SVDP Gets Through the Early Snowstorm
The early snowstorm on Saturday, October 29th dumped several inches of wet snow and knocked out power, and knocked down trees and branches throughout most of the region. St. Vincent de Paul parish and school, however, was one of the few places fortunate enough not to lose power. Since there was very little damage was done to the property the school was able to reopen Tuesday morning. Students arriving that morning enjoyed the central heating and light while they asked each other if they had power at home or not. The day began with a school-wide Mass for All Saints Day. As is tradition at St. Vincent de Paul School, the Kindergarten students dressed up as Saints during Mass. Early November is a busy time in the school as it is the end of the first marking period.
Later that week the 7th grade had a great time on their class trip to Philadelphia. The students took a walking tour of the many historical landmarks of the city. 
The school remained busy throughout the afternoon and evening. LEGO Robotics team met in the library to finish up their research and programming of their robot for their competition on November 19th. Throughout the week, students in grades 4 – 8 began Basketball practice in the newly refurbished gym. The St. Vincent de Paul Cross Country team competed against more than a dozen area Catholic Schools finishing sixth at the Assumption Invitational Meet in Morristown.
At the end of the week, the school came together for First Friday Mass. Kindergarteners, once again dressed as saints, processed with Fr. Richard Carton during Eucharistic Adoration. Fr. Carton explained the meaning of Eucharistic Adoration to the Kindergartners while placing the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. Later on that day, students enjoyed a belated celebration of Halloween with class parties, a pumpkin decoration contest and a school wide parade.
On the decision to open on Tuesday, Fr. Carton says “I am most grateful to our school administration and the faculty in providing us with such a warm and caring environment. Being able to have children come in from the cold and to give them stability in a time of crisis is a gift we were able to provide in the name of Christ. I commend all those involved especially those parents who worked with us to make this a fruitful action of caring.”
