March 29, 2020
Dear Santa Cruz Catholic School Community,

As we continue to stay-at-home and dedicate ourselves to studies, I would like to offer some thoughts to you.

On Friday, March 27 of this past week, our Holy Father, Pope Francis conducted an Extraordinary Moment of Prayer from the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.  Participation in this Extraordinary Moment of Prayer conveys a plenary indulgence.  If you were unable to participate in this live-stream event on Friday, please know that you can go on-line and participate in the one-hour inspiring prayer service and receive the plenary indulgence.  It may be difficult to participate for this length of time.  So, you may fast forward to the part of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction beginning at 32:30 to 58:50.  One place to find the event online is the website of the Diocese of Austin, austindiocese.org.  Scroll down the home page and you will find the access through "Spiritual Resources".  Click on "watch the Urbi et Orbi blessing."  It is the first item in the category.

In the message of the Holy Father, he highlighted the vocation of the family and our school:

"Many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday gestures, how to face up to and navigate a crisis by adjusting their routines, lifting their gaze and fostering prayer.  Many are praying, offering and interceding for the good of all.  Prayer and quite service:  these are our victorious weapons."

May these days of "prayer and quiet service" perfect your family and our school in holiness.

I want to offer my sincere appreciation to those who have shared requests and suggestions to help me serve as your pastor. 

One of the requests and suggestions I received this past week is to celebrate a live-stream School Mass at the usual time of 8:00 a.m. on Friday.  This week, on Friday, April 3, I will celebrate a School Mass that will be live-streamed over our parish website and Facebook, Friday of this week at 8:00 in the morning. 

I look forward to praying with you online and may the week ahead be filled with blessings and graces, 

Sincerely in Christ, 
Father David Leibham, Pastor