--  Easter
     March 31, 2013 

        May the Joy Of The Risen Jesus Lift Up Your Hearts!



--  Holy Thursday
     March 28, 2013

Our Lenten Journey 2013 is nearing its completion.  Today during our evening Mass we recall Jesus giving us the wonderful gift of his body and blood in the Eucharist.  For this we give thanks and pray for the grace to be faithful to our weekly celebration of Mass on every Sunday.

A big thank you goes to all the children and the families who supported our Lenten Toy Drive.  On this past Tuesday, the three toy chests on the stage in the Sacred Heart Commons were overflowing with hundreds of toys.  During the week of April 15^th we will deliver all those toys to Winthrop University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids.

The month of March flew by with many activities.  The annual Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby took place while the fifth graders recalled many a famous person from history during their Biography on Parade.  The fourth graders graced the stage in the Sacred Heart Commons with their performance of Pinocchio.  The sets and costumes brought this classic children’s tale to life!













While the 4^th graders were busy learning their lines, the junior high scientists were preparing for the Science Fair and the Science Olympiad and the members of CROSS were practicing for their performance of the Stations of the Cross.

Of course several weeks of praying for our Church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit culminated in the election of our new pope, Francis.
          

We were very lucky to be able to watch all these historic events on the newly installed cable tv system throughout the school building.  On Friday, March 15^th Fr. Todd lead us all in celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving.

The second trimester finally drew to a close with the Icon Show on Friday evening, March 22^nd.  This year the students in sixth grade art class also created icons as well as the eighth graders.  This year’s theme was angels.  Besides the students of SMMS praying their icons, students from several other schools also participated.

 -- Monday, March 4, 2013

Last Friday evening over 100 children from Pre-K to Grade 2 enjoyed the annual Family Pajama Reading Night.  This year’s theme was “Blast Off to Reading!”  The highlight of the evening was our special visitor who came to read to the children about his trip to the moon.   Everyone enjoyed the appearance by Buzz Lightyear.  At the end of the evening a second special treat was the lunching of glow-in-the-dark bottle rockets.   

                


Each morning since the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in mid-February when we gather in the Sacred Heart Commons, the children have been praying in thanksgiving for his leadership and for his future well-being.  On Friday of last week we have begun praying for the College of Cardinals that they would be guided by the Holy Spirit in their choosing of a successor to St. Peter.

This year’s Lenten project is a Toy Drive to help support Winthrop University’s Cancer Center for Kids.  During this season of Lent we would like the children of SMMS to bring in new, unused toys that can be donated for the children at the treatment center.  Please encourage your child to do some extra chores around the house to earn some money for them to buy a toy to donate or to use some of their own allowance to buy a toy to support the cause.  Our toy collection will last during the entire Season of Lent.  Already the children have filled two huge trunks with toys.

 --  February 22, 2013

These past few weeks since the beginning of the Second Trimester have kept everyone busy here at SMMS.  The New Year began with an Epiphany Prayer Service on Friday, January 4^th.  With the assistance of a few junior high students, the first graders performed a pageant depicting the visitation of the three kings to the Holy Family.  Even Nattie, our boxer, had a role to play as one of the camels who journey with the kings!

Saturday, January 19^th saw many visitors coming to SMMS for our annual Open House.  Dozens of alumni came back to help show off our school to the interested parents and youngsters who were visiting.  Of course at the end of the tours everyone enjoyed the cookies and juice being served in the Sacred Heart Commons.  Registration for the 2013 – 2014 school year has already begun.  Be sure to invite your neighbors and friends to become part of the SMMS Family.

          


St. Martin de Porres Marianist School is part of the universal Marianist Family.  Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded the Marianist Family in the early 1800’s when he began two religious orders; the Daughters of Mary and the Society of Mary.  We are very proud to be part of the tradition of the Marianist Family.  Blessed Chaminade believed that the best way to renew the Church in France after the French Revolution was to devote his energy to working with young people; nurturing them to be disciples of Jesus.  He believed that Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the mother of us all, was the best model of discipleship for everyone to follow.  Today we at SMMS continue his work of nurturing disciples of Jesus who imitate the discipleship of Mary.  On January 24^th Fr. Todd lead us in recalling the memory and work of Fr. Chaminade during our monthly school mass.

