Parent Letter 2/21/20

Dear St. Joseph’s School Parents,
 
At our school Mass this morning, in the first reading from the Letter of James, James asks the question; “What good is it if someone has faith but does not have works?  In the reading he encourages us to have faith active along with works thus faith is complete by the works.
 
During Lent, we are called to practice three disciplines; prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Please continue to read about the various opportunities our students, faculty, and families will have during the next forty days to put these three disciplines into practice.
 
This week, our preschool through fifth grade students decorated “Alleluia” cards in the Atrium.  The students placed them into a box and each child scooped sand on top until they were “buried”.  The box was covered with a purple cloth and a rock placed on top as a symbol of the rock that blocked the tomb in which Jesus was buried.  The Alleluias will be “unburied at Easter when we will rejoice at his resurrection.
 
Mission Statement 
St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence, and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.
 
Lent
The liturgical season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26.  We will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. with the distribution of ashes happening during the Mass.  Our students will grow in their faith and prepare for Easter through classroom work, prayer, Mass, Stations of the Cross, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (grades 2-8), the Rosary, and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd instruction.  In addition, the Church of St. Joseph will be praying the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings in the church.  Everyone is invited to join us in prayer at Mass and/or during the devotions.  A schedule is attached to this letter for your reference.
 
Mass and Breakfast
On Wednesdays during Lent, St. Joseph’s School families are invited to attend the parish’s morning Mass at 7:30 a.m.  The dates are March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 8.   After Mass, the students (parents may accompany their child/children) will go to the school cafeteria for supervision prior to school (8:05-8:30 a.m.).  For any family interested, a light breakfast will be available for students for a nominal charge ($2.00) payable each morning.  Students will be dismissed to their classrooms at 8:30 a.m. to begin their school day.  We thank members of the Knights of Columbus who will be assisting with serving the breakfast.  We look forward to praying together with members of the parish at morning Mass.
 
Miles of Smiles - Lenten Service Project
The season of Lent is quickly approaching and we are excited about our school-wide Lenten service project.  In honor of Matthew Wesely and the beautiful smile with which he blessed so many, we will be collecting change (coins) that will be used to provide surgeries for children born with cleft palates whose family cannot afford the procedure. Our goal is to provide as many surgeries as possible in Matthew's memory.  