As I write this pastoral letter to you, I am sitting in my office typing. Just that action alone is involving thousands of networks within my body, many of which are moving in opposite manners. Besides the complexity of hand-eye coordination, I am struck by how my fingers flex and poke at keys in order to type out the thoughts which I am having. 

The act of moving any joint requires very different muscles, often working in opposition. These muscles are attached to tendons which move bones, even the tiny bones in my hands. Any joint has an agonist muscle, which is the primary mover and creates the major movement at the joint. Then there is the antagonist muscle that needs to relax and stretch to allow the joint to move. It can also resist the movement of the agonist muscle to keep it under control. Sort of like a brake on a car. Finally, there is a synergist muscle that supports the agonist muscle mostly by steadying the joint to make its movement smooth and efficient. 

It is all very cool and often unrecognized by us on a daily basis, but the fact our bodies coordinate this, and any kind of movements, thousands of times a day, is nothing short of a miracle. 

And when Saint Paul declares to us, the Church, that "You are Christ's body, and individually members of it," he sets up an analogy that helps us navigate a profound understanding of who we are as the Church. At times, it may seem like the Church, what we know as the Mystical Body of Christ, is only strong in one direction. For example, we may do education well or we may heal the broken-hearted. Perhaps we see only the public face of the Pope addressing a polarized world or the work of Catholic Charities helping those on the margins of society. Perhaps we are the ones who go out and invite others to join the Church or we just sit quietly inside finding deep solace in prayer.

But the Church is not just one muscle moving in one way. It is a full body, filled with internal and opposing gifts which work together for a greater aim. To see the Church in this light is more than to say that every different gift and every differing person has a place; it is to say that every member of the Church has a purpose. The differing gifts, even those which act in opposition, are the mechanics of a body that enable its movement. 

On this, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we should pause and reflect on what our purpose is in the Church. St. Therese of Avila reminds us "Christ has no body now on earth but yours." It is up to us to sometimes be the agonist and sometimes be the antagonist, in the great enterprise of God's love that we are privileged to carry forth in this moment of history. 

Summer Camp 2026

We are thrilled to offer summer options for our families.

• We will hold our traditional summer camps for registered Saint Andrew students during the first two weeks of the summer break. Registration is open! 

• Saint Andrew Summer Adventure Camp will be offered for the majority of the remaining summer weeks. Adventure Camp Registration for SA students, their friends, and neighbors in the community is open. 

• Join us for a playdate on the school campus Ackerman lot, June 13th at 10am. 

Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School! 

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! Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 school year can be found here: New Student Application