Dear Crusader Family, “Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.” Ralph Blum Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!! Today we celebrate overcoming oppressors and the obstacles in our life. I am free to the degree that I do not let fear, worry, anger, negativity, and gossip become the focus of my thoughts and conversations. I am overcome with anxiety and negative talk when I lack vision and a sense of mission in life. I do not want to waste my breath on negativity for the sake of my vision. Thank you for being a member of our Crusader family, where we make our community better one child at a time.
God bless, Douglas Triche
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Dear Crusader Family,
“Prayer is how we press our hands into the invisible and find the hand of Christ reaching back.” James K. A. Smith
After showing a video about the body and blood of Christ at Mass, a second grader raises her hand to ask, “How do the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ?” I said there is a spiritual reality. Like the wind, we can’t see it, but we feel it. We know the wind is real. We are a people of faith. Throughout life, we come to feel the Spirit of God. Pray attunes us to the Spirit.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
3rd Day of Lent - Reflection
"As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus' thirst...'Repent and believe' Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor -- He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you." -- Saint Teresa of Calcutta
“This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” Isaiah 58:6
Let us find some time today and during this Lenten Season to fast the way St. Teresa of Calcutta and Isaiah teach us. This is God's greatest desire.
You are in my prayers. Please pray for me.
Douglas Triche
"God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Pope Francis
Are you connected to the source of heaven and earth? During this Lent, continually focus on the grace of the Holy Spirit in each moment. We will tire and lose focus during the busyness of our day. Wear or put a cross in your pocket. Each time you become aware of your cross or any cross you see, say a short prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me. Thank you for this moment to do your will.” Asking for mercy is not only asking forgiveness for our failures in virtues but also for the touch of Christ to fill our emptiness and heal the wounds of life.
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Daily Scripture: Click HERE.
God bless you and your family during this Lenten Season.
In Christ Love,
Douglas Triche
“Lent is about becoming, doing, and changing whatever it is, blocking the fullness of life in us right now.” Sr. Joan Chittester, OSB
Do you want to change your world? Ridding your life of the things that bother you throughout your days and nights is the conversion from how you look at life and the way God looks at life. Problems will always occur, but our thoughts are usually finite and controlling. God’s thoughts respond to each problem with eternal love that heals and transforms.
“Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God.” Joel 2:13
Today's Scripture: Click HERE.
God bless you and your family during this Lenten Season.
In Christ Love,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
"May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women." Pope Francis
Merry 6th Day of Christmas! Who has been Jesus to you today? You have heard about the 12 days of Christmas. How about the 365 days of Christmas? Celebrating the birth of Jesus means we are grateful to God for embracing creation and our humanity. It affirms the core goodness of life on our planet. Any goodness we experience is Jesus to us. Any goodness and love we give are Jesus because Jesus is the source of all that is good and love. Our acts of kindness, worship, and the Eucharist at Mass are Christmas, God with us. As Christians, it is truly Christmas all year long.
Reminders:
Let us pray for each other in the New Year!
God bless,
Douglas Triche
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Are you caught in a rut? Advent is the time to get free, heal, and find YOUR path. “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness.” is the chant during this season of preparing for Christmas. Isaiah 40:3 Our freedom lies in the wisdom of the Christ, through which all creation comes into being. During this busy time, steal some time to sit quietly with Jesus, read scripture, and partake in the Body of Christ.
Announcements:
Thank you to all those who gave to Toys-For-Tots: Almost 40 toys were donated. Check out the video. Click TOYS
Alumnus of the Month: Check out the Alumnus of the Month. Click Alumnus
Christmas Program: Thank you to all who participated, attended, and supported our AOL Christmas Pageant. Click AOL Christmas
Dear Crusader Family,
“At this Christmas, when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.” St. Mother Teresa
Happy Advent! May your Advent Season be filled with the blessings of service, sacrifice, and prayer for family, friends, and strangers in need. The secret to a happy life is making a difference in the lives of others. We can start by changing our perspective to what we “get” to do, instead of “have” to do, for our families and the people we serve in our jobs. And then do a little extra for our community or strangers in need. So go find ways to make a difference this Advent Season.
Thank YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU!
Christ is finding warm hearts in our Crusader Family. AOL iGive has been a huge blessing. You are breaking records with over $11,000 in donations and still counting. Don’t be left out. Gifts of cash or checks will be recorded until Tuesday, December 6.
