As I write this, we are just a few hours away from the when Pope Francis will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. After his remarkable recovery just a few weeks ago, I didn't expect this to happen and was quite beside myself when it did. 

To be honest, as I think about the loss of Pope Francis, I have a lot of fear. Over the past decade, my ministry has been marked by countless conversations where people, often at dinner parties, would ask me,  "Tell me more about him? I like him."  Over and over again I witness Catholics who were fallen away once again allow their shadow to cross the stanchion of the church. While not everyone admired him, in my experience as a minister, Pope Francis brought profound healing to many wounded places in the world and within the Church.

And if I'm also honest, I'm afraid of what will happen next. Will the Cardinals of the Church choose a successor who continues Pope Francis' vision, or will they select someone with a contrasting approach? Will the grace-filled moments I’ve witnessed—of people returning to the Church—be preserved, or will they fade away?

I’m not writing this to share my opinion on who the next Pope should be. Rather, I want to acknowledge my fear, which resonates with this weekend's scripture. The apostles, gathered in the upper room, were also afraid.

Jesus’ response to them is the same message we need to hear in moments of change like this: "Do not be afraid" (Revelation 1:17). God invites us into a trusting relationship with Him and sends His Holy Spirit to be our counsel and guide. We need not fear.

This is the takeaway for all of us as we navigate change—whether in the Church or in our daily lives. For those of us who have faith, who know and trust in God, nothing can separate us from His grace. That grace is more enduring than any transition we may face.

One final thought: if you count the instances in the Bible where the phrase "do not be afraid" appears as the Word of God, you’ll find it 365 times—one for each day of the year. I take that as a sign. Every single day, we are invited to hand our fears over to God and live fully, trusting in His love for us.

 Parents are Partners

Save the Date! Join us for our next Parents Are Partners event on Thursday, May 1, at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. We’re excited to welcome Erin Anderson for an engaging and informative workshop on Executive Functioning and Attention.This event is open to all—you don’t need to be a school family to attend. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain insights and strategies that support learning and development!

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Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on May 13 at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application