Friday Thoughts 12/14/18

Posted on Dec 15, 2018

Dear SJF Families,

I hope this note finds you well and that you have had the opportunity to begin to enjoy some of the many joyous events that the Christmas Season brings.  This week I was able to take my boys to visit Santa which is one of my favorite activities of the season.  As I watched their faces fill with wonder and excitement, it warmed my heart and allowed me to press pause on this busy time and truly get into the Christmas spirit!  In addition to visiting Santa, I had the pleasure of frequenting our church this past Tuesday to listen to the musical talents of our heartfelt children and adult choir through the direction of our very own Ms. Terri Lenz accompanied by Dr. Chermak and Fr. Ken.  It was so wonderful to see our parish celebrate and perform Christmas songs together.  In addition, this week our primary wing jumped into the spirit of Christmas with their annual PJ and Polar Express Day where the children enjoyed the beloved Polar Express story and partook in many Christmas activities including writing a letter to Santa.  Christmas truly is in the air! 

The deadline for contributions to our CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE is tonight.  Wrapped gifts with a tag indicating size or age and gender can be dropped at the rectory.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Be sure to join us on Sunday for the ST. LUCY'S BAKE SALE, Sun. 12/16, after 10 AM Mass. If you are able to bring a baked item, please email fsaatsjf@gmail.comGENEROSITY WEEKEND is also this weekend. Non-perishable goods can be dropped off after all Masses this weekend. 

We will have a lockdown drill at 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

THE MOTHER McAULEY ACAPELLA CHOIR will perform for our students at 1:20 on Monday, 12/17 in church.  All are welcome.

THE CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT will be held on Tuesday, 12/18 at 7:00 p.m. in church.  Mr. Gula has done a wonderful job with our young musicians; feel free to join us!

On Wednesday, 12/19, our PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS SHOW is at noon in church and our KINDERGARTEN SHOW is at 1 p.m. in church.  (Kindergarten will also present to the student body on Thursday).

Don’t miss the ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICEWed. 12/19, 7 PM, in church: Fill your heart with quiet and reflective prayer along with the opportunity for individual confession with a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. More info. here.  

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 is UGLY SWEATER DAY.  Students may be out of uniform in any festive gear or red and green.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21st is our last day of school before Christmas break.  Students may wear Sunday best, and will attend our traditional prayer service at 11:30, and dismiss at 12:30.  Students will be served milk and cookies and can bring an additional snack/light lunch if needed.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS NOVENAFri. 12/21, 6:30 PM, in church:  All are welcome to the nine nights in one Christmas Novena!  We travel around the dark church with candles (flameless) and visit 9 stations with a quick prayer/ song at each one to prepare our hearts for Jesus.  

If you are coming please or call/text 773-852-4698 or email bridget.stalla@gmail.com, so we can order enough refreshments.

The Beverly Review Subscription Drive has been extended until next Friday, 12/21.  The school will receive a portion of each new or renewed subscription. Please share this form  with friends and neighbors. If your subscription doesn't renew till later in the year, no problem, they will extend your subscription from the date of your normal renewal! Forms need to be turned in by Dec. 21st!   Please contact Kristen Schiesl at fsaatsjf@gmail.com.

Looking for things to do with the kids over Christmas break?  The 19th Ward is hosting a Holiday Dodgeball Tournament (click here for flyer) on December 26-7 at the Ag School and a Children’s Film Festival on December 28th – (click here for the flyer). 

Though this always proves to be the busiest time of the year, I hope you find time to spend with your loved ones this blessed holiday season.

Merry Christmas