Fourth Class students recently lent a hand at Santa’s Helpers, a  non-profit agency that helps bring Christmas cheer to needy children. As described on the Santa’s Helpers website:

“Santa’s Helpers began in 1968 when founder Rita Swiener heard from a professor about a poor family that had fallen through the cracks of social support, and would not be helped over Christmas. She and a few friends sprang into action with gifts for every member of that family. Since that day, thousands of children have had a Christmas visit from Santa, bearing personalized gifts for them and their family.”

Our Middle School students started the week by gathering in the Shrine for Prayers and Reflections for our World. The Fifth Class offered the following prayer:

We pray for all whose lives have been touched by tragedy, whether by accident or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn, immerse them in your love and
Lead them through this darkness into your arms and light.
For those who comfort, be in both the words they use and all that’s left unspoken;
Fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, whose own suffering brought us life, here and for eternity. Amen.
                                                                                                                                  ©John Birch

In honor of St. Philippine Duchesne’s Feast Day on Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Social Justice Leadership Council is organizing a Food Collection for New Hope Food Pantry. Especially appreciated are dry boxed items such as cereal, noodles, granola bars, crackers, cake/brownie mixes., etc.

New Hope is not supported by any government agency and relies solely on donations from schools and food drives. Social Justice member Berkeley said, “We are hoping for lots of items since New Hope is in need of items, especially with the holidays coming up!”

We’re looking forward to our Fall Open House for prospective families on Thursday, Nov. 19! If you know family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who are interested in learning more about the Academy, Open House is the perfect opportunity to see our school in action! The presentation begins at 9 a.m. with an overview of our mission as a Sacred Heart school, our unique educational philosophy, our curriculum and programs. Seventh and Eighth Class Student Ambassadors will lead tours, which are always a highlight for prospective families. Everyone is welcome to attend, and an RSVP is appreciated to help us plan. Please contact Lisa Tebbe, Admissions Director, at ltebbe@ash1818.org.

Did you know that Johnny Appleseed was a missionary—and a war hero? Sixth Class students do! They recently learned a lot about that larger-than-life character using Fun-n-Facts for Brain-iacs, a syndicated feature penned by their Literature and Writing teacher, Mrs. Laura Craig. Fun-n-Facts appears each week in the Webster-Kirkwood Times.

We’ll join Sacred Heart schools around the world in celebrating the Feast of Mater Admirabilis—Mother Most Admirable—on Tuesday, October 20. With great joy, the worldwide association of Sacred Heart alumni share this presentation for reflection.

All are invited to join our school community on Tuesday for a 9:30 a.m. Feast Day liturgy in Rauch Memorial gym. Students should wear their dress uniforms. Also on that day, the Social Justice Leadership Council will be collecting items for Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Center. They are asking for items that children ages 6 and under could use, e.g. toys, books, onesies, diapers and soap. Thank you!

Read more about Mater Admirabilis on the Network of Sacred Heart Schools website.