St. Francis Xavier School

Dear Friends,

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“Taking a Leap of Faith” -- that is the theme of our 2018 -2019 Annual Appeal and it’s also what the four of us did when we came to Saint Francis Xavier School.  As Co-Chairs of this year’s Annual Appeal, we’re privileged to share what taking that leap has meant to us. Our paths were different, but the result was the same. We took a leap and landed right where God wanted us.

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For two of us, Marty and Paul, the connection to Saint Francis Xavier began in 1998 when we moved to Vermont and sought a Catholic school for our three young sons. When we visited SFX, we were greeted by Miss Nancy and met with then principal Rick Marcotte. They epitomized the warmth and faith of the community. What we found at SFX then, still holds true today. Every person associated with the school cares deeply about every student.  The faculty have expectations of their students’ academic performance and behavior. We treasure the time our boys spent here and even now, years after their graduation, our connection to SFX School remains strong. We believe there is no greater gift parents can give their child than a faith based education.

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Two of us, Chris and Jill, are much more recent arrivals at Saint Francis.  We actually started our five children in public schools, but when our older children went to Rice High School, we felt a dramatic difference in what a Catholic school offered. We thought and prayed about whether to move our two younger children out of their public elementary school, where they felt increasingly out of place. The answer came when we attended a Mass at St. Francis with friends. Jill was kneeling after communion and God said "Welcome home.  This is where you belong." The next thing we knew, we were touring the school. Halfway through, our daughter interrupted Mr. Becker and said, "Can I start here tomorrow?" Our son and daughter shadowed at the school, they fell in love, and the rest is history.

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When our children arrive at St. Francis in the morning, they arrive at their second home, where they are cherished, loved, nurtured, challenged, educated, and -- most of all -- reminded daily that God has a magnificent, wonderful plan for them.  What more could we want for our children?

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We want this gift to be available to many children, of all economic backgrounds. That is why we are proud to serve as the Co-Chairs of this year’s Annual Appeal.

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The Annual Appeal plays a crucial part in the school’s financial health. The money from this Appeal bridges the gap between what tuition covers and the actual cost of educating our students. This year a wonderful group of benefactors has created a challenge for you, our generous friends. They will match all money raised in our Annual Appeal by January 31, 2019, up to $50,000! Please take advantage of this opportunity to double your donation to Saint Francis Xavier School and thereby double the gift you give to our children.

Please help other families take a leap of faith and find what we’ve found at Saint Francis Xavier School.      

 

Paul & Marty Jansen and Chris & Jill Messineo

Annual Appeal Co-Chairs