Find your child in our Crusader school thank you video. Click THANK YOU.
You and your family are in my prayers this ADVENT SEASON.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“Gratitude is a flower that blooms in noble souls.” Pope Francis
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all our children, parents, faculty, and staff. I am also thankful for all those who support our school's mission to develop faith, learning, and kindness.
No one ever wakes up saying to themselves, “Let’s see how negative and mean I can be today.” Unfortunately, fear is a natural feeling, and negativity, worry, criticism, anger, and selfishness is born out of fear.
Developing spiritual practices is the best way to overcome the negativity we find in our life. When you wake in the morning and throughout the day, take deep breaths and think of things to be grateful to God for, no matter how simple or small those things might be. Be thankful for breathing, sunshine or rainfall, fingers and toes, your family and friends, etc. It is impossible to be grateful and negative at the same time.
Announcements and reminders:
Must see Video: Click on, Why I Am Glad to Be an AOL Crusader.
It will touch your heart.
Please share this video with your family and friends.
Thank You, Denka, for Gold Sponsorship, $1500: Click Denka to see the webpage pictures and article.
iGive AOL Tuesday, November 29: Please send the following Link, https://aolcrusaders.org/igive, to your family and friends asking for a donation for our children. The funds raised support
our school’s technology curriculum and
all extracurricular activities.
Fall Fun Fest: Thank you to all the PTO Parents and teachers who helped to make the 2022 AOL Fall Fun Fest a big success. You are making a difference to all of our students. Click Fest to see the FB link.
Living Museum: Thank you, Ms. Clanton and the 7th Grade English class, for making learning fun at AOL Catholic School. Also, thank you to Ms. Melancon and Mr. Riviere for the special parts they played. Click on Museum to see the FB link.
Flag Ceremony by LaPlace Rotary: Thank you to the Rotary of LaPlace for your presentation on the American Flag to all our middle school students. You make us proud of our flag and country. Click on Flag Ceremony to see the FB link.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Thanksgiving: All had a great thanksgiving experience. Click Thanksgiving to see the FB link.
Birthday Wishes: Thank you to all the students, faculty, staff, and parents who helped to make my 65th birthday special. I am happy to share my November birthday with all my crusaders. Click Birthday to see the FB link.
AOL Bulletin: Click Bulletin to keep up with all the school announcements.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! May everyone have a safe and happy holiday. Let us pray for one another.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” Mary Anne Radmacher
When we give to others, even in the slightest way, we uncover the light God created in us. Jesus teaches us to let our light shine. Mt 5:14-16 Do not let anger, frustration, or selfish desires deter us from who we truly are. How do we make sure our light does not go out? Make a choice to be kind to others even in the face of evidence to the contrary.
Here are the results of our parent survey:
97% said they would “Very Likely” or “Likely” recommend our school to other families.
82% said, “Very Likely.”
Top three reasons:
#1 Caring about students’ well being
#2 Positive Faith Culture
#3 Appropriate academic standards
85% gave the administration a rating of 8 or higher.
55% gave a 10
Top three things for the administration to work on:
#1 Improve communication
#2 Curb bullying
#3 Raise academic standards
Top three recommendations for capital improvements or programs: (There is a tie for second.)
#1 School gym
#2 STEM classroom
#2 Improve student growth on standardized testing
Announcements and Reminders:
Become an AOL iGive Guardian Angel: This week, you will receive an invitation to give financial and prayer gifts to the school. Please complete the form and return it to school by Wednesday, November 16. By doing so, your child(ren) will receive a Popcorn Party Ticket.
Online donation links on the AOL iGive website open on November 14. Click AOL iGive.
Direct gifts by cash or checks are now being accepted.
PTO Meeting Thursday, Nov.10 at 7:00 in the Savio Center. Don't miss out on the important presentation and information.
Grand Parent Day is Friday, November 11, from 9:30 to 10:30. Join our family togetherness and fun.
Thank You for your support in our Red Bean and Rice Lunch Fundraiser. You are making a difference for all our children. We are especially grateful to all the KC Chefs and KC volunteers. We are Crusader Strong Together!
Day of Formation: I hope the students enjoyed their extra day off on Monday. Check out the video to see what your faculty and staff were up to—Click Day of Formation.
Middle School Mother-Daughter Social Event: Middle school young ladies and moms had a wonderful morning with Ms. Shannon Perry. Check out this video to get a taste of the experience. Click Shannon Perry.
