RIP Pope Francis
It was certainly sad to hear about Pope Francis's passing and we'll be celebrating his remarkable life this week as we pray a novena together for nine days and celebrate an All-School Mass on Thursday in his honor.
Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on the Church. After almost 11 years in the Chair of St. Peter, he has served as the Holy Father for more than the majority of our students' lives. They have only known a pope engaging with the margins of society, paying special attention to refugees, the environment, and to the world's neediest. He has been less focused of doctrine and more with inspiring people to be more caring.
He spoke directly to people's hearts. One of his first analogies was the Church as field hospital. "I see the church as field hospital after battle," he wrote. "It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars. You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else." We used to think of the church as an institution which needed to be served, not as something that would bring about service and healing. Francis used his actions to display this commitment. He washed feet, embraced the sick, held hands with the young and elderly, and embraced people of all faiths.
Pope Francis called us all to accompaniment, to walk with those in need. For those of us in education, it's a reminder that our work is not to preach to students but to walk with those in need. The picture accompanying this blog showed his willingness to accompany those in need as he embraced a man covered in boils.
The other focus of Pope Francis which moved me was his exhortation that the church needs "shepherds with the smell of the sheep," he said. In other words, he was challenging ministers/teachers to get their hands dirty. When training seminarians, Pope Francis used to examine their sandals when they returned after a day in the barrio. If their sandals weren't dirty, he knew they weren't doing enough!
During COVID, he called the world to take heart, have courage, and to try to change the world. He didn't simply hope the pandemic was going be over soon; he called us to a new world order which would care for all people. His constant concern for migrants was part of this, too. He called us to be better Catholics; he spoke to all of us to be better people.
May we all have dirty sandals and smelly clothes so that we can minister to the those in need. I'll miss you, Papa Francesco.
Go Spirits!
Dr. Tim Uhl
School Happenings
The ND Foundation is pleased to offer several scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year. Detailed information about the available scholarships can be found here. Deadline is May 1st.
This letter with important information about graduation and senior events went out to senior parents today
Here's a first look at the first marketing video we've put together--this one directed to our friends in China.
Here's a look at our most recent commercial in English and in Spanish
This week's student announcements can be found here
The 2025-26 school calendar is out!
- Here's a letter explaining the AI summer program which has a link to a brochure.
- We've launched this simple Google Form to "crowdsource" alumnae information. If you know of any alumnae, feel free to share the link
- Here is a Google Doc with student service opportunities
Here is the link to the Student Handbook. We're continuing to adjust as issues arise.
Spirit Athletics
As we continue to add games, here is the the lacrosse schedule. This fall's volleyball and tennis schedules are now being built.
Every interested Spirit coming out for spring sports needs to be up-to-date on Home Campus. Every new student-athlete was emailed information this week.
Academics/Counseling
Attention Seniors: May 1st is National College Decision Day!
May 1st is the national deadline to submit your college decision and enrollment deposit to the college you choose to attend. If you still need help deciding or submitting your SIR, please stop by my office during office hours or schedule a meeting-I'm here to help!
Junior Workshop Series: The Anatomy of a College Application
This week’s workshop focused on the college essay, including why it matters, what prompts to expect, how to brainstorm strong ideas, and key tips for writing a standout piece. See workshop slides & notes.
Outside Opportunities:
- SVMH Health Explorers Meeting 4/28: Respiratory Therapy. See flyer for details.
- Salinas Valley Recycles Youth Council (Apply here by 6/30) tackle environmental and sustainability issues, learn about the waste industry, explore environmental challenges, and work in teams to create impactful school and community sustainability projects. See flyer.
- Youth Co-Lab, a Paid Youth Mental Health Advisory Group, is Accepting Applications: As a Youth Co-Lab member, you will have a unique opportunity to help reimagine mental health services, reduce stigma, and increase support. Learn more here.
Alumnae News
Our Clam Chowder Night was enjoyed by all! Many thanks to our “chefs’ Segio, Nick and Fred, to Mrs. England’s mom, Tina and her crew, to our musicians, Jimmy and Mike, to the Madonna Knights, to the parent helpers and bakers and. of course, to our students who served, bussed and prepared the salads. Dinner consisted of all you can eat Clam Chowder, salad, and garlic bread. Our hope is to have Friday night dinners during Lent next year, so stay tuned!
It's always wonderful to see how well our Alums are doing…
“Despite often being pitched around, Addison Amaral is putting together a magical year at the plate for the University of Notre Dame, leading the softball team in eight different offensive categories.” Read more about Addie’s softball successes here.
The ND Spirit
Email: tuhl@notredamesalinas.org
Website: www.notredamesalinas.org
Location: Salinas, CA
Phone: 831-751-1850
Twitter: @drtimuhl
Catholic School Matters podcast
TheCatholic School Matters podcast is back and is now focused on conversations with authors from the upcoming book A Brighter Future for Catholic Schools. The seventh podcast in this series is a conversation with Dr. Kevin Baxter of Notre Dame's Mary Ann Remick Leadership program. We discuss the challenges of the Catholic school principalship and how the Remick leadership program is designed to meet those challenges. Here is a blog about the podcast conversation.
Previous episodes this season:
- The sixth podcast is a conversation about Cura Personalis & SEL in Catholic schools with Dr. Melodie Wyttenbach of the Roche Center at Boston College & Dr. Lauren Casella of Loyola Marymount.
- The fifth podcast is a conversation with Dr. Jeannie Ray-Timoney who recounts her experience of leadership in the church and her discussions with others
- The fourth podcast is a conversation with high school theology teacher David Palmieri who is leading a grassroots movement centered around inclusion of LGBT+ students and staff members in our Catholic schools. He discusses the theological framework of inclusion.
- The third podcast is a conversation when I speak with Dr. Timothy Cook of Creighton University about Catholic identity. Here is a link to a blog about the podcast. Dr. Cook talks about a 3-part framework--belonging, becoming, and believing. You won't believe if you don't feel a part of the group!
- The second podcast features a conversation with Dr. Michael Boyle of the Hermann Center at Saint Louis University. He discusses his work opening up Catholic schools to all learners. Here is a blog about the podcast conversation.
- The first podcast is a conversation with Dr. Antonio Felix from LMU who discusses his framework for engaging Hispanic families in Catholic schools. I wrote a longer blog summarizing the podcast here.
