo – Physical Education/Dance Instructor

 

AFTERNOON REFLECTION:

 Good Afternoon. Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.

How was I a caretaker to my peers today? 

In what ways did I contribute positively to our community? 

When I stumbled, who was there to catch me?

Let us pray… Dear God, thank you for the gift of the Lasallian community in our lives, and thank You for our friends, teachers, and students who inspire us everyday. Because of Your example, we are able to be better people.  

Saint John Baptist de La Salle… Pray for us. 

Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever!

We Pray for the Knowledge, Wisdom and Truth

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of a loving God.

Yesterday, February 10th, was my nephews birthday. He turned 6 years old.  He had an epic party, that couldn’t be beat!
Shane received fantastic presents that were heartfelt from family members that know him well.  My sister’s immediate family, eat a dinner fit for Kings on a Monday night,
sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, and dived into a delicious cake.  Today, February 11th, marks the 2nd school day of the original “Black History Week” which is
the origin of what is now recognized by the United States Federal Government, and has been since 1970, civilly commemorated as “Black History Month.”

Image result for pictures of birthday parties Image result for black history month background pictures

The historian Carter G. Woodson called for Black History Week to fall on the 2nd full week of February in order to coincide with the birthdays of the two most important black and white
Americans to impact the lives of black people in the United States of America.  The two men he identified in 1926 were Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.  Abraham Lincoln as many of you may know was born February 12th, which is tomorrow.  We have no idea when Frederick Douglass was born… That is clear example of how dehumanizing slavery was and is.

Image result for frederick douglass childhood picturesAs a 6 year old Frederick had no birthday to be celebrated, he was self described as cold and hungry living as a slave on the eastern shore of Maryland.  Frederick Douglass believed himself to be born in the month of February in the year 1818.  As a free man he celebrated his birthday on February 14th, this Friday, which marks the start of our winter break! I’m sure he had many epic parties that couldn’t be beat.  Just like President Abraham Lincoln and my nephew Shane.

Let us pray.

This Black History month commemorated by the United States of America for its 50th year.  We pray for pray for the knowledge, wisdom and truth of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglas
and most importantly Jesus Christ to run through our veins.  We pray for all the Good that comes from their lived examples and we strive to model that Good in the world we build in the future.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle… Pray for Us

Live Jesus in Our Hearts… Forever

February 11, 2020 Morning Prayer: Mark Carty (Teacher)

We Offer Our Prayers, Our Praise, and Our Supplication

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

Good Morning La Salle and De La Salle. Saturday, February 1st, marked the beginning of Black History Month. 

Here at La Salle Academy we will be remembering and honoring the black people that have paved the road for the society in which we live in today. Those brave men and women that have stood up to adversity despite all odds being against them. Black History Month is more than a focus on Blacks in America. It is an introspective moment set aside to understand basic human empathy and a reminder of the struggles that are met in the journey to achieving universal rights for all people, regardless of their innate characteristics. We want to honor overcoming these struggles as well as the strong vibrancy of a people whose achievements have contributed to help build this society. 

Langston Hughes is one of those people who stood up to adversity… He is an American poet, playwright, columnist, social activist and novelist. These are his words entitled “I Too”.

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh,

And eat

And I eat well,

And grow strong.

So that Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody’ll Say to me,

“Eat in the kitchen,”

Then.

Besides,

They’ll see how beautiful I am

And be ashamed—

I, too, am America.

 

Let Us Pray

Dear God,

We bring ourselves into your presence. To you, we offer our prayers, our praise, and our supplications. This month, we celebrate Black History Month and honor the culture of our brothers and sisters. We remember the legacy of those who came before us who not only paved the way but carried the bricks on broken backs that then built that road. We remember the songs, stories, and fiery hope of old men and little girls, granny midwives and marvelous musicians, great orators and leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. God, help us to value diversity beyond variety. Help us remember that Black History is a part of American History. Help us value diversity with a vision for a progressive future that acknowledges our strength together as well as the power, creativity, ideas, and part that we all bring when we are all welcome to come to the table and taste and see that the Lord is good.

 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle — Pray for Us

Live Jesus in Our Hearts — Forever!

Padre Shabani – student, morning prayer February 3, 2020

We cannot give what we do not have!

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of a loving god.

As children we are told to treat others how we want to be treated. We go out of our way to be kind, respectful and courteous. To make sure others are being cared for and heard. Now, it is a beautiful thing – to be selfless – to put others before oneself. But, we cannot give what we do not have. There comes a time in life where we have to realize that it is a necessity to become self-regulating, in control over our own decisions. Everyone needs to be aware of their own well being in mind, body and spirit. We need to have the courage to face our own adversities before we can help others do the same. We first have to acknowledge, reflect and process the obstacles that stand in our way. 

Business overcomes obstacles. conceptual illustration

For years, I isolated myself, allowed myself to suffer in silence in an attempt to hide from those around me. I was too afraid or embarrassed to admit that I was not okay, too embarrassed to acknowledge how everyday my chest felt so heavy. It was as if I was planted to the floor – my mind so clouded, – as if there was a thunderstorm raging in my head. I wanted so badly to be okay. I wanted so badly to be there for my friends, family and, most especially, my little sister. 

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But I couldn’t be – because I was not there for myself. I cannot heal others without first healing me. And so goes the same for us all. I encourage us all to work towards nurturing and growing a healthier relationship with our own mental well being. We must establish habits to achieve and maintain a sense of mental wellness and stability. For myself, I take up writing and listening. I write daily reflections and tasks lists. Everyone may have or will have their own practice.The main goal is that it is healthy, beneficial and positive. 

Image result for clipart nurturing healthy relationships through mindfulness"

Let us pray, God grant us the ability to treat our own selves, as well as others, how we feel we should and deserve to be treated. God grant us the ability to see past our own faults, and to reflect on our past, our present and our future. Grant us the ability to grow into healthier, happier people as we continue this life. Guide us towards achieving  a sense of mental wellness and stability. Amen. 

St. John Baptist De La Salle – Pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever

Mackenna Brito – Morning Prayer January 22, 2020

Mental Health Awareness Week