Joy in the Lord
Dear Mater Dei Community,
With joy in the Lord, we welcomed our first full 9-12th grade high school last month! We have so much to be grateful for as we reflect on the journey of the past four years and consider the road ahead.
In our first issue of Mater Dei Annunciations for the school year, we'll share about student activities in the classroom and in the community. We'll also recap our successful benefit event with guest speaker, Matt Birk. There are big things on the horizon for Mater Dei and we anticipate them with great joy. May God bless you.
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Ad Jesum Per Mariam
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Day-to-Day at Mater Dei
We welcomed 29 students to begin our fourth year at Mater Dei. We look forward to many exciting "firsts" as we prepare our very first group of seniors for graduation. Please keep the Mater Dei class of 2023 in your prayers! The growth of this class over the past four years, academically and spiritually, has been a joy to witness. The positivity, maturity, and faithfulness of the students is a testament to Catholic education, and to the program of Mater Dei. They will go on to do great things as adults and disciples of Christ.
We celebrated our first Holy Mass of the year, fittingly, on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bishop Daniel Felton presided at the Mass and affirmed the great work we are doing with our apostolate. He blessed our students, faculty, and families, to prepare us for the year ahead.
In the classroom, students and instructors have been laying the groundwork for a fruitful year of learning and growth. Introductions have been made and routines have been established. Beautiful fall weather has allowed for breaks and lunch on the lawn. We will soak up the glorious weather while we can. We refuse to acknowledge the white stuff that fell over the weekend.
Service Project
Our first service project of the year was spent at Enger Park in Duluth. We assisted the Duluth Parks and Recreation staff with raking, weeding, applying fresh mulch to garden beds and moving outdoor furniture and picnic tables to new locations. It was cold, but the students were troopers. Our Headmaster, Mr. LaFond, treated them to hot chocolate and lattes for a job well done. We are so blessed to live in the Northland, with such a beautiful landscape. It was a joy to admire God's creation and a privilege to assist with keeping it beautiful.
Benefit Dinner
As if launching a new school year wasn't busy enough, we decided to put on a benefit dinner as well. We were blessed to host Super Bowl champ, former MN Viking, and founder of Unity Catholic High School, Matt Birk, for our event at the Buffalo House in Duluth. The event was a success with over 180 in attendance...a full house! Your show of support for our mission and vision for expansion into the Cloquet Deanery of the Duluth Diocese has reaffirmed our commitment to the path that has been laid before us.
We are excited to continue our efforts to provide an affordable option for Catholic high school education that is accessible for families along the I-35 corridor from Duluth all the way down through Pine City. The Spirit is moving. By the grace of God, there are big things on the horizon for Mater Dei. Learn more HERE, and then check out the videos below.
