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Looking Back in Gratitude--A Fond Farewell

8/22/2020

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We blessed throats on the Feast of St. Blaise.
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We blessed our student athletes as they prepared to leave for state competition.
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We cheered for our teams.
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We had social gatherings at the end of the season (prior to COVID-19).
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The Annual Alumni Bowling Event was a blast.
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Students had fun while they learned.
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I never knew who would stop in just to visit.
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We celebrated graduation in a very unique manner.
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We finally got to play a little baseball.
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Donors helped us get a new perimeter fence to secure our campus and enhance the curb appeal.
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Repairs were made to the driveway along the elementary building.
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Saint Albert is a school of excellence proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ!

I am deeply grateful for having had the privilege of serving as executive director of Saint Albert Catholic Schools.  May this school remain of beacon of light in Council Bluffs and beyond.  God's blessing be upon each of you!
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Looking Back in Gratitude and Sorrow

8/21/2020

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We mourned the death of two young students.
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Social distancing kept us from attending Quintin Brownfield's funeral, but we prayed for his family the best we could under the circumstances.
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We lined the street as his funeral procession passed by the campus.
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We recently planted a tree on campus in memory of Quintin.
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Please continue to pray for these families and all who are hurting.
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Looking Back in Gratitude and in Prayer

8/20/2020

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We pray together.
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We wished Bishop Pates a fond farewell upon his retirement.
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We pray hard.  We also play hard.
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The opportunities for our students to grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally are numerous.
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Looking Back in Gratitude on Accomplishments

8/20/2020

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Our young students learn about the life of Saint Albert the Great.
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Older students get a chance to learn interviewing skills.
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Surprising our music teacher with a grand piano was fun.
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Fourth grade students learned about Advent.
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Robotics teams had a great year.
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Speech team was also quite successful.
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Look at the number of trophies the Math Team brought home.  Wow!
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People would do all of this hard work behind the scenes and then I would get to go on Spirit Catholic Radio and share the good news with others.  It was always a privilege for me to be invited to Iowa Catholic Radio programs or the Spirit Catholic Radio morning show in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Looking Back in Gratitude and Joy

8/20/2020

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Several new things happened this past year.  We had a Christmas Festival in which all the concerts for all grade levels happened on one day.  Grandparents traveling from out of town certainly appreciated the one day event.
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We opened a new infant room in the child care center.
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The excellent work of the child care administration and staff received recognition.
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The school was also recognized for its excellence.
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Looking Back in Gratitude for Donors & Volunteers

8/19/2020

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Saint Albert has a beautiful campus.  Volunteers and donors help to keep it looking sharp.
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Pulling weeds and adding fresh mulch enhances the curb appeal.
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A donor made it possible to put new concrete in front of the main entrance.
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Other donors then made it possible to do the rest of the sidewalk.
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The local Knights of Columbus support Saint Albert.
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Volunteers and donors make it possible for Saint Albert to continue the mission.
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The used uniform sale is one example of the good work of volunteers.
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Working together empowers us to accomplish great things.
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Looking Back in Gratitude for a Year of Excellence

8/19/2020

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It has been quite a year in our world.  Likewise, it has been quite a year at Saint Albert.  I want to take some time to walk down memory lane and share about sixty or seventy photos from this last year.  (It will take about seven blog postings to cover it.)
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A good education is of tremendous value.  A foundation in faith is essential.
Saint Albert Catholic Schools provides both.

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Saint Albert is a "cradle to college" institution.  It has been a privilege to lead this organization.
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An institution thrives with strong leadership.  It has been a blessing to work with these dedicated individuals at Saint Albert.  Their knowledge and expertise is appreciated.
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Wildfires Out West, A Derecho In Iowa

8/17/2020

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This view from I-25 in Fort Collins, Colorado showed the impact of one wildfire blazing in the area over the weekend.  While the sun was shining brightly, it was eerily dark under the haze of smoke.
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Although the camera on my phone did not do it justice, the sun over St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Collins had a very unique tint to it because of the smoke.
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The power of nature  is evident time and time again.  Please pray for all those impacted by the fires out west, all the farmers in Iowa who saw their crops damaged by high winds, all those on the east coast still recovering from the recent tropical storm, and any other folks who are struggling with difficult challenges of one kind or another.  May we be people of faith who hold one another up as strive to be ambassadors of Christ's love!

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Baptismal Call To Holiness

8/12/2020

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Our world is in turmoil.  Watching the evening news and/or the political commentators from a variety of shows can take a toll on a person.  It is easy to become discouraged after a very short time of watching these programs.  It becomes evident quite quickly that common decency and respect are long gone from the scene.  How is a person of faith impacted by these things?

I want to encourage you to remain steadfast.  The theological virtues of faith, hope, and love are essential. 

We know what can happen when a person has faith the size of a mustard seed.  (See Matthew 17:20) 

Even in the midst of struggles we can be people of hope.  We know that Christ has conquered all things.  Subsequently, our hope will not be in vain. 

Finally, we can be people who bring love to others.  We are ambassadors of Christ through our baptismal calling. 

We have truly been strengthened and empowered through the sacraments of initiation to go out to all the world and share the Good News.  Stay strong.  Put on the full armor of God. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18)

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Asphalt, Fencing, and So Much More Happening

8/11/2020

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Progress is being made this morning at Saint Albert.  Asphalt patching is underway and work on the perimeter fence continues.
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The exterior things you can see happening reveal only a small snippet of the work going on behind the scenes to get ready for the new academic year.

Many thanks to the administrators, faculty and staff for their diligent work during the summer.  I want to give a special shout-out to the maintenance team.  Your extra effort to keep us safe during these uncertain times is deeply appreciated.

​Donors and supporters continue to help Saint Albert flourish.  Thank you to each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity.

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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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