Weekend Wisdom - October 19th, 2025
FROM THE DESK OF Principal Mares
Our family recently had a rollercoaster of a weekfull of twists and turns, some we saw coming and others that caught us completely off guard. When the ride finally slowed, we stepped off a little dazed but also stronger, braver, and with hearts stretched wider by both joy and sorrow. Looking back, we could see the faces of loved ones and blessings that lined the tracks the whole way. Buckle up-it's been a ride to remember.
October has been full throttle: school, sports, and work have filled our days and spilled into our evenings. One of our favorite traditions, the school pet blessing for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, nearly didn't happen for our sweet Ruby due to a mix-up-but she made it just in time. The next morning, she passed away unexpectedly. We were heartbroken. Yet as tears fell, our community wrapped around us with love, and we thanked God for the gift of Ruby's joyful years with us.
Only days later, Jon and I found ourselves in the Cancer Center waiting room, his least favorite place in the world. Fortunately, this time not for treatment, but for his five-year post-Bone Marrow Transplant checkup. The doctor smiled and said the words we'd prayed for: "You're officially cleared." Done. Chapter closed.
Our community celebrated alongside us, and once again, we thanked God, this time for restored health and answered prayers.
The week didn't slow down-there were a few corkscrew moments at school with the everyday highs and lows of working with 400+ students and families, plus the excitement of our big Fall Fest event. Yet even in the whirlwind, gratitude kept surfacing. We thanked God for family connections, for volunteers, and for the joy found in the midst of the motion. And then, as if the ride had reached the station, we caught our breath, exchanged high fives, and, naturally, got back in line. That Saturday, we brought home a new puppy, and once again, our family and friends cheered with us.
Through the calm and the chaos, I'm reminded that God doesn't just watch the ride - He's in the seat beside us, hands steady on the safety bar. May we continue to look for Him in every climb, drop, and turn along the way.
Molly Mares, Principal at Notre Dame of De Pere
