In a world of uncertainties and challenges we can either seize opportunities or rage against the prevailing tide. There are certainly times when either response is appropriate - this is true when we are able to step outside of the prevailing zeitgeist and gain a broader perspective. Read more.
Sometimes we have to take the bad with the good. The announcement from the Governor, then restated by the diocesan office of Catholic Schools, that students are required to wear masks in school again this fall, has had the expected mixed reaction. Nonetheless, due to the easing of other restrictions – e.g. social distancing – this coming school year will look more “normal” than last year. We will be able to have the students eat in the cafeteria instead of the classrooms, for example. Last year we utilized the outdoor spaces, and certainly the outdoor learning center, we will be doing that again this year. Overall, and masks aside, we are feeling fairly confident on the year ahead. Read more.
With the news of the Delta variant of the covid virus being as threatening sounding as it is. It is best for us to be safe and prudent in our decision making regarding the further opening of the parish and activities. Confident that we can maintain safe social distance, and with the air ionizing system that we have installed throughout the complex seeming to be effective, we do still feel safe with the current and projected capacities in school and the church. While there is no current mandate on wearing masks to attend Mass, certainly I do want to encourage you to do so to the extent that you are comfortable with them. Obviously the school will have to follow the state and diocesan mandates on this regard. Hopefully round-four of the pandemic will be easier to deal with than the previous ones. For the most part all we can do is be careful and make wise decisions. We are all tired of the restrictions, but dropping our guard may just cause more problems than it will solve. Read more.
I don’t know about you, but I am starting to get that sense of déjà vu as we see the covid variant spreading in our area. While there is no immediate change in protocols for church or school as of yet, due and proper precaution is necessary to keep us all safe and well. I have noticed that more people are wearing masks in church and in day to day encounters and that is probably a good thing. If and when the bishop mandates any changes I will communicate that immediately through a phone call and social media. In the meantime we need to do what makes us all feel comfortable. Read more.
As we enter the so-called “Dog Days of August” we are ramping up for the beginning of a new school year here at SBS. We have received approval from Holmdel Township to install modular classrooms to house two classes of PreK-3 students. This will be located between the first and second wings of the school. We still have spots available in all of the grades 1 – 8 if you, or anyone you know, is still considering Catholic education. Please make contact with the school office to schedule a tour. Read more.