Please pray for all the children. I am praying for all our Crusader Families.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:1
Happy ALL Souls Day!!
Do you want to know the secret of raising happy children? Studies show that teaching and making our children serve others is a primary key to their happiness. It may start with making them make their bed or clean up the kitchen. Once when my daughter wanted me to take her and her friends to the mall, I first surprised them with a visit to a homeless shelter. Yes, they will fight it and stomp their feet. But after it is all said and done, you will have a happier child. Though my daughter and friends did not want to go to the shelter, they asked if we could do it again.
On this ALL Souls Day, remember that we are all on a spiritual journey. Let us seek eternal gifts: love, forgiveness, service, prayer, etc.
Announcements:
Dear Crusader Family,
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” Steve Maraboli
Do you ever wonder what your true life’s purpose is? Compassion is it! This is not a relative quality, as if some are called to compassion, and others are not. Compassion defines not only our Christian identity but our identity as human beings as well. It is our Christian identity because we are created as human beings in “the image of God.” Gen 1:27 The Latin root of the word compassion means “with whom we suffer” or “with whom we carry.” Jesus did not cling to his divinity. He embraced his humanity to suffer with us and carry us so we may have eternal life. Each time we worship and enter into the Eucharistic prayer, we unite with Christ so that he may carry us through life’s journey and embrace our own humanity in God’s image.
Announcements:
Dear Crusader Family,
“Jesus is the anchor for your soul.” Hebrews 6:19 “You get through the storm when the anchor holds you, not when you hold it.”
“Let go and let God.” as the saying goes. When we perceive ourselves as having too much upset, it is our invitation to surrender to the Spirit. Big and little storms will always come and go. Life is too short to allow anything to steal our peace. Let us anchor ourselves in our infinite God to handle our finite storms.
Miracle minute items:
May God bless you and your family,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“A miracle is a shift in perception from fear to love.” Marianne Williamson
How many miracle moments will you have today? Don’t just think of miracles as extraordinary events. It is a supernatural moment when we choose to love in the face of hate. Or, when we choose to forgive regardless if the other seeks it. Acts of kindness in an unkind world are miraculous indeed. Let us pray for one another’s miracle moments.
Announcements:
You and your family are in my prayers.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“It is not what happens to you but how you react that matters.” Epictetus
Have you met any friendly lions lately? Singing and dancing was the reaction of Christians as they awaited their fate to be slaughtered by lions and bears in the early days of persecution. Faith teaches us that suffering is the opportunity to share in the paschal mystery of Christ (life, death, and resurrection of Jesus). Prayer, worship, and discipleship are essential in growth towards being transformed by our daily challenges, disappointments, sadness, and life’s tragic moments. “Pain that is not transformed gets transmitted.” (Richard Rohr) When I lose my temper or find myself being critical of others, I realize the need to examine my prayer life and seek guidance.
Announcements:
AOL Pre-K Renovations are Complete: Click HERE for details.
Down to the Wire - Primary and Middle School Building: The second building is scheduled to be ready just in time for the opening of school. Click HERE.
Welcome Letter: Don’t miss the welcome letter with details for the start of school. Click HERE
Health Fair & School Supply Giveaway: Click HERE for more information.
Student Spotlight - Aubrey Melancon: Aubrey is a 4th grade Crusader. Click HERE to see the spotlight article.
AOL Featured Teacher Ms. Veldena Moore: As the 3rd and 4th grade English language arts teacher, Ms. Veldena Moore comes to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School as a veteran educator. Welcome, Ms. Moore, to our Crusader family. Click HERE to see the video and the artcle.
Crusaders Alumni: Picture of the Week. Click HERE for Facebook or HERE for website.
AOL Calendar & Important Dates List:
Click HERE to see the August calendar.:
Click HERE to see a list of important dates.
Registration for Enrollment Initiative: I am excited to welcome all our new Crusader families. We are adding new students to our Crusader family each week. Pass the word and invite your family and friends. By doing so, you will make a difference in the lives of children.
Make a referral and receive a $100 thank you gift card when they register.
Host an In-Home Information Social with neighbors, family, or friends. Receive a $500 thank you gift card for the first registration. Contact me, Mr. Triche, for details.
Pray! Pray! Pray! For the successful mission of our school. Together, we are making our community better one student at a time.
