Scuffs and Shine: Reflections on the Home Stretch

Saint Joseph Academy Families,

As we prepare for the Saint Joseph Academy Gala this Saturday, I spent some time this week polishing my dress shoes. Months of daily wear during this busy school year had left them scuffed and dull. After some elbow grease with a tin of polish and a rag, the leather was restored to a deep shine.

It reminded me that with two-thirds of the school year behind us, we have all walked a long and sometimes dusty road together. Between the rigor of schoolwork, the pace of spring sports, and the everyday demands of family life, it is natural to feel a bit worn down, perhaps even a bit "scuffed" by the routine of life. 

In his Easter message, Pope Leo XIV speaks to this very feeling. He acknowledges the inner burdens that weigh us down: our disappointments, our fatigue, and the daily "sufferings and the daily grind of life" that can make us feel trapped in a tunnel. Yet, he offers a beautiful promise of renewal: “In the risen Christ, a new creation is possible every day.” The Pope reminds us that the Resurrection isn't just a past event; it is a "vital power" that allows us to spread our wings and take flight even when we feel tired.

As we gather for the Gala, let’s view it as more than just an event on the calendar. Let it be a moment of "polish" for our community, a chance to shake off the dust of the winter months, celebrate our children, and renew our spirits. Just as a bit of care can make old shoes shine like new, may this Easter season allow us to support one another with renewed patience and bring the light of the Resurrection back into our homes and classrooms.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. May we shine brightly together and finish the school year strong, as families renewed in the risen Christ.

Verso l’Alto,


Mark Kalpakgian
President