An Easter message from Principal Dr. Marc Snyder
Dear Donahue Families,
I write this Easter message on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, which along with the Solemnity of the Annunciation, are the only feast days during Lent. And how fitting – that the foster father of Jesus stands out as our model during Lent, as the one who helps lead us to the glorious Hallelujah of Easter. In his hidden life, St. Joseph shows us what it means to love Jesus and Mary. He never said a word in sacred scripture, yet his unwavering example of Christian piety teaches us how to live. This begs the question: How ought we to live? The answer to this question can be found on this day that we celebrate: Easter Sunday.
We are an Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song. We are called to live in the light of the resurrection. We are called to sing out: Jesus Christ is risen. The power of the resurrection is simple. Death is not the end; there is meaning to suffering; it is redemptive. We enter the desert with Jesus during Lent because we know the empty tomb awaits. We are given hope that in Jesus’s resurrection, all things are gathered up and brought to the Father. The devil divides; Jesus unites.
It is my prayer that during this Easter season, all of us may be united in peace under the banner of our Lord. This happens every day at Donahue when we celebrate the Eucharist. We are united as one people in Jesus; every difference is cast aside; there is no “Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all” (Col. 3:11). This is also the theme of our upcoming Craic & Ceol: Growing in Love.
On April, we will come together as a school community united in our school’s common purpose: to raise saints for the new millennium. Raising saints can only happen when we work together for the good of the students. I am encouraged by our Donahue community and the many wonderful things happening around the school. When you walk through the hallways, Donahue may not seem that special (sure, there are many beautiful images and quotes that adorn the hallways). It is when you enter the classrooms that is where the real ‘magic’ happens: the interactions between the students and teachers; the many wonderful lessons taught and learned; the gift of faith passed down from teachers to students.
And so, as we enter the Easter season, let us give thanks: to the Lord for His saving acts poured out for us; for our amazing faculty and staff and the many sacrifices they make for the good of our students; for our students and the love and joy they show for learning each and every day; for our clergy and the many sacrifices they make in administering the sacraments for us; and for our parents and the sacrifices they make in affording their children with a Catholic education. We are truly blessed to be part of Donahue Academy. Happy Easter!
