A Thanksgiving Message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents, Faculty, Staff, Families, and Friends,
Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time of year. Although the landscape becomes increasingly stark as winter approaches, the spiritual and liturgical seasons are lush with blessings, gratitude, and the joy that comes from celebrating with family and friends. This year, all of this takes on new significance as we prepare to say goodbye to Bishop Ed and thank him for all he has done over these past 11 years and welcome in Bishop Mark and pray for all he now has before him. What a special time for all of us in the Diocese of Albany!
All of this, of course, grows out of the roots we have planted in the rich soil of our faith. As we read in Colossians, we are called to “let our lives be built on him.” That’s a perfect Scripture verse to reflect on as we prepare to enter the Advent season just beyond Thanksgiving. That beautiful liturgical season gives us the opportunity to pause amid the busyness of the season and nourish our roots through prayer, service, and community.
You’ll see all of those key aspects of our faith life on display in our Catholic schools throughout the Thanksgiving and Advent season. From the good works our students do for those who are less fortunate to the powerful prayer services and liturgies they participate in regularly, it is abundantly clear that our schools give our students the roots of faith on which they can build their future lives. I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful communion of Catholic schools and to have you as partners in this important work.
During this Thanksgiving and Advent season, I hope you will join me in being a light to others at a time when the world feels very dark. We can do this through our school communities, through prayer, and through the practice of gratitude, not just one day but every day. It’s a challenge, I know, because life can be demanding, but when we root down in our faith, we cannot help but build back stronger, kinder, and more hopeful. We can be a shining example for the young people in our lives.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and a beautiful start to the Advent journey. Let us pray together for our students, that they may know God’s grace and feel God’s presence in their lives today and always.
Peace, blessings and gratitude,
Dr. Christopher Bott
Superintendent of Schools