Blessings,
Mr. Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing; that’s why we recommend it daily? Zig Ziglar
How do you smell today? Don’t think body odor but spiritual, mental, emotional, and social health. Daily cleansing, nourishment, healing, and exercise include more than our physical state. Develop daily and weekly habits to help form your healthy self, family, and community. Check out the following items. Click links and check off the practices you have and consider adding others.
Announcements:
You are in my prayers. Please pray for all of our children.
Sincerely,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“Hope lets new life blossom, like a plant that grows from the seed fallen on the earth.” Pope Francis
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for people to criticize? Tearing someone or something down does not take any talent. Building up comes from the skill of positive choices, imagination, and perseverance. Criticism is born out of fear. Hope is born of faith and the belief in goodness. Let us plant the seeds of hope so that our children will blossom. Give smiles and hugs often. Make sure the words “I love you” are frequently spoken. Lend a helping hand. Let us “make on earth as it is in heaven.” Mt 6:10
Thank you to our parents for planting the seeds of hope by belonging to our Crusader family.
Thank you, faculty and staff, for planting the seeds of hope by choosing the ministry of education at AOL Catholic School.
Announcements:
You are in my prayers!
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Above is command central for AOL Catholic School renovations.
Dear Crusader Family,
“If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way.” Napoleon Hill
As a young teacher Mr. C. J. Tastet, a principal in the 80’s at St. Charles Catholic H. S., would tell us as teachers, “I’ve never been bit by an elephant. I get bit by mosquitoes.” It was his way of saying that the small things are what matter most. It is giving someone a smile, a hug for our spouse and children, getting to work on time, taking care of the details, and the moments of prayer throughout the day and week. My friend told me this week to replace my “To-Do List” with a “Get-To-Do List” to make the small moments of responsibility for family, friends, co-workers, and strangers moments of grace. Life is fragile and short. Every day is a good day because I GET one.
Announcements:
You and your families are in my prayers.
God bless!
Douglas Triche
The above picture is in a middle school classroom.
Dear Crusader Family,
“We cannot give up in the face of evil. God is Love and he has defeated evil through Christ’s death and resurrection.” Pope Francis
God bless you and your family,
Douglas Triche
Pictured above is Sue Miller. Pictured below is Veldena Moore.
Dear Crusader Family,
"We shall be blessed with clear vision if we keep our eyes fixed on Christ." St. Gregory of Nyssa
Going to church is important because it helps me fix my eyes on Christ. Today, many compete for our thoughts and minds; talking heads in the liberal and conservative media, celebrities of music, movies, tv, social media, sports, and our social groups and organizations. I've learned to question all according to Gospel. Take time during Lent to challenge your beliefs and the beliefs in the world according to the Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12) and the Last Judgement (Mt 25:31-46).
St. Catherine of Siena said, "...all the way to heaven is heaven." As I reflect on the Gospel, I realize I am not living heaven on my way to heaven because I fall short in many of the above teachings. I have stopped watching or listening to 24-hour news channels because many of the opinions shared are anti-gospel.
Announcements and Reminders:
Dear Crusader Family,
"Maturity is the ability to joyfully live in an imperfect world."- Richard Rohr
There is a blessing to live in an imperfect world. Parents and teachers know this to be true because of the joy of raising our children, not because they are perfect, but because of the joy that comes from raising and teaching our children. In faith, we are aware that we are an instrument of God to make a difference and make our community a better place to live, one child at a time, one spouse at a time, one brother or sister at a time, and one stranger at a time.
Announcements and Reminders:
Catholic Schools Week Memories: Check out your child(ren) celebrating AOL Catholic School. Click HERE.
Spelling Bee Winners: Click HERE.
AOL Crusaders Say Thank You to Veterans: Click HERE.
Happy 101 Days of School: Thank Ms. Melancon for inspiring our students to love school.
Fish Fry Tent: I need your help. We are putting up the KC Fish Fry tent this Saturday at 8:00 a.m. We are stronger together. See you there.
AOL Crusader Ambassadors: Great things are happening at AOL Catholic School. Please share AOL web pages on your social media and with your family and friends.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“A fist may knock you down but God sends His armored angels to pick you up, strengthen and guide you from that point on.”
We are not what others say nor do to us. We are not what we say nor do to ourselves. We are not our failures or successes. We are not the thoughts that occupy our minds. We are created in the image and likeness of God. Call upon your guardian angel to help you listen to the voice of God within your soul.
Announcements and Reminders:
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser: Tomorrow is the last day to order. Click HERE to get the information and forms you need.
