President’s Blog – Jan. 23, 2023

Remembering that we are in the holy presence of God

Dear Helias Catholic family,

Last year when I began writing a weekly blog post, my desire was to communicate information from my office and, from time to time, to offer a reflection on my own faith journey and the many good ways our school’s faculty, staff and administration accompany our students on their faith journey. As we move into the new year, I want to pass along a few thoughts as to just how our students are being invited to form a closer relationship with God.

The entire school community begins each day, four days a week, with an opportunity to attend Mass at 7:15 a.m. Our chaplain, Fr. Paul Clark, offers a beautiful celebration of the Mass, and his reflections are always insightful. Many days various Helias Catholic teams and their coaches attend Mass together as part of their program’s goals and building their sisterhood or brotherhood. Our school day begins at 8 a.m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, often offered by a student. While it may feel routine at times, we believe God is constantly active and present to each one of us, even in moments such as a daily recited prayer. Our call to prayer comes from the Lasallian invitation: “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.”

Throughout the day, whether in formal settings such as an all-school Mass or a theology class, students are learning and reflecting on their relationship with God. Our Campus Ministry department is a classroom that has been refashioned to offer students a place to relax, gather with friends, catch up with our director of campus ministry, Mr. Zach Rockers, and to plan school service opportunities, retreats and other programs such as our Be Kind Club. Fr. Clark’s office is right next to the St. Pius X Chapel, and his door is always open to anyone who wants to stop by. Our students have been introduced to our neighbor, Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri, and to many other charitable organizations in our area that serve those at the margins of society.

Just this past weekend, some of our students and faculty traveled to South Bend, Indiana, to engage in service to people in that community. Time was also spent visiting the University of Notre Dame, praying at its beautiful Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and attending Mass. Time was spent reflecting and discussing the days’ events. I am sure that our students and the faculty who worked with them have returned to school today with a stronger sense of God present in their lives.

All of these daily occurrences and opportunities for meaningful service are possible only because of the generosity and support of our community. Your support of our Catholic mission is one key way for you to accompany our students as they grow in their relationship with God. Thank you for the many ways you help us remember that we are indeed in the holy presence of God.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts — forever!

John Knight
Helias Catholic High School President

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