St Mark Blog

Parents,

As parents of four children, my wife and I had just about every emotion when it involves raising children.
We have had those late night emergency room trips, witnessed triumphs and struggles of our children as
they have grown up, tried to teach them with Christian principles and been there for them when they need
a hug or when they need corrected. But one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children is the gift of
Christ in their lives.

Damon, our senior at Roncalli has been attending senior retreat this week. Some of you have been on
senior retreat and you know what an awakening experience of your faith it can be. The retreat is much
like our Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) program here at St. Mark, where it allows each individual to
examine their own relationship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ. We will attend the closing
ceremony to the seniorretreat this afternoon and we will take this chance to renew our own relationship
with God as well.

The world has many “fast fixes” for many things. You can lose weight by taking a pill, fix those wrinkles
with a cream, take stains out with quick spray, and boost your computer speed with a simple download.
But what about losing the devil, what about fixing your relationship with God, what about taking out what
is bad in your life and putting in what is good, what about boosting your kindness with one download?
John 14:6 says: Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through Me.” How do we go to the Father through Christ? We can get closer by prayer,
by reading God’s word, by attending Church with our family, by listening to God, and by being examples
of Jesus each and every day. Not just when we feel like it, not just when it is convenient or when we want
something, but each and every day.

It is not easy; it takes discipline, dedication and hard work to develop and maintain this relationship. It
takes commitment. It takes a person that has their priorities in the right order. We all know people,
including ourselves, that at times are lost in their faith. When we are weak physically, we workout, run,
lift weights to strengthen our body. When we are weak in our faith, we doubt, question, and look to other
things to fill the void that should be filled with Christ. Start your own “Christ Workout”. Find your Bible,
a quiet place, your favorite beverage and begin to renew your faith. Once you start this workout, you will
want to share it with others, you will want to have a workout partner, and you will want to involve your
family and friends.

I often don’t know what I am going to write about when I start this process on early Friday mornings (and
sometimes I don’t ever figure it out!) but getting the opportunity to pray for my son at retreat is one of the
most fulfilling things I have ever done. Our children are our lives and they are our opportunity to move
closer to God. Whether your child is a few days old, or a senior in high school, enjoy them, love them,
and pray for them. Have a great, super, terrific weekend and we will see and pray with you at Mass this
weekend!

Thanks and God Bless,
Rusty Albertson
Principal
St. Mark Catholic School
October 7, 2011
ST MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL…..FAITH IN EVERY CHILD