Top Classes Pizza Party for Guardian Angel Giving Drive: Yesterday, Pre-K, 4th-grade, and 6th-grade received their pizza party for being the top classes to bring in donations in our fall giving drive. Click HERE to see the pizza party video and read the article.
Take-A-Tour-Tuesdays Open House: Click HERE to share the link on social media and with family and friends.
AOLCRUSADERS.ORG: Great things are happening at AOL Catholic School. Share the new website on social media and with family and friends to share the good news. Click HERE.
Please pray for our school and its mission to make our community better.
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein
Taking time in prayer helps us realize the preciousness and the moment of grace that is our existence and the existence of all that we love. The loss of my brother to cancer eight months ago comes to mind. Life is too short to spend time in fear, anger, or sadness. God gave us the freedom to look to our blessing despite the problems and disappointments we face. Prayers and thoughts of gratefulness help put into perspective the challenges of daily life. It may not change the path, but it makes all the difference in the journey God is calling each of us to.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please join me in prayer for our students to be the light of hope to our community.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
"I've seen and met Angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives." Tracy Chapman
I have been teaching our students about "Ordinary Time" as a season in the Church. Unfortunately, the word "ordinary" is very much misunderstood. The root of the word is "order." So the first story we find in the book of Genisis is about how God brought order to the world. Do not confuse ordinary with mediocrity. We are all called to the blessing of the ordinary so that we may find peace and hope in the daily love of God. I pray that it is not unusual for children to experience the love of their parents and the dedication of their teachers.
Announcements:
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the angels in our lives. Please share the AOL Miracle Minute online through social media.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family, Weekly Worship
"You will face your greatest opposition when you are closest to your biggest miracle."
Sowing seed on "rich soil" will bear fruit is the message in today's gospel at Mass. Only then will anxiety, riches, and worldly desires not stop the miracles of life. Prayer, scripture, and sacraments create the rich soil we need in our life. My friend, Ms. Francis, once told me, "If you pray, don't worry. If you worry, don't pray." Praying and then worrying is like telling God he is lying. I recommend spending time in reflective prayer with Psalm 27.
Please pray for the success of our school. Your children are a shining light in our community.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
"Love is not a sentiment or feeling. Love is ACTIVELY willing the good of the other." Robert Barron
I recently asked a student, "Will you be kind to your classmates today?' The student responded, "It depends on how they make me feel." My heart sank into my stomach. I was sad that the real meaning of love was not understood. But as I reflect, unfortunately, I sometimes fall into the same view in how I react or respond to others. I am still on my spiritual journey to learn to love as Jesus loves us; unconditionally. May we all pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will all put into action the Gospel lesson of unconditional love.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please join me in prayer for your child and all the Crusader children. May each child come to know the love of God and witness God's love to one another.
God bless,
Douglas Triche
Dear Crusader Family,
"When God doesn't grant your miracles, remember that you are the miracle he sent for somebody else." - Nick Vujicic
Growth in our faith life comes with an understanding that faith is more about what we can give than about what we can get. Christ's love is unconditional. Our response to that love is the spiritual journey to which we are all called. Our response to loving God and one another is a witness to God's unconditional love.
Today is the National Right To Life March. Our students have prayed the Rosary for the sanctity and dignity of life from conception to natural death. Check out our new website "News" page to see your child praying. Click here. Be sure to share it on your social media.
Second, don't miss the opportunity to help your child and the school by telling your family and friends about our AOL Open House being held on Tuesday, January 25. Click here to share the link on social media.
Will you join me in prayer for your child's school? Go to church, read scripture, pray a devotional, or pray the Rosary. I am spending extra time praying the Rosary to grow our Crusader family.
AOL Catholic School has a legacy as a safe place with academic excellence where children come to know the love of God. Let's share it! Our community is better because your child is here.
God bless!
Douglas Triche
"Make more saints!" said St. Pope John Paul II to the Catholic educators gathered in the New Orleans Super Dome on September 12, 1987. As parents, teachers, and community leaders our first responsibility is to touch the heart, soul, and mind with the vision of our Creator, one child at a time. As the leader of the Catholic Church in Poland during the mid 20th century, St. JP II knew to fight the evils of worldly powers, he had to speak to the hearts of the young, that is why he focused a great part of his ministry to the young Church. In doing so he changed the course of history.
Today as a Catholic School we to must make our world a better place one child at a time.