Denver Catholic

INDEX Archbishop's Column ......................2 Real Life Catholic .............................3 The Catholic Difference ..................4 Letters to the Editor .......................4 Nun of the Above quiz ....................4 Column: 'Mulieris Dignitatem' .......5 World/Nation.....................................6 Bulletin Board ................................. 18 www.DenverCatholicRegister.org I Follow us on INSIDE CATHOLIC LIFE 113 Years of Service to the Gospel Volume LXXXIX - No. 27 AUGUST 28, 2013 New Catholic school 'a great grace' BY NISSA LAPOINT DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER FILE PHOTO BY JAMES BACA For 25 years Church document promotes true feminism PAGE 2 ANNIVERSARY WYD '93: the gift that keeps giving PAGE 3 SEE OUR NEWEST FEATURE! Turn to page 17 for the Crossword and Word Search puzzle page The sidewalks outside of Our Lady of Loreto School in Foxfield were filled with familiar sights and sounds on the first day of school: neatly pressed uniforms, beaming parents snapping photos, laughter, or occasional sobs, from the little students gathering around their teachers. Then there was something unique about this school's first day Aug. 19—the never-opened lockers, the crisp smell in the hallways, the sound of the principal testing the Intercom system, and stacks of donated library books waiting to be shelved. The much-anticipated Catholic school opened its doors to students for the first time last week, and Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila dedicated and blessed the new building Aug. 25. Our Lady of Loreto School is the first to open in the Denver Archdiocese since 2000 when St. Clare of Assisi opened in Edwards. "People were waiting 15 years for this to happen and it happened today," said school Principal Sister Julia Balu of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Ninety-three students in grades kindergarten to fifth lined-up before 8 a.m. to find their teachers and begin class. Several said they hardly slept the previous night because of their excitement. "I was excited yet tired," said fifth-grader Geoffrey Cuba, 10, in his blue-plaid tie and navy slacks. "Whenever something PHOTO BY ROBERT LINN FOR THE DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER SECOND-GRADER Michael Bruner, 6, looks up at his teacher with folded hands while standing in the hall at Our Lady of Loreto School with his fellow classmates. The Foxfield school had its first day Aug. 19 and welcomed 93 students in grades kindergarten through fifth. exciting happens, I can't sleep." Deanne Martinez, who teaches third and fourth grade, said she "hardly slept a wink last night." Many parents said the school's strong Catholic curriculum, small-class size, uniforms and values made it an easy choice. "I'm super excited about the opening of the school," said parent Devin Ornelas with her husband, Carlos. He said, "It's a fresh start and new year." BACK TO SCHOOL As they watched their two children walk through the school doors, Devin began to tear-up. "I'm happy they're becoming more independent and not attached at the hip," she said wiping tears. Later in kindergarten class, Leonard and Nonetta Anderson took photos of their daughter, Khira, the classroom and bulletin boards. "I'm excited and nervous for her, but I was more worried See School, Page 9 OUR LADY OF LORETO SCHOOL Where: 18000 E. Arapahoe Road, Foxfield Web: www.ourladyofloreto.org Contact: 303-951-8330 Curriculum: http://archden. org/index.cfm/ID/106/ Curriculum-Guideline School philosophy: summarized in "The Holy See's Teaching on Catholic Schools" YEAR OF FAITH: ST JOHN THE BAPTIST Personal touch for donors gives students brighter future Sponsored by PAGE 8 Principals excited to build God's kingdom in Catholic schools PAGES 10-11 St. John the Baptist is the precursor, or forerunner, of Jesus sent to prepare his way. John, called the "prophet of the Most High," surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. From his mother's womb he welcomes the coming of Christ. John baptized Jesus, his cousin, at the Jordan River and announced him as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Going before Jesus "in the spirit and power of Elijah," John bears witness to Christ by his preaching, his baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom.—Denver Catholic Biblical and Catechetical schools

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