March CROSSROADS Language Studio’s Newsletter 2004

WHO WAS St. PATRICK?
Are you one of the millions ofpeople that celebrate SaintPatrick’s Day every year? If so,have you ever wondered about
the story behind this holiday?
Saint Patrick, is the patron saint ofIreland, although he was not originallyfrom there. He was actually born inBritain of a Roman-British army
officer in about AD 385. When he was
sixteen years old, he was captured
alongside others by a band of pirates
who had landed in Britain. He waslater sold into slavery in Ireland, andworked laboriously as a slave forsix years. He was able to learn
the Irish language becoming fluent
in it.
When he was in his twenties, hesucceeded in escaping and returned tohis homeland - Britain. There, hestudied at a monastery for several
years, and later journeyed to France tocontinue his studies. He spent about
twelve years in training.
At this time, he had a vision that thepeople of Ireland were calling him toshare his knowledge of Christianitywith them.

Hence, he retreated to Ireland where
he preached the word of the Gospel,
constructed schools and churches, andconverted the pagans of Ireland toChristianity. He used the Shamrock toexplain the ideology behind the trinity.
He told the townspeople that the stemof the Shamrock represented theFather, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,therefore three parts uniting one God.
As a result, the Shamrock became todepict the national symbol of Ireland,
as well as the symbol of The Trinity ofthe Christian church.
With time, Saint Patrick went on
to become a church deacon, apriest, and finally, he wasordained as a Bishop. He
died in Ireland on 17 March
AD 461.
On this day, many people worldwide
wear the Shamrock, clothe themselves in green, throw parties, andhave parades to commemorate
Saint Patrick.
Happy Saint Paddy’s Day
everyone, and don’t forget towear something green on
this day!

Story by Grace(These words are in color in the story on page 1)

Joshua Says: This is the time of year when, in Japan at least, there is a
lot of moving about. People seem to save this time for changing residence,starting a new job, putting into practice some of their New Year’sresolutions (after a couple of months thinking about it…), etc. We also findthat we welcome many new students to Crossroads at this time of year. I
look forward to the new energy of Spring at this time every year.

Junko Says: I have just discovered some great new English “AudioBooks”! These are excellent study aids for advanced students. Thestories, usually classics, or at least famous novels, are always very
absorbing and, great for helping with comprehension. You can either
listen to the tapes before reading the books to get the idea of the story
first, or you can listen after you have read to check your overall
comprehension. Either way, the tapes are a great help!

Grace Says: Being the organized person that I am, I’ve alreadyplanned my trip during Golden Week. I haven’t traveled anywhere in
Japan since last October, when I went to Kyoto to admire temples
and shrines. I’ll be visiting Kobe, since I love eating, and I’ve heardthat it’s a gourmet’s paradise, as well as to enjoy the city in general!!
I can’t wait!!!!
Saara Says: I’ve been in Matsuyama for a month now. I’m sad to saythat I haven’t seen Matsuyama castle yet, nor the Dogo area. I’m hopingthat I’ll be able to see them this month. I’m also impatiently waiting tosee the famous cherry blossoms.

Greg Says: I’ve been looking forward to the end of the cold season forquite a while. It seems to be getting colder and colder every winter!
But, sure enough, as soon as winter has walked away, the hot, sizzlingsummer comes knocking on the door, and we all begin to look forward
to the cold once again….

Yuka Says: Now that the cold season has gone we can enjoy thewarm and comfortable weather. But not for me! Although I’ve heardthat this year’s pollen count is expected to be low, I already haveallergy trouble. And what’s worse, hay fever medicine makes me sosleepy. I really wish the cold weather would come back!

Mika says: I had a great experience in Vancouver, Canada, because I mademany friends from Mexico, Korea and France at EF English school where I
studied English. We talked together about our families, culture and our aims
for studying English. Because we made deep impressions on each other, wewill keep in touch for as long as we can.

Congratulations to Daisaburo for winning first prize in his cooking class.
His dish,“Early Spring in Shimanami” gained him his gold plaque in thecategory of Japanese cuisine.

NET LESSONS:
Are you too busy to come toCROSSROADS to study? Try ourlessons on the internet!
It’s CROSSROADS in your home oroffice! You get CROSSROADS’ greatteachers, teaching programs, evenclassmates, on-line! Call for details.

NET SITE OF THE MONTH:
Check out this web site to read aboutsome famous and influential Irish.
www.irishclans.com/articles/famirish
Don’t forget to take a look at the NET
NOTEBOOK in our Open-house lounge.
You’ll find games, news and English

The verbs “tell” and “say” can attimes be tricky.
“Tell” is used when it’s followed by apronoun or noun object:James is telling his sister about his
trip to Barbados.
Kathleen told the children to play withthe ball outdoors.
“Say” is used after a noun clause:
Shelley says she would like to rest forawhile.
Oliver is saying the ABC’s in English
class.

Phone: 0120-21-7594
Tel: (089) 921-7595
Fax: (089) 921-7319
E-m ail:info@crossroadsco.com
Web Site: www.crossroadsco.com