Lenten Journey Week Three: Navigating Adolescence

STMC Families & Friends,

Our Lenten Journey generally employs an inside-out, introspective, contemplative approach with each of the Reverence for All Life themes we have addressed (or will address) over our 8-week campaign. We have intentionally designed each theme, and the initiatives that we are using to explore them, to help deepen our personal awareness of the sanctity and miracle of life coupled with the equally important, joint call to recognize the ”other” in our midst.

Week 3’s theme, Navigating Adolescence (March 3-7) utilizes the very same overall strategy of introspective contemplation. However, it is the one theme in our Lenten campaign that sees us placing the focus on the internal struggles that each one of our young Knights experiences and even many of us adults experience from time to time – the insidiousness of self-doubt and belief that we are somehow unworthy.

It can be an incredibly lonely journey even when we have phenomenal support mechanisms (e.g., our family and friends) whose words and actions of affirmation remind us that we are, indeed, a divine miracle and worthy of love. It is infinitely harder, however, if we do not have such people in our lives.

To ask – as God asks us – that we also love ourselves can be a significant challenge for anyone navigating adolescence. We all need to accept ourselves – our personalities and imperfections – knowing that although we may not be where we need or want to be, we are making progress. God wants us to love ourselves and our identity in Him!

A key message behind our Week 3 theme for each one of our young Knights is that God does not make junk! We are made in the image and likeness of God because we can love, create, and truly choose good. Humans are not mere reactionary creatures but a creation that, like God, can choose to do good and to love one another. Humans are also able to know and understand goodness and love. Humans can mirror God in the manner we know, understand, love and do good.

As we continue our Lenten Journey, may we all come to learn what it means to Live Jesus in our Hearts!

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

Science

Since September, our students have been collaborating with a scientist in Macau SAR, China, to study how artificial light at night affects nocturnal insects—an exciting project supported by National Geographic’s Explorer-Educator Exchange program. After months of planning in the fall, they’ve been actively collecting data since January, meticulously measuring the mass of hornworm caterpillars in our classroom before and after school.

On Monday, March 3rd, STMC’s Science Department is excited to welcome scientists from UBC to discuss the students’ research. This will be a unique opportunity for our students to engage with experts—like a field trip, but right here in our own classroom!

Relaxation and Calm Stretching Session

As we continue our Lenten Journey, we invite you to take a pause from the busyness of daily life and enter into a moment of stillness, breath, and renewal.

Join us for a 30-minute Relaxation & Calm Stretching Session on Wednesday March 5th at 7:15am in the Multi-Purpose Room, where we will quiet our minds, stretch our bodies, and center our hearts on God’s presence. This session is open to all students and will be a gentle practice.

What to Expect:
Guided breathing exercises to ease stress and bring focus
Simple stretches and movements for relaxation
No special equipment is needed—just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing

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.