A celebration of faith and community: St. Leo the Great honors their patron saint
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Nov. 10 was a day that students at St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, will likely remember for a long time.
The entire school community – students, teachers, administrators, and parents – joined together for a joyous celebration honoring the Feast Day of St. Leo The Great, the patron saint of the school and parish.
“What I think this day is about is really the wonderful community here as we all join together to celebrate,” stated Joanne Kowit, principal of St. Leo School.
Held for the second consecutive year, St. Leo the Great Day was conceived by Father John Folchetti, pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish, who wanted to educate students about their patron saint while finding a way to bring the entire school community together. “The words ‘parish’ and ‘family’ are synonymous,” he said, noting that the celebration will be even larger next year and will include those who participate in the parish religious education program as well. “We want to make sure we include them also but are wondering how we will get 1,200 students together. We might have to host three celebrations,” Father Folchetti joked.
The day began with a Mass celebrated by Father Folchetti, who lauded the strong faith of St. Leo the Great during his homily and cited it as an example of the highest form of Christianity.
“St. Leo the Great was brave enough to proclaim Christ as the Son of God. We are all called to bear the name ‘Christian,’ but we have to prove it,” he said.
“Jesus asks us to live by a higher standard, and we must back-up the title with what we do. ‘Christian’ is the only name, the only title, that truly matters,” Father Folchetti declared.
To make the lesson tangible and meaningful to the nearly 500 students gathered, Father Folchetti mentioned acts of kindness such as not taunting others or throwing insults around in the school cafeteria. “Anyone can have a label, but we must be mindful of how we prove that each and every day,” he concluded.
The joyful spirit of the day was obvious throughout every corridor of the school. Several students shared thoughts on the spiritual aspects the day, noting in particular the unity of the school.
“During Mass, the school came together and became one. Everyone became a family, and we had spirit and pride. The Mass was truly meaningful,” stated Emma McCann.
Megan Romanczyk was inspired to learn more about St. Leo. “We came together to learn about the mission of St. Leo the Great and were encouraged to carry out his mission throughout the rest of our time at the school,” Romanczyk said.
After Mass, the entire school celebrated the true meaning of the word “feast” with an elaborate Thanksgiving meal prepared by cafeteria staff. It featured roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce and many of the traditional accompaniments like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Debbie Newberry, the head chef, noted that preparation, planning and cooking took three days. “The kitchen staff roasted 12 turkeys, cooked 36 pounds of potatoes and prepared 24 pounds of stuffing,” she stated. Newberry is known for a special dessert she prepares called “apple blossoms” – phyllo pastry filled with sweet baked apples, brown sugar and cinnamon – which people really look forward to.
“They are terrific,” noted Rosemary Daniels, PTA publicity chairwoman.
Daniels characterized the celebration as not only educational for the students, but an indication of what is special about the school. “There is such a sense of connection here. Some parents attended St. Leo, and now their children are here. That is what makes us special,” she added.
Dawn DiRe, the PTA president, was thrilled that so many parents volunteered to help at the luncheon. She noted that class mothers from every grade worked hard to make the day meaningful.
“Not one person is sitting around doing nothing,” DiRe said, “and this is a joint effort for all volunteers. The children really enjoy it and are so grateful.” DiRe estimated about 40 class mothers were involved, along with a few class fathers.
Gary Krall, a “class dad” who has five children attending St. Leo, enjoyed volunteering at the luncheon and feels blessed that his children are part of such a great community. “I saw my children at Mass and during lunch. They are really enjoying the day,” he added.
In addition to the celebratory luncheon, several classes engaged in games of dodge ball and flag football. DiRe summarized the spirit of the day in a most appropriate way. “It was a combination of faith and fun.”
St. Leo the Great Parish will achieve a milestone in 2011 – its 50th anniversary. More information is available by viewing the website www.stleothegreat.com
[[In-content Ad]]Related Stories
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
E-Editions
Events
Nov. 10 was a day that students at St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, will likely remember for a long time.
The entire school community – students, teachers, administrators, and parents – joined together for a joyous celebration honoring the Feast Day of St. Leo The Great, the patron saint of the school and parish.
“What I think this day is about is really the wonderful community here as we all join together to celebrate,” stated Joanne Kowit, principal of St. Leo School.
Held for the second consecutive year, St. Leo the Great Day was conceived by Father John Folchetti, pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish, who wanted to educate students about their patron saint while finding a way to bring the entire school community together. “The words ‘parish’ and ‘family’ are synonymous,” he said, noting that the celebration will be even larger next year and will include those who participate in the parish religious education program as well. “We want to make sure we include them also but are wondering how we will get 1,200 students together. We might have to host three celebrations,” Father Folchetti joked.
The day began with a Mass celebrated by Father Folchetti, who lauded the strong faith of St. Leo the Great during his homily and cited it as an example of the highest form of Christianity.
“St. Leo the Great was brave enough to proclaim Christ as the Son of God. We are all called to bear the name ‘Christian,’ but we have to prove it,” he said.
“Jesus asks us to live by a higher standard, and we must back-up the title with what we do. ‘Christian’ is the only name, the only title, that truly matters,” Father Folchetti declared.
To make the lesson tangible and meaningful to the nearly 500 students gathered, Father Folchetti mentioned acts of kindness such as not taunting others or throwing insults around in the school cafeteria. “Anyone can have a label, but we must be mindful of how we prove that each and every day,” he concluded.
The joyful spirit of the day was obvious throughout every corridor of the school. Several students shared thoughts on the spiritual aspects the day, noting in particular the unity of the school.
“During Mass, the school came together and became one. Everyone became a family, and we had spirit and pride. The Mass was truly meaningful,” stated Emma McCann.
Megan Romanczyk was inspired to learn more about St. Leo. “We came together to learn about the mission of St. Leo the Great and were encouraged to carry out his mission throughout the rest of our time at the school,” Romanczyk said.
After Mass, the entire school celebrated the true meaning of the word “feast” with an elaborate Thanksgiving meal prepared by cafeteria staff. It featured roasted turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce and many of the traditional accompaniments like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Debbie Newberry, the head chef, noted that preparation, planning and cooking took three days. “The kitchen staff roasted 12 turkeys, cooked 36 pounds of potatoes and prepared 24 pounds of stuffing,” she stated. Newberry is known for a special dessert she prepares called “apple blossoms” – phyllo pastry filled with sweet baked apples, brown sugar and cinnamon – which people really look forward to.
“They are terrific,” noted Rosemary Daniels, PTA publicity chairwoman.
Daniels characterized the celebration as not only educational for the students, but an indication of what is special about the school. “There is such a sense of connection here. Some parents attended St. Leo, and now their children are here. That is what makes us special,” she added.
Dawn DiRe, the PTA president, was thrilled that so many parents volunteered to help at the luncheon. She noted that class mothers from every grade worked hard to make the day meaningful.
“Not one person is sitting around doing nothing,” DiRe said, “and this is a joint effort for all volunteers. The children really enjoy it and are so grateful.” DiRe estimated about 40 class mothers were involved, along with a few class fathers.
Gary Krall, a “class dad” who has five children attending St. Leo, enjoyed volunteering at the luncheon and feels blessed that his children are part of such a great community. “I saw my children at Mass and during lunch. They are really enjoying the day,” he added.
In addition to the celebratory luncheon, several classes engaged in games of dodge ball and flag football. DiRe summarized the spirit of the day in a most appropriate way. “It was a combination of faith and fun.”
St. Leo the Great Parish will achieve a milestone in 2011 – its 50th anniversary. More information is available by viewing the website www.stleothegreat.com
[[In-content Ad]]