We are a Catholic community committed to developing educational opportunities in the context of Gospel values, where students' gifts and talents are celebrated and nurtured through lifelong spiritual and personal experiences.
Our Faith
Our Faith
STN's Patron Saint Nicholas
In our 2015-2016 school year, our school community chose Saint Nicholas as our school’s Patron Saint. St. Nicholas, also known as the Bishop of Myra, is well known for his patronage of children, sick, afflicted, suffering, and disabled people. He is a prompt healer and a true consoler.
St. Nicholas day is venerated in Roman tradition on December 6 and in Ukrainian tradition on December 19. Every year at St. Nicholas all of our students are blessed with a special visit from Saint Nicholas in December. Our students can identify and connect their compassionate care, prayer, and love with our namesake, St. Nicholas and our school Saint
Who is St. Nicholas of Myra?
St. Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker, is a revered Christian saint whose life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the world. He is celebrated for his piety, generosity, and numerous miracles.
Nicholas was born around 270 AD in Patara, Lycia, a province of the Roman Empire located in what is now modern-day Turkey. He was born to wealthy Christian parents, and his devout upbringing had a profound influence on his spiritual journey. Tragically, his parents died from an epidemic when he was a young man, leaving him with a significant inheritance, which he then used all of to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.”
St. Nicholas of Myra
Nicholas became a priest and eventually rose to the rank of bishop in the city of Myra, a coastal town in Lycia. He is known for his dedication to the faith and his unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christ. During his time as bishop, he actively worked to combat heresy and promote the orthodox Christian faith.
One of the most famous stories associated with St. Nicholas is his secret gift-giving. He was known for anonymously providing financial assistance to the poor and destitute. His most well-known act of generosity involved leaving bags of gold coins in the stockings of three impoverished sisters, who otherwise would have been forced into a life of prostitution.
Nicholas was also renowned for his miraculous deeds. Through God’s intercession, he worked miracles including calming storms at sea, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. Many of these miracles became important aspects of his biography and contributed to his reputation.
St. Nicholas played a crucial role in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which addressed the Arian heresy and laid the groundwork for the Nicene Creed. During the council, Nicholas is said to have vehemently opposed the teachings of Arius and even struck him during a heated debate, which earned him censure. However, he later repented of his actions.
“Children, I beseech you to correct your hearts and thoughts, so that you may be pleasing to God.”
St. Nicholas of Myra
St. Nicholas died on December 6, which is also his feast day, around the year 343 AD, in Myra. When he was buried, a unique relic, called manna, flowed from his bones for 17 centuries. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. His relics are believed to have miraculous properties, and his veneration as a saint spread far and wide, making him one of the most beloved and celebrated saints in Christianity.
Throughout the centuries, St. Nicholas of Myra’s legacy has transcended religious boundaries, and his enduring example of compassion, charity, and faith continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: In the spirit of St. Nicholas (and Santa Claus, who is based on him), any time of the year is a great time for your family members to provide gifts and acts of charity for their friends and family. Additionally, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. Your family can create care packages or cards for children their age who may be in a homeless shelter.