October is here and we are in full swing into the school year.

In the last two months, a lot has happened on campus. We started a new school year with an impressive freshman class and a number of transfers who are beginning their St. Thomas journey. New faculty and staff have joined our community. Cross Country and football have started strong campaigns with new leaders stepping up. A trip to Frisco, Texas allowed our school to shine for many to see at the inaugural Catholic Bowl.

A number of students were honored for their academic success by the National Merit Scholars program and we will be inducting new members into the National Honor Society this month. Even in challenging times, the focus of our work is the teaching of our students.

We have prayed together. Through all-school Masses, daily Masses, adoration, Tuesdays with Thomas, and rosaries, the St. Thomas community has strengthened our relationship with God, who continues to shower us with blessings. We have also come together in sorrow at the loss of a beloved counselor. It is wonderful to praise and thank God when we see the blessings of life, but it is equally important to approach God for help in our times of pain and distress.

Recently, we have also taken the time to properly honor and celebrate one of our finest alumni, Mr. Raymond Bourgeois ’70. Raybo was inducted into the St. Thomas Hall of Honor in front of the student body during our most recent all-school Mass. Unable to participate in the ceremony for the other members of the induction class in January, Raybo shared all the love and joy he has with our students and reminded us of the opportunities we have as a school to change lives!

And still, we keep moving forward. We have welcomed middle school students and their families. We are finally moving ahead with building the new Fr. Wilson Field. We are prepping for the Annual Auction & Gala where we will be honoring Coach Jim Schwarzbach ‘55, who had a dramatic impact on thousands of Eagle students.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Delta variant, and hurricanes assaulting the Gulf Coast, St. Thomas is moving forward. Let’s continue to support each other and do our part to live out our mission.

Have a glorious month of October!

Bright smiles, one and all!

Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB