St. John Paul School

On Tuesday morning we had a terrific celebration at St. Michael's Secondary School with almost all of the students from the newly Renamed St. John Paul II School.

Months ago we began to meet - once we learnt that Blessed John Paul II was going to be Canonized.  We chose the date, once we knew the official Canonization date. In our preliminary meetings we talked about wanting to have one celebration - with all of the students and staff in attendance.  Neither the school nor the parish has a space big enough for over 800 people!  So we asked St. Michael's Secondary school if we could use the Gym.

St. Michael's were very gracious hosts! (They even had a fruit platter, and coffee & muffins for Bishop Boissonneau, Fr. Jim Roth and the parish team immediately following the celebration.)

It was a pleasure to have Bishop Boissonneau able to attend our celebration as well as Fr. Jim Roth - the "Priest in residence" for Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board.  The celebration was truly memorable! Everything was so well done - from the opening Drama that showed the History of the life of Karol Wojtyla, to the concluding liturgical movement / Dance.  There were many quotes from John Paul's Pontificate, and there were prayers offered - especially for the youth of the world and those who suffer from Parkinson's disease - as did John Paul. We also prayed a decade of the Rosary - remembering the St. John Paul's devotion to Mary.
There were plants and lanterns for each classroom - representing the call to grow in holiness and to be a light for our world. There was music and song that tied the entire celebration together. Everything flowed so wonderfully. I thank God for all of the many gifts that were put to service in marking the incredible milestone of John Paul II's Canonization. 

I pass on my congratulations to both the Principal and the Vice Principal and to the entire staff at St. John Paul School for a job well done!