STFOA Newsletter
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Dear St. Francis of Assisi Families and Community,
Every year, the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Office for Catholic Schools hosts a two-day retreat in Seabeck for the 72 principals and presidents of our Catholic schools. It is a time to reconnect with colleagues and to prepare for our schools' Christ in the Classroom retreats. Ours will be held on November 6, when we will join other schools in our region for a day of prayerful learning.
This year's theme was a deep dive into the Beatitudes, from Jesus' most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–12). Each beatitude begins with the same word: "Blessed." There is so much packed into all eight beatitudes, but it is that first word, “blessed” that captured my imagination.
With the intention and precision of a teacher reinforcing an essential lesson, Jesus repeats "blessed" again and again. He calls us to attention and reminds us that being blessed is a spiritual state of being. The storms will come, along with the disappointments and setbacks, but they do not have to be the defining moments of our lives. What drives us instead is the work of the Spirit, the movements of the heart, the relationships we build, the fortitude and perseverance we show, and the attitudes we bring each day.
May we always remember how deeply loved we are, and may our blessedness be seen and felt by everyone we interact with.
Peace,
Mrs. Farewell
P.S. Please remember to complete our self-study “Standards of Excellence Parent/Community for Elementary Schools” survey. We are 20% of the way to our goal of 250 responses.
Every year, the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Office for Catholic Schools hosts a two-day retreat in Seabeck for the 72 principals and presidents of our Catholic schools. It is a time to reconnect with colleagues and to prepare for our schools' Christ in the Classroom retreats. Ours will be held on November 6, when we will join other schools in our region for a day of prayerful learning.
This year's theme was a deep dive into the Beatitudes, from Jesus' most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–12). Each beatitude begins with the same word: "Blessed." There is so much packed into all eight beatitudes, but it is that first word, “blessed” that captured my imagination.
With the intention and precision of a teacher reinforcing an essential lesson, Jesus repeats "blessed" again and again. He calls us to attention and reminds us that being blessed is a spiritual state of being. The storms will come, along with the disappointments and setbacks, but they do not have to be the defining moments of our lives. What drives us instead is the work of the Spirit, the movements of the heart, the relationships we build, the fortitude and perseverance we show, and the attitudes we bring each day.
May we always remember how deeply loved we are, and may our blessedness be seen and felt by everyone we interact with.
Peace,
Mrs. Farewell
P.S. Please remember to complete our self-study “Standards of Excellence Parent/Community for Elementary Schools” survey. We are 20% of the way to our goal of 250 responses.
