Lenten Journey Week Four: Celebrating All Abilities

STMC Families & Friends,

Our Week 4 Lenten Journey theme, Celebrating People of All Abilities (March 10-14) sees us shining the light on recognizing and celebrating the value and dignity of every person – regardless of abilities – and the gifts they can offer. 1 Peter 4:10 says that everyone has been given a gift. (That includes you, too!)

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Each has received a gift . . . not some have received gifts, or the most holy Christians receive gifts, or God’s brightest receive gifts. No, each has received a gift.

You have received a gift, just as I have received a gift.

Our inability to recognize our own gift or to see the gift in those we encounter not only inhibits the opportunity to appreciate the Divine within each of us, but it also denies us the chance to witness that Divine spark within others.

A key message behind our Week 3 theme was for each one of our young Knights to acknowledge that God does not make junk! The week ahead has us embracing all individuals made in God’s image. We are all special, precious, and wonderful – each human being is a child of God made in his image and likeness!

Yours in Christ through May & Joseph,
STMC’s Mission Integration Committee

Lenten Journey Reflections

As we approach the halfway point of our Living Jesus in our Hearts Throughout Life initiative, this week’s theme, Celebrating All Abilities, invites us to both recognize and celebrate the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their abilities, and to look at what they can, not what they can’t offer.

This week’s reflection is: What is a unique gift or ability that you see in someone else that may often go unnoticed? How can you celebrate it?

We encourage you to take a brief moment to have a short conversation about this—whether with a sibling, friend, child, parent, or as a family—during dinner, on the ride home from school, or whenever you find a quiet moment together.

We would love to hear about the discussions that take place. If you could take a couple minutes to submit your reflection and be part of this shared experience of faith. These reflections not only deepen your own journey but also inspire and uplift our community.

Link: Google Survey

Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign

Our school is taking a stand to promote dignity and respect for all by participating in the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. We encourage students to pledge online to eliminate the use of the R-word and instead celebrate the positive contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.

Make your pledge here: Spread the Word Pledge

All Ability Games

Join us in the gym for our All Ability Games on Friday, March 14—an opportunity to engage in inclusive sports and activities that emphasize teamwork, respect, and fun for all.  All are welcome. Please come to the gym.

Still Loved Conference

Join Us for the Still Loved Conference!

A powerful day of inspiration, learning, and action! Hear from Cam Côté (CCBR), explore breakout sessions on bioethics, social justice, pro-life advocacy, and faith, and engage with hands-on exhibitor stations.

When: March 12th, 2025 (Day two) 9am-2pm
Where: St. Nicholas Parish, Langley, BC

Breakout Topics Include:

• Men’s Hostel
• Vancouver Street Ministries
• Bioethics & the Science of Life – Fr. Jan Kunes
• Development & Peace – Raphael Freston & Emily Lukasik
• The Pro-Life Movement – STM’s own Darrell Hall
• Faith & Life – JP Fleuriot
• Disability Advocacy – Rick Hansen Foundation
• Pregnancy Support – Kimberly Bromley

FOOD: KFC or Triple O Burgers; cookies, chips and juice boxes for morning and afternoon snacks

Live Jesus in Our Hearts

STMC Current and Alumni Parents… Please join us on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7 pm for Community Fellowship where we discuss how we can “Live Jesus in Our Hearts”.

When & Where we meet: 6 pm to 7 pm

On the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesday of each month, we will be on Zoom (Zoom link). On the 4th Wednesday of each month, we will meet in person, at STMC for coffee and snacks.

What we do:
When we meet together in fellowship, we will discuss:

• How you can help your child to grow into the adult you want them to be.
• How to help your child transfer skills, knowledge and learnings to their friends and to other families within the STMC community.
• How to help and support your child and yourself to grow in faith.

We will also discuss:

• What gifts you have to help your child grow spiritually.
• What gifts you have and how to use those gifts to make your family into intentional disciples for Christ.

Spring Break

Spring Break is right around the corner! There will be no classes from Mar 17-28, giving families a well-deserved chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some time off. Make the most of your break and come back rejuvenated and ready to finish the school year strong.

A Knight to Remember Gala

We’re thrilled to announce that St. Thomas More Collegiate’s “A Knight to Remember” Gala will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Burnaby Delta Hotels and Conference Centre at the Grand Villa Casino.

This unforgettable evening will feature:
• A buffet dinner
• Performances by the talented Redeem Dance Team and Alumni Choir
• Exciting games with chances to win amazing prizes
• A Live and Silent Auction

This event is not just a night to celebrate our incredible community but proceeds of our auction support the Knights Annual Fund, benefiting our students and programs.

We Need Your Help!
To ensure the Gala’s success, we are seeking support from our current parents, past parents, alumni, and our community. There are several ways to get involved:

1. Volunteer for Set-Up, Take-Down, or During the Gala
   Help us create a magical atmosphere by assisting with event preparation, smooth operations, or wrapping up at the end of the night.
2. Donate a Live or Silent Auction Item
   Contribute unique experiences, items, or opportunities to our auctions—your generosity will directly impact the success of our fundraiser.
3. Become a Sponsor
   Showcase your business while supporting a great cause. Sponsorship opportunities offer valuable exposure and demonstrate your commitment to our school community.

How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in contributing in any of these ways, please contact Kyle O’Genski at or 604-790-0677.

Thank you for considering how you can help make this year’s Gala a success. Together, we can create an incredible evening that showcases the strength and spirit of the STMC community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Volunteer at the 3rd SFdS Spring Fair!

Calling all students and alumni who want to make a difference or need to complete service hours! This is a great opportunity to give back, gain experience, and be part of a fantastic event.

Sign up now: https://volunteersignup.org/YMYFW

We appreciate your support!

Fine Arts Week

Save the Date for Fine Arts Week! This will be happening from May 26-30

Events will include:
Singing Competition, Jazz night, Music Advisory, Drama Props Photo Booth, Lego Masters (House Competition), Music department showcase, Union Tube and Transistor Guitar Pedal Workshop.

Check back for more updates.

Mikey’s Run

In honour of STMC Class of ’07 Grad Mike Lowe who we sadly lost last June, we encourage you to take part in Mikey’s Run. This event happens on June 29th, 2025 at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Fields.

Mike was a devoted father, son, brother, husband, friend, and a proud STMC Alum. This run is more than a tribute to Mike’s love of running – it’s a call to action. Let’s honour his legacy by creating space for openness, connection, and support. Volunteers and/or runners are encouraged to sign up through the website, Mikey’s Run.