Dear Saints
As I sit in my office on Walcott Street, beginning my Lenten Appeal letter, I know spring is right around the corner. All the signs are there: warmer days, the beginning of March Madness, and celebrating both Saint Patrick’s Day and Saint Joseph’s Day this weekend. I love the beginning of the spring season. The days are getting longer, the flowers are beginning to come back to life, and there is a distinct anticipation in the air. I have always believed this mirrors the season of Lent, as we all wait in anticipation of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus.
Today at Saint Raphael Academy, we are also full of anticipation. This is a very special time on our campus because it is Saints Olympics Week! In this week-long competition, the students work as a class (seniors, juniors, etc.) to see which class year provides the most support and needed items for the different charities chosen this year. This is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Saint; yes, the students are competitive with one another, but they know the real winners are the individuals who need our help and assistance. Today I am hoping you might consider helping some of our students stay at Saint Raphael Academy.
For many, the last year has been very difficult. With inflation rising more than 8%, almost every product and service costs more now than a year ago. Some of our Saints families are experiencing a significant hardship. The SRA Finance Office reminds me almost daily that most incoming students are requesting aid and many of our current students are hoping to receive additional financial support for the next year. If you are financially able, your support is most urgently needed to help provide assistance for our current Saints. All monies collected during the Lenten Appeal will go directly to keeping our students at Saint Raphael Academy.
During my time at SRA, I have been so impressed by the kindness and generosity of our alumni. I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for the Academy, but more importantly for our wonderful students! I hope you have an enlightened Lenten season and a blessed Easter Sunday!
In Peace,
Dan Richard
Head of School
Saint Raphael Academy
