In Unity
Dear Mater Dei Community,
It's been a long spring and summer but we're back! On the first day of class on September 8th, Mr. Lemke and I both arrived with flowers in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary...a sign of the unity of our intentions and a fitting entrance into year two. We look forward to the blessings ahead.
In our first newsletter of the school year, we are happy to share a glimpse into our new daily routine, an article from the Northern Cross, and an invitation to a Marian procession at the end of this month of the Most Holy Rosary. We are hopeful you can join us! May God bless you.
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Ad Jesum Per Mariam
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Day-to-day at Mater Dei
We welcomed 21 students and 14 instructors to begin our second year at Mater Dei! It has been such a blessing to come together in unity after the difficult isolation of spring and summer due to the pandemic. We thank God each day for the opportunity to be in-person and we're doing everything we can to ensure the continued health and safety of our students and staff.
Our remote learning option has enabled students to stay home when they have conflicts with schedules, health-related concerns or they are simply quarantining for a time. When a student is remote for a class, they are present "virtually" with our live technology so they don't miss a thing.
The first month has been a learning process for our new students as they adapt to the workload and learning style of our hybrid education program. Their progress in this short time has been inspiring. Students in our Life skills course have changed a tire, helped the Handmaids with landscaping, and learned how to safely land and trailer a boat. Students attend daily Mass on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at Holy Family Church. Monday and Tuesday mornings are spent gathered together for Morning Prayer in our private Adoration chapel.
Student lounge
The student lounge wins the vote for most popular room at Mater Dei. Students are found gravitating towards it at every break. Our first ping pong tournament is in the books...with hopefully many more to come. Each item in the lounge has been donated, which makes the room even more special. Our high schoolers are truly blessed to have a space to call their own, thanks to the many generous parents, benefactors and organizations that support Mater Dei.
Raising awareness
With any new grass-roots endeavor, it is vital to get the word out into the community. Our first year with one class was an opportunity to start slow, learn, grow, and understand how to best serve our high schoolers and families. We are now ready to go forward with even more confidence. Our recent "above the fold" article in the Northern Cross was a good way to raise awareness throughout the Diocese of Duluth. You may read the article HERE.
If you know of a high schooler that is struggling with the distance learning of public schools and looking for a new option, please encourage them to check out the authentically Catholic, classical education program of Mater Dei Apostolate. Even though we are a month into the academic year, it is possible with a little extra work to make the transition into our program.
Rosary Walk and Marian Procession
Join Mater Dei Apostolate for a Rosary Walk and Marian Procession on October 31st. The procession will begin in the parking lot of Holy Family Church, follow a one-mile route through the neighborhood, and end back at Holy Family Church. We will be walking and praying the rosary for peace in our nation and for the conversion of souls. You may participate in-person or in-spirit. We need the intercession of Our Lady in these times now more than ever, so please spread the word. Check out the flyer below and then register to join. We look forward to walking and praying with you on October 31st!