FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat. Jesus turns to Simon and instructs him about where to lower the fishing nets. Simon and others have been fishing throughout the night and have not caught anything. Simon protests, claiming that such an effort would be futile. Simon ultimately obeys Jesus and lowers his nets into the deeper water as directed. Notice here that Peter calls Jesus by the title “master.” He already recognizes Jesus as a person of authority. They catch so many fish that the nets begin to tear; Jesus’ presence has created abundance out of scarcity, just as it did at the wedding feast at Cana, which we heard at Mass just a few weeks ago.
Simon Peter becomes a follower of Jesus immediately. He calls Jesus “Lord”—the title given to Jesus after his Resurrection—and protests his worthiness to be in Jesus’ presence. Today’s Gospel, therefore, marks a turning point in the relationship between Jesus and Peter.
Two of Simon’s partners are also named as witnesses to the event described in today’s Gospel: Zebedee’s sons, James and John. Yet Jesus’ words are addressed only to Simon. Jesus gives Simon a new job, telling him that he will become a different kind of fisherman. No longer will he catch fish; instead, he will catch people. In these words, we hear the beginning of the leadership role that Peter will have within the community of disciples. Peter was chosen for this role. His task will be to bring others to Jesus. Already he is doing so; the Gospel tells us that all the fishermen with Peter also left their nets and followed Jesus.
We continue to speak of Peter’s leadership and influence in the Church today when we call the pope the “successor of Peter.” We participate in the mission of the Church when we bring people to Christ through the example and positive influence of our lives.
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
ST. PHILIP PREPARATORY SCHOOL
The students at St. Philip Preparatory finished their Winter NWEA testing this week. They always put their best foot forward and continue to be dedicated, hardworking students.
Auditioning and casting have begun for the Middle School Production of Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. and the students are always eager and excited to head down to the auditorium after school. Everyone is excited for the play!
The New Year marks some thought-provoking and historical books Kaleidoscope Literature classes are reading. Three are on the Holocaust: Number the Stars, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Book Thief as well as classics such as The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Wonder. It’s always a good day to read a book!
Kaleidoscope Literature classes were busy for Catholic Schools Week. The students wrote poetry on what God means to them and painted art pieces to go with their poems.
For Career Day the students researched different jobs they are interested in and did a Google Slide presentation. They learned about what the job entails, job market outlook, salaries, education needed, and skills required for that particular career. St. Philip may some day have graduates who have become physicists, astronauts, astronomers, lawyers, surgeons, sports agents, writers, and computer software developers to name a few!
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