Dear students, families, friends, and associates—

I have said since the earliest days of our founding that what we are doing would be impossible without prayer. Prayer is what obtains for us God’s help, and I knew we would need God’s help if we were to succeed. Opening a school in a matter of months took serious human effort, but we certainly could not have done it without divine assistance.

Catholics know novenas (from Latin novem—nine) are typically prayed for nine days, but they can also go for other periods of time. I invite you to join me in a novena that goes for nine months, from Annunciation to Nativity. The Incarnation, through which we are redeemed, is the central event in history, and it begins with the Annunciation.

Our Lady’s conception of the Son of God by the Holy Spirit seemed absolutely incredible. If we did not believe in miracles, we would not be able to believe it. But “no word shall be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, Douay-Rheims). That is why we are inspired to pray for intentions that seem impossible. As long as it is truly good, not contrary to the will of God, then we can ask the good God for anything, from the depths of the earth to the heights above (cf. Isaiah 7:11-14). People have received great favors through perseverance in prayer. For myself, I can tell you that this is the novena that launched our school.

While we may not receive exactly what we ask for, time spent in prayer is never wasted. It is certain that the Holy Family will be pleased to reward us in some way for persevering in prayer across these nine months, accompanying them from Nazareth to Bethlehem. If you are willing, I invite you to join me in this novena and see what divine providence has in store for you.

Let’s get started. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!

May God bless us—

Jed Crook, President & Principal

PS—It’s OK if you start late or miss a day. Just do the best you can.