President’s Monthly Letter Feast of St. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels September 2020 Dear Guardian Families, Happy Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels! Yesterday we celebrated our patronal feast and the 3rd anniversary of the dedication of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel. As our fourth year is now underway, we can look back and celebrate the many accomplishments of SMA in the past and look forward to our exciting future together, confident that our patron, St. Michael, will defend us in the battle. Whenever I visit the doctor, there are four words I never like to hear: “Now this may hurt.” That message brings about two responses in me, the first is one of dread… it means I’m going to be experiencing something I really don’t want! Secondly, I brace in anticipation of what is about to happen; I’m able to make myself ready for the event. September is the month of Our Lady of Sorrows (in Latin, the seven “dolors”). When Mary encountered Simeon in the temple, she heard the same message in a more intense form, “this ​is going to hurt.” The prophet told her, ​A sword will pierce through your own soul.​ Mary, a new mother still in wonder at the miraculous birth of her child, now hears that her life is going to be integrally tied to his sufferings. So September is always a month linked to compassion; the compassion Mary had for her son and has for us. It is also a reminder of the compassion we can have for each other. As we began our new school year, that message has gone out once more, “now, this may hurt,” with regard to the pandemic. Our students, particularly our seniors, have had to brace for a different return to school. We are working closely with the CDC and Jackson County Health Department guidelines for COVID-19 regarding our health and welfare procedures . This includes the use of masks, social distancing and other measures to keep our staff and students safe. We have learned to “pivot and pray,” as Jodi Briggs likes to say. This phrase is now used frequently at SMA with each new challenge we face. Our goal is to continue to make our in-school experience as close to normal as possible, given the challenges we face. Obviously, at points, “this is going to hurt,” but we are strengthened as we walk this out together. I’ve been reflecting on the fact that each generation experiences its unique challenges. For my generation, it was the polio epidemic (where we finally had a vaccine), the cold war with the atom bomb, and the Vietnam War (I’m a veteran). For our students, this pandemic can be a time for strengthening resolve and commitment to what is most important. My encouragement to us all at this time comes from St. Paul’s words to the Philippians, ​Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.​ (4:6-7) While we have been updating you regularly on all that is happening at the school in terms of schedule, health and safety, etc., let me share some other happenings here at SMA with our Fall semester in full gear. One new event that we have added to our development calendar is the ​Guardian Stride​. Many schools around the country have a student participation event, where each member of the student body is sponsored by family and friends in a walk or run to raise money for the school. Archbishop O’Hara High School called theirs the “Celtic Stride.” As a legacy school, we are continuing this on with the “Guardian Stride.” While the actual “Stride” has been rescheduled for later in the semester, GS has already raised more than $30,000 to help fill the gap in our general operating expenses. Thank you to all who have contributed! You may remember that we began our Guardian Angel Fund last year to assist those families who are challenged by financial adversity due to the COVID pandemic. We are still receiving gifts from donors who, in hearing of the need, have given generously to assist those in need. To date we have raised almost $88,000 to support our families who are struggling. Last year, our students began a powerful time of ministry called “Encounter.” Through Adoration, Praise and Worship in music and a witness talk, students, along with parents and faculty, entered into a time of devotion before the Lord in our chapel. This is continuing this year but, unfortunately, at this point we are not able to have families join us. We had our first Encounter on September 16 and are looking forward to our monthly gatherings. We are really excited about the new look for the “Guardian Glance,” our weekly newsletter for parents and other stakeholders. Each week we provide upcoming dates, events, activities and SMA news. Please take time to read the Guardian Glance every week. It is your lifeline to the St. Michael Guardian Community. This year, we are also beginning a bi-weekly internal newsletter specifically for our faculty and staff, giving them updates on what is happening on the Advancement side of the school. Since each of us at SMA are ambassadors in the school’s mission to reach out to prospective students, donors, and supporters, “Inside Edge” keeps everyone up to date with our work in Finance, Admissions, Development, Marketing-Communications, and Outreach. Most of you are probably aware of the Daily Video Podcast I began last Spring, at the beginning of the pandemic, called “Day By Day.” Each day, we reflect on one of the readings of Holy Scripture from the Daily Mass readings. This coming Friday, we will celebrate the 200th episode of the podcast. Due to a number of requests from viewers, what began as a temporary filler for my reflections at our Daily Masses is becoming a permanent fixture. I even heard from a teacher in a Catholic School in St. Louis who plays DBD for her students each day. “Day by Day” is posted daily on Facebook and is also available on this ​Vimeo Link​ . Thank you all so much for your support as we entered into a new semester with all it’s “pivots and praying.” May God bless in our journey together as a Guardian Community with his love and grace. In Christ, Fr. Randy Sly .