Do you know the capital of Mississippi?  Do you know which mountain range is the tallest in the continental United States?  Do you know which river separates the United States from Mexico?  Alvin Almonor certainly does!  In a very competitive Geography Bee on Thursday, January 31^st Alvin rose to the top to be crowned Geography Bee Champion for 2013.   Congratulations to Alvin.

For the junior high ladies, the highlight of the year is the Annual Ladies Tea and Fashion show in Kellenberg Memorial’s delightful Millennium Room.  This year over 20 eighth grade young ladies modeled some very classy fashions for a packed audience of more than 130 junior high girls and their moms and other guests.  This year was the largest attendance we have ever seen for the Ladies Tea and Fashion Show. 
 

--  Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Day

The Marianist Community, Faculty and Staff wishes you and your families a very Merry Christmas. 

 

May Mary’s tender love warm our hearts as it did the heart of the baby Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas to All!

-- Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Third Sunday of Advent

 

As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent today we look back over the past several weeks of the Advent Season praying that we have been faithful to preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.

We ushered in the Season of Advent with a very special celebration.  Breakfast With Santa took place on Saturday, December 1^st in the Kellenberg cafeteria.  The night before the KMHS cafeteria was transformed into Santa’s village and a Christmas wonderland. 




Over 100 families and 350 people enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes, French toast, donuts and juices.  Santa made an appearance to the delight of all the children as he visited with all of them and posed for a photo opportunity.

The following Friday, we took time out of our school day to deck the halls with lots of Christmas cheer.  During the first week of Advent, teachers and children both prepared decorations to hang in their classrooms, decorating their classroom doors and the walls in the hallways as wells.  The spirit of Christmas fills the hallways and classrooms throughout the building now.

Monday evening, December 10^th, found us once again back at KMHS for the Christmas Art Show and Concert.

 




All the children in grades three to eight were there to perform either in one of the many choruses or bands.  The auditorium was filled with parents, grandparents and younger siblings all enjoying a delightful show.

On Wednesday, December 12^th, Fr. Tom reminded all of us during his homily at Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, about the true meaning of the Advent Season.  He challenged all of us to imitate the hearts of Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary.

We wish all the children success on their First Trimester Exams.

May we all have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

-- Sunday, November 25, 2012

Hurricane Sandy surely had an impact on our month of November!  Unfortunately Sandy may have blown away our celebrations of Halloween and St. Martin’s Day, but it did not blow away our spirit of thanksgiving.  The planned parents Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner was changed into a family evening of thanksgiving.  The parents put aside the traditional turkey, cranberry, stuffing diner for hayrides, apple bobbing and pumpkin painting with their children.  Over 300 members of the St. Martin’s family gathered on Friday evening, November 9^th to give God thanks for all their many blessings despite the hardships caused by Sandy and the early November snow storm.

In between storms we were able to hold the annual Spelling Bee.  Jessica Moreo spelled her way to the top of the school while Christian Gray and David Shaker tied for second place.  Congratulations to all contestants.

 

-- Monday, October 29, 2012
 


The month of October began with our celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the Blessing of the Animals on Thursday, October 4^th. 

We ushered in the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11^th with the entire school gathering on Stella Maris field for the praying of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. 

 




The eighth grade led us all in prayer while the 5^th grade chorus led us in song.

--  September 30, 2012

 

It is hard to believe that we have already completed the first month of school.  All of the children have settled in and are already busy learning many new things.  The fourth graders had a field trip this week to Old Bethpage Village to experience the Long Island Fair while the 5^th and 2^nd graders had to opportunity on Thursday to learn all about reptiles from a safari expert!

Grades 1 to 8 made the annual pilgrimage on Friday, September 14^th to Kellenberg Memorial High School to share in the Triumph of the Cross prayer service.  We all gave thanks to Jesus for his wonderful gift of his love for us!

