This Thursday there are multiple readings, and one which resonated most for me was the readings for the Memorial of Saint Wenceslaus. Throughout the scripture verses we are reminded to continuously seek Jesus FIRST throughout our daily choices and interactions. In 1 Peter chapter 3, it says:

Even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you...

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,

but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear.

For it is better to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil.

As a martyr, St. Wenceslaus truly suffered for doing God's will. He lived out the last part of the Gospel reading where Matthew tells us to put Christ first before all other people or possessions. With serious strife between his family members because of their differing faiths, he was killed by his brother and other men while praying on Sept. 28, 935. He continuously chose to carry his cross and follow Jesus through his faithfulness and love. Christ commands us to do the same in Matthew 10:

Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

It's so easy to put our family or our desires before our love for God. We all have a choice with each new day and each passing moment to choose Christ over all else. If we love Him first and foremost, it will not be easy, but we know that God is in control. Our life here is temporary, but our life with Him is eternal.

Let us all take up our cross and be blessed!

Mrs. Stoffel

Our annual parish, school, and community festival weekend filled with fun, games, music, food, and more! Find out more details at: https://stceciliacathedral.org/cathedralfest/

• Color Fun Run - Registration is due by 9/28 in order to receive t-shirt and color powder on the day of the event! Sign ups after this date will still be able to run. Forms available in front office! Cost for an Individual is $15 or a Family is $40.
• Raffle Tickets (K - 8th Grade Only) - Turn In Tuesday started for students to bring in ticket stubs and money for raffle tickets sold! Prizes will be awarded on Thursdays. Thank you to Mrs. Smith for continuing this tradition which is one of our biggest fundraisers. Homeroom to sell most percentage of tickets wins a pizza party with Mrs. Stoffel!
• Volunteer at the Event - CLICK HERE to sign up to serve at any of the events like a chili cook off, craft beer brew off, spaghetti dinner, game booths, and more!

Happy Feast Day of Saints Cosmas and Damian! Today we celebrated Mass together as an 8th grade class and their family members. The theme decided upon by the 8th grade students was, "Courageously Go Forth" and they all played a role in the Mass.

To teach and live the Catholic faith within a nurturing, family-like community, teach reverence for life and respect for all, and to foster each student’s academic potential.

Email: jstoffel@stcecilia.net
Website: www.stcecilia.net
Location: 3869 Webster Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-556-6655
Facebook: facebook.com/StCeciliaSchoolOmaha
Twitter: @StCeciliaOMA