Were You There

W. Clifford Petty’s, Pastoral Musician at Resurrection, song reflection following the proclamation of the Passion according to Mark, Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion April 1, 2012.

On Friday, March 21, 2012 Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile made a pastoral visit to the Resurrection Catholic School community. The day began with celebration of the Eucharist where Archbishop Rodi presided and preached an animated and captivating homily; fully engaging the young people. The Archbishop was accompanied by Ms. Gwen Byrd, Vicar for Education/Superintendent of Archdiocesan Schools. After Mass, Archbishop Rodi, Ms. Byrd, Sister Gail Trippett, CSJ, our principal, Father Manuel Williams, C.R., pastor, and Father Fred Briers, C.R., associate pastor, toured every classroom and spoke with the teachers and students. The entire school community enjoys this yearly opportunity to pray with and share with our chief shepherd. In that capacity, the Archbishop made his visit even sweeter for the children by directing Sister Gail to allow an extra thirty minutes of recess in honor of his visit!

The Resurrection Collegiate Volunteer began over 18 years ago when a small group of young people from the University of Dayton came South and volunteered at the Mission Center during their spring break. Over the years the program has evolved into a strong component of learning Civil Rights History, especially the Church’s role in promoting social justice and societal change as well as serving in all the ministries of Resurrection Catholic Missions. Students now come in either the spring or fall from the University of Portland, UCLA, Creighton, Marquette, St. Thomas and DePaul universities. On March 3, 2012 nearly a dozen young people from Creighton University served until March 10, 2012 when an equal number arrived from Marquette University who lived and prayed with us until March 17, 2012. Students from DePaul are on campus serving this week and will be here until Saturday, March 24, 2012. The young people usually begin their week by worshiping with the Resurrection parish community and the rest of the week is spent at various historical sites, museums, in discussion and reflection groups and in hands on work with those we serve. The entire Mission community is inspired by their generosity and youthful zeal to be of service.

Several Resurrection Catholic School students participated in the “Voices in Black History” citywide oratorical contest. The events took place at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Main Library Branch in downtown Montgomery. The students were asked to do  original research on some outstanding figure in African American and then to compose an oration about that person and deliver it.  Resurrection students Amber Bannister presented Condoleezza Rice; Stevie Coleman presented Malcolm X; Tiara Moore presented Mary McLeod Bethune;  MiKayla Brown presented Margaret T. Burroughs; Sean Golson presented Tyler Perry; Tat Tyianna Pugh presented Maya Angelou.  Mikayla Brown, Sean Golson and Tat Tyianna Pugh all won their regional competitions. On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Sean and Tat Tyianna took first place in their respective grade levels.  Each of them received a brand new ” Amazon Kindle” as their prize. Students from public and private schools throughout the Montgomery metro area participated in this competition. Congratulations to all the young people from Resurrection who represented their school and families so well.

They are learning about creating a garden space and the importance of healthy living and caring for our environment.  Soon a demonstration garden will be planted with perennials, flowers, vegetables and fruit.  The students have already planted herb gardens in their classrooms and last September a tree was planted in front of the school to remember September 11, 2001.

Some of the vegetables that the students grow will be shared with seniors in the Mission’s Interfaith Community Outreach Program as well as other members of the local community.  Not long ago, our youngest students visited seniors and brought them gifts of cookies.  How much better would it be to share the produce from the school’s garden!

What really has me excited is that Alabama Gives Day is going to be a big event, and everyone will be talking about who they’re supporting. Think “American Idol” and we’re in the try-outs but need your support to make it to the top.

You can help by doing these three things:

1. Mark February 2nd, 2012 on your calendar and add this giving link.  http://algives.razoo.com/giving_catalog?kw=resurrection+catholic+missions&preferredNposOnly=on
2. Spread the word! Forward this email to your family and friends along with a personal note as to why you believe in our work, and why they should give on February 2nd, 2012.
3. Share the link on your Facebook page.

Help spread the excitement. Tell your friends and family why you think they should help us with their donation. Please be our champion, and help us see it to the top! We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make on February 2nd, 2012.

Resurrection Catholic School is committed to continuing the Catholic tradition of providing an environment of academic excellence in which students can grow intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially. We are accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year. Please  call the school office at 334.265.4615. Come and see our facility and meet our dynamic team of educators.