Last Saturday the weather cooperated as over 400 boys, girls, moms and dads gathered on Stella Maris Field for the 6^th Annual Back-To-School Family Mass and BBQ.  Mickey and Minnie were big hits with the little ones.  Pony rides, bouncy houses, popcorn and cotton candy were terrific treats to be enjoyed after a delicious meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and salads.

 











--  September 7, 2012

Fr. Todd came from KMHS today to lead us in celebrating our Opening Mass of the new school year.  During his homily, he reminded the children that we are all pieces in the mosaic that comprises St. Martin de Porres Marianist School.  Each and every child has unique gifts to share with his/her classmates and the entire school community.  Together we are all part of the Body of Jesus in the world today.

At the conclusion of Mass, Mrs. Nordquist invited into the St. Martin Honor Society those 7^th and 8^th graders who during the last school year demonstrated academic excellence and admirable character.  Congratulations to all!

 
   
 
--  September 5, 2012

With over 460 children in grades Pre-K to Eight, we launched into our 9^th year today.  The morning rains held off as the children and their parents gathered in the playground outside of the Sacred Heart Commons.  You could sense the excitement in the hearts and minds behind all of the smiling faces that were assembling together.  At 8:10 with the ringing of the school bell by Bro. James, the new academic year officially began. 

Since today is the Feast of Mary, Queen of Apostles, Bro. James challenged all of the children to truly become Apostles of Jesus themselves by imitating the great love that Mary has for all of us.

 

After 4 hours of meeting their new teachers, getting their textbooks and workbooks and settling into the academic routine after a long summer vacation, all of the children were surprised by a little treat of an ice pop!  Those ice creams soon rejuvenated all of the smiling faces which were beginning to sag with the heat and the humidity of mid-day.

 

Unfortunately just as dismissal began the skies opened and the rains began to descend.  Despite the soggy uniforms, everyone still went home with a smile on their faces.

 

Yesterday, the faculty gathered for its annual day-before-school preparation meeting.  Bro. Tim shared with the teachers some reflections on the upcoming Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict.  Fr. Tom came over from KMHS to celebrate the Eucharist with the faculty.  During his homily, Fr. Tom challenged all of the teachers to be witnesses and models to the children on how to daily live the Christian life.

 

After Mass, Mr. Holian presented the guidelines and goals for the new year.  The day ended with a visit from Bro. Kenneth who presented some observations on how Marianist education has always been in the spirit of the New Evangelization called for by Pope Benedict.

 

 

-- August 18, 2012

  

Happy Anniversary to all!

 

Today we celebrate our 8^th Anniversary and look forward to the beginning of our 9^th year.

In mid-August of 2004, Msgr. Frank Caldwell approached the Provincial Administration of the Province of Meribah.  He  had recently been appointed the pastor of St. Martha’s Parish.  St. Martin de Porres Regional School was located across the parking lot from the parish church but it was not looking good for the school at all.  Enrollment had been declining (only 125 children), debt had been rising and there was no principal.  For sure it looked as if the Diocese of Rockville Centre would be closing the doors of the school for that September. 

 

At the request of Msgr. Caldwell and Bishop William Murphy, the Bishop of Rockville Centre, the Province of Meribah assumed the responsibility for the defunct regional school and renamed the new school St. Martin de Porres Marianist School.  Thus on August 18, 2004 the Marianists of the Province of Meribah began their mission of providing quality Catholic education to the children of the Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt area serving primarily the three local parishes of St. Martha, St. Ladislaus and Our Lady of Loretto.

Today as we look forward to the beginning of school on September 5^th, we have over 450 children from 347 families.  We are predominantly Catholic, 84%.  Sixty-seven percent of our children are registered parishioners of either St. Martha, St. Ladislaus or Our Lady of Loretto.   We continue to serve primarily the children of the local area of Hempstead, Uniondale and Roosevelt, 57%.  Our children come from 26 different school districts in Nassau County, 9 different school districts in Suffolk County and even from the New York City Board of Education.

Please join us in giving thanks to God for his many blessings and graces over the past eight years.  Let us pray that Mary, the Mother of us all, will with St. Martin de Porres and Blessed William-Joseph Chaminade, continue to intercede on our behalf.

May the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.

 
-- August 11, 2012

On Wednesday, July 11^th we were very happy to welcome back over 90 graduates from the past eight years to join us for our annual  Alumni BBQ.  It was a picture perfect summer’s evening as we gathered in the St. Rose of Lima Courtyard.  The alumni enjoyed fine food and the chance to chat with former classmates and teachers.

                                                                  
                       

              


In just a few weeks we will all be back together again for the start of the new academic year.  Here we are busily putting final touches on the summer projects as well as making last minute preparations for the new year.  The usual summer projects of landscaping, paint touch-ups, and refinishing the wooden floors all went smoothly.  Countless hours were spent sorting and labeling thousands of textbooks and workbooks, making sure there are books for each student on the first day of school.  As you can see, we are nearly ready to welcome back our over 440 students.

 

There were two major projects this summer.  The first project actually began towards the end of last summer and is now nearing completion.  Just this past week the walls and the roof of the greenhouse were installed.  The greenhouse is located between the building and the field.  Each grade level will have some space to plant within the new greenhouse.  It will be a great learning adventure for all.

 

 

The second major project was the renovation of the Sacred Heart Commons (formerly known as the gym).  In order to create a “warmer” and more aesthetic atmosphere a hung ceiling was installed. 



Likewise the old linoleum tile floor was removed.  Under the linoleum tiles were the original terrazzo floor.   Terrazzo is a flooring material made from marble chips mixed with a fine cement.  The old terrazzo floor needed a good cleaning since it had not seen the light of day in probably over 30 years!

 

 

Mrs. Bello put her artistic talents to the test this summer as well.  Working in one of the kindergarten classrooms each day, she crafted a beautiful mosaic of St. Martin de Porres.  This rendition of St. Martin includes all the icons associated with St. Martin.  The cat, the dog and mouse are all depicted in the mosaic.  St. Martin is even holding a real rosary in his hand!

This mosaic was hung on the wall over the kitchen serving area to the left of the school banner.  Mrs. Bello is also working on a second mosaic of Our Lady of Grace which will hang on the right side of the banner.  We are hoping to have this second mosaic hanging by St. Martin’s Day.

 

See you all soon!

   

 


-- June 25, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another school year is already over!  The spring and the third trimester flew by at lightening speed.  From April 15^th to June 15^th was just nonstop events.  Math and Religion Bees, Garden Parties for young ladies and Guys Night Out for the gents, Beauty and the Beast, First Communion and May Crowning, Author Day and Field Day, Kindergarten graduation and the graduation of our 8^th graders all took place.  And of course our Second Annual Family Mini-Golf Outing brought the school year to a happy conclusion for all.

Summer camps and summer work have already begun.  We are all looking forward to the new school year already.  
Enjoy your summer vacation.  See you in September.

 

May the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.

 

-- April 1, 2012

 

The last weeks of the Second Trimester were filled with many surprises.  On Monday, March 19^th the public relations office of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus called in response to Newsday’s article on all of the animals that call SMMS their home.  The circus invited our students as their guests to come and visit all the big time circus animals.  So on Thursday, March 22^nd nearly 100 first and fifth graders made the trip to the Nassau Coliseum for the opening performance of the circus here in Nassau County.  After the show, we had the opportunity to join the lion and tiger trainer as he demonstrated his skills in taming the “big cats!”

During Friday’s Lenten Mass, Fr. Todd blessed all of the icons that the eighth graders wrote for this year’s annual Christian Art Exhibition.  
 

 

 

 

On Saturday evening, March 31^st well over 100 icons from students in 16 different schools were on display in the Sacred Heart Commons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The fourth graders produced a delightful rendition of the timeless story of Peter Pan on Friday evening, March 23^rd.  The youngsters performed to a packed house in the Sacred Heart Commons.  Amongst the several show stoppers were Peter Pan’s flight across the stage and the appearance of the tick-tocking crocodile.

--  March 18, 2012

 

Mother Goose, dictionaries, a huge map of the United States; what do all these have in common?  The members of the Paumanok Pioneers Chapter 85 of course is the answer!  The Pioneers is a network of current and former telecom industry employees and their families.  These Pioneers volunteer to address community needs.  We were very happy to welcome them to SMMS on Wednesday, March 14^th.  Their Mother Goose program encourages the younger children to develop a love for reading.  Mother Goose visited all the younger grade levels.  After reading a story or two to each class, Mother Goose distributed dictionaries to the children in grades 3 to 5, while the younger children received a little book of rhymes. 

 

The Pioneers also presented SMMS with a 9 foot by 11 foot carpet map of the United States.  We have already hung this beautiful map outside of the Sacred Heart Commons.  It will be a great place for teachers to bring their children to get a close-up glimpse of the USA!

 

On Friday, March 16^th, the fifth graders dressed up as their favorite historical person and the younger children had to guess who they were.  Everyone enjoyed this Biography on Parade!

February Recess traditionally marks the half way point of our academic year.  As the Second Trimester winds down, you can smell spring in the air.

The boys on the junior high basketball team had a well deserved winter recess as just days before recess began they clinched their third LICAA championship in five years. 

The Long Island Catholic Athletic Association includes the following schools: St. Peter’s in Port Washington, St. Edward’s in Syosset, SMMS, La Salle in Farmingdale and All Saint’s in Glen Cove.  SMMS has been a member of the league since the school was founded in August of 2004.

SMMS has won the LICAA basketball championship in 2008, 2011 and 2012.  Congratulations to the coaches and all players.

Since Ash Wednesday fell during the winter recess this year, we celebrated Mardi Gras on the Thursday before the recess began.  The little ones lined the hallways and cheered as the junior high band lead a parade of merry makers through the school hallways, into the Sacred Heart Commons and out into the schoolyard.

This year’s Lenten project is Pennies for Power;  Power for Healthy Mothers, Power for Healthy Babies.  The children are hoping to raise the $3,000.00 needed to purchase a power motor boat for a group of Croatian Sisters who care for moms-to-be and then the moms and their new born babies.  The Croatian Sisters carry out their apostolic work in the Diocese of Auki in the Solomon Islands.  Fr. Tom’s brother is Bishop Chris, the bishop of the Diocese of Auki.  Please read the letter that was sent home to all parents about our Lenten project.

Click here to read the letter that was sent home.












Bro. Tim, who has spent several summers in the Solomon Islands as a missionary, visited each class to explain his experience to the children.

During the annual Geography Bee on January 17^th the competition was intense, but in the end 7^th grader Tomi Toles captured first place while Sabrina Ramos was the second place finisher.

Hundreds of visitors came by on Saturday, January 21^st to take a look at all that SMMS has to offer as a Catholic elementary school.  Registration is ongoing and already many new children have registered for the 2012 – 2013 school year. 

The 250^th Birthday Celebration of Blessed William-Joseph Chaminade came to a conclusion when we celebrated Founders Day Mass on Thursday, January 26^th.  Fittingly we all enjoined Friday off from school as a day in his honor.

Over 120 moms and their daughters gathered in the Millennium Room at KMHS for the 8^th Annual Ladies’ Tea and Fashion Show on Saturday, February 3^rd.  All of the 8^th grade models were elegant and stunning in their party dresses and formal evening gowns.  Of course the chocolate fountain was once again a huge favorite among the junior high girls.

We were very blessed to receive three of our children into a deeper relationship with Jesus during the Mass in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes on Friday, February 10^th.  During Mass, second grader Trinity Dill was welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.  Two junior high children, Laqwan Jordan and Caija Clarke entered into the catechumenate and will be baptized at the Easter Vigil this year.  May God continue to bless all of them on their spiritual journeys.

Over 150 "little ones" and their parents cuddled up with a good book at the Annual Pajama Family Reading Night on the evening of February 10th.  Encouraging good reading practices is essential to one's educational experience.  Why not make it fun as well!!!

--  January 13, 2012

The New Year has begun well here at SMMS.  On Thursday afternoon, January 5^th we all gathered in St. Martha’s Church for an Epiphany Prayer Service.  During the prayer service Bro. Tim reminded us that we need to keep Jesus with us at all times and that like the shepherds and wisemen we need “to come and see then go and tell.”

On Friday, the eighth graders boarded the Long Island Railroad and journeyed into Manhattan for their class trip.  After a fascinating tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral they joined in the celebration of the Eucharist at noon.  After lunch and a walk through Central Park they visited a few of the exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including the magnificent baroque Christmas tree.

During their weekly meeting on Monday, January 9^th, the members of CROSS made Valentine Day cards to be sent to our troops.

Over the past two weeks two beautiful pieces of artwork were added to our school.  During the fall, a statue of Our Lady of Grace was placed in the northern stairwell of the school while a statue of St. Joseph was placed in the southern stairwell.  On Friday afternoon of last week, Mr. Mansfield installed a spectacular stained glass window behind Mary.  In a few weeks a similar stained glass window will be placed behind St. Joseph.  Both of these windows were designed and executed by former SMMS teacher Mrs. Anita Cardillo and her business partner Dolores.

The gymnasium has been renamed the Sacred Heart Commons.  A “commons” is an all-purpose room and that is certainly how the Sacred Heart Commons is used.  It serves as our cafeteria, our auditorium, our gymnasium, and assembly hall for all purposes.  Yesterday an icon of Our Lady of Sweet Kissing was hung on the northern wall across from the large crucifix which was hung on the southern wall during this past fall.  This icon reminds all who gaze at it of the tremendous love that God has for each of us and how Mary, as not only the Mother of God, but the mother of all of us, bears that love of God to us.

-- Christmas Day 2011

-- Christmas Eve 2011

Hopefully the graces of the Season of Advent have lead you to this moment where we await the birth of our brother and our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our Advent journey at SMMS was highlighted by three special occasions.  On Saturday, December 3^rd over 320 people gathered in the cafeteria at Kellenberg Memorial to welcome Santa as he joined us for our annual Breakfast With Santa.  Santa was a huge hit with all of the younger children.  Everyone enjoyed not only a delicious breakfast of pancakes, French toast, coffee cakes, donuts and bagels; but also delighted in the smiles of so many happy and excited children.

We were back at KMHS on Monday evening for the Christmas Art Show and Concert.  All the children in grades 3 to 8 either performed in one of the bands or sang in one of the choruses.  After the concert all the children and their parents enjoyed some cookies and juice in the cafeteria.

The third week of Advent began with a school Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Both Juan Diego and Mary are wonderful examples of Advent people who quietly awaited the coming of Jesus into their lives.

Congratulations to Samuel Taylor, Grade 5, and Jessica Moreo, Grade 6.  During the annual Spelling Bee on Wednesday, November 9^th, Sam and Jessica out spelled all of the other contestants to become the last two standing.  In a very close competition Sam came out victorious and captured first place.

Thursday morning, November 10^th, despite the weather forecasts, was a bright sunny morning in Uniondale and a perfect November day to gather on the front steps of the school and around the flag pole to honor all those vets who risked their lives to serve and protect our country.  We were privileged to have several vets join us for a formal flag raising ceremony.  The third graders led the school in the singing of several patriotic songs.

Thank you to all those students and their families who contributed to the St. Martha’s Parish Outreach Center Food Drive.  Hundreds of items were collected during the drive.  Members of CROSS will help the outreach center distribute the food this upcoming week.

Adding to the spiritual atmosphere at school, a new five-foot crucifix was hung in the Sacred Heart Commons.  We have renamed the gymasium/cafeteria area the Sacred Heart Commons.  The word commons refers to a room used for all sorts of student gatherings including dining.  A new four-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will soon be installed in the Commons as well.

-- November 6, 2011