Dear St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy Community, 

Over the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” cartoon multiple times as it has become a daily must watch for my son Charlie. In each watching of the cartoon there is one line that sticks out to me during each viewing. 

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”

To remind us that Christmas doesn't come from a store is one of the reasons for telling the Christmas story. In fact, every year it "means a little bit more.” And each time I hear or read the biblical account of that evening in Bethlehem, no matter how many times I have heard it, I always have a new thought or two. 

During this Advent season we as a school community have looked at and reflected on various people who were present for the birth of Jesus  during our morning prayers. From Mary, to the Shepherds and finally the Three Wise Men. Over the last few weeks as I got ready to become a father of a brand new baby girl I began to think more often of Joseph each time I heard the Nativity story. 

Joseph was a strong, silent, unknown man who must have been more worthy than any other mortal man to be the guiding foster father of the living Son of God. It was Joseph selected from among all men who would teach Jesus to work. It was Joseph who taught him the books of the law. It was Joseph who, in the seclusion of his carpenter shop, helped him begin to understand who he was and ultimately what he was to become. Joseph along with Mary did everything for Jesus just as any parent would. 

As I sat in the recovery room last night with my wife and brand new baby girl I began to wonder what Joseph must have felt as he moved through the streets of a city not his own, with not a friend in sight, nor anyone willing to extend a helping hand. In these very last and most painful hours of her “pregnancy,” Mary had ridden or walked approximately 100 miles from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Surely Joseph must have been in awe at her courage. I wonder what emotions Joseph might have had as he cleared away the manager. I wonder if he wondered: “Is this a place fit for a king?” 

This Christmas we once again celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus whose life was shaped by a mother and father through teaching and modeling of love and faith. I can think of no better way for your children to learn about our faith than being a student in a Catholic school.  Thank you once again for sacrificing and giving your children one of the best gifts a parent can give, that of a Catholic education. 

As we head into the Christmas break the administration, faculty and staff at St. Francis de Sales would like to wish you a blessed Christmas season and a joyful, Happy New Year. We look forward to your child’s return in the New Year where we will continue to build “A Faith-Filled Future” and celebrate our many gifts in the new year ahead. May the Infant Child Jesus, his most Blessed Mother, and his dependable earthly father grant you the joy and peace of this holy season and keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.

Dr. Christopher Scharbach

Principal