The Next "Lifer"

I changed schools a lot: first and second grade, seventh grade, ninth grade, and I finally tested out halfway through my sophomore year. I don't want the same thing for Leland. Here is his photo from Mrs. Stickley’s Transitional Kindergarten class at St. Monica Elementary contrasted with spirit week just before Christmas '21 (for reference). Every teacher he has had so far has exceeded our expectations by leaps and bounds—especially through the pandemic. How amazing would it be if St. Monica is the only school he ever knows? Not having to make new friends at each milestone, having a sense of the teachers, administration, staff, and most importantly: living and acting with a sense of justice, service, and care—all based on a stellar academic curriculum.

At Masses this weekend you'll hear from a handful of students and Ernie Soto—what we call a "lifer"—who acheived that dream: making St. Monica Catholic Community where he has spent his entire academic career. He just finished his undergraduate and is now working on the Advancement team for our schools. In March, he begins a masters program at Santa Clara University. There isn't anyone better to speak to the values of Catholic education and more importantly, what it's like to make St. Monica his home. Thank you, Ernie!

Our St. Monica logo has three crosses—and our official brand is “community.” This is because our schools and church are one. So when you see our faculty, staff, and students serving as liturgical ministers at all the Masses this weekend, it’s not a “takeover”—it recognizes what a rare (really rare) gift we have as a parish community where all of the most important moments in your life can happen in this place.

The best way to support our school is visibility and enrollment. Let’s celebrate this Catholic Schools Week and share with others our Seahawk and Mariner pride! Don't miss The Showcase on Saturday evening, Jan. 29, beginning with food trucks at 5 p.m and student performances at 6:30 p.m. #StillStMonica