We join together so many times as that Body of Christ.. and we certainly are called to join in prayer these last few days as we celebrate the lives of three people who have been so good to our school.

Over the weekend, Mr. Paul Lamey died. Mr. Paul, although not really known to our students, was a wonderful supporter and benefactor of our school. For many years, he and his company took care of all the electrical work of our school.

On Thursday, we heard of the death of Mrs. Ursula Skrmetti Mrs. Ursula worked for over ten years here at our school in a variety of ways.. in our before school care, afterschool care program, preschool afterschool and as our "favorite substitute." She often remarked how glad she was to be able to be here with the children whom she dearly loved. Her wake will be Sunday evening at Bradford O'Keefe with her funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at St. John's Parish in Biloxi. I know that you will keep her husband, Mr. Tommy and their children and families in prayer. Mrs. Ursula was also the mother-in-law of our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Skrmettii.

Finally, we received word early this morning of the sudden death of our former pastor, Msgr. James Russell. Fr. Jim, as we knew him, was at Nativity Parish as the rector of the Cathedral and was a strong supporter of our school, Several years ago he moved to St. Paul's in Pass Christian as pastor and then retired due to poor health. I know that he touched many of our lives very deeply and certainly was a constant support of9urschooI. His mother and other family members live in Rome, New York. Arrangements for Fr. Jim are not finalized at this time.

Times like this are difficult but we are people of faith. May we continue to support one another and keep the families and friends of those who have died in prayer.

/s Sister Mary Jo