Texas Catholic Letters
April 16, 2009
Eighth Grade
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School
Dallas, Texas
To my friends in the Eighth Grade,
In preparing to come to the 10:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass at St. Elizabeth's and to "surprise" Mrs. Clem with a Work of Heart Grand Award afterwards I had no idea what a treat was ahead. Father Michael Dugan and Mrs. Belew helped plan the surprise for Mrs. Clem and told me there would be a Passion play during mass. What they did not say was how good it would be!
From the very beginning of mass with Father Dugan holding a cross made of palm branches to be blessed, I was struck by the solemnity of the celebration and knew I was in a special place for Palm Sunday. Then as each of you was called to participate in the play I was even more moved. You all played your parts to perfection. It was hard not to feel that you were actually present as Christ was brought before Pilate, mocked by the angry crowd, made to carry the cross and ultimately crucified. Your performance was outstanding and very moving. Since the performance I have learned how hard you all worked to make it beautiful and moving. Rest assured you accomplished that.
So congratulations are deserved all around. First, congratulations to each of you for a beautiful passion play and, of course, to Mrs. Clem for being a Work of Heart Grand Award winner.
Very truly yours,
Edwin M. Schaffler
President and Chief Executive Officer