Blessed Sacrament Families,

Today our Church enters the holy Season of Advent, a time set apart for quiet preparation as we await the coming of Christ at Christmas. These four weeks invite us to slow down, to make room in our hearts, and to welcome the hope that only Christ can bring. While Lent leads us through repentance, Advent lifts our eyes toward expectant hope.

This year, that sense of hope feels especially strong within our Blessed Sacrament community. As we reflect on the joy Christ brings and the promise of His return, we also find ourselves looking with hope toward the future of Catholic education in our state. The possibility of Education Freedom Accounts offers a new moment of grace, an opportunity that could open the doors of Catholic education to many families who long for it.

The Prophet Micah proclaimed, “But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2) Micah reminds us that God often chooses small and humble places to bring about His greatest works, Bethlehem being among the least, yet chosen for the birth of our Savior.

I am not suggesting that Blessed Sacrament is the site of the Second Coming, but I do believe Micah’s words speak to us as well: God can do great things in communities that remain faithful, hopeful, and open to His grace. With the help of Texas Education Freedom Accounts, we may soon be able to welcome more children into our school family, children whose families desire a Catholic education but have not had the means, as well as those who already call Blessed Sacrament home.

For this reason, I have chosen our Advent theme: “A Season of Hope, a Future of Promise.” It is my prayer that this theme leads us more deeply into prayer, into our cherished Advent traditions, and into a spirit of openness to what God is doing among us. May it also encourage each of us to learn more about school choice and the opportunities that the Texas Education Freedom Accounts may provide.

I will be working with the school’s staff to continue those Advent traditions we have incorporated into our campus culture, such as daily morning prayer in the gym, preparing the manger with good deeds, an opportunity for Advent Reconciliation, and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Service, and ultimately our Christmas program.

Through our partnership with Hallow, I also encourage families to utilize the following resources on the Hallow App this Advent to strengthen your individual prayer life and those of our families:

Keeping in my with the goals of our theme, however, I will also be working with the Department of Catholic Schools to provide our families with increased communications on the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), the final rules, anticipated application timelines, and other information that will help educate our community on the positive impacts of this great opportunity.

As we journey through Advent together, may the Lord fill your hearts with peace, hope, and joyful expectation.

In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,

Michael Fierro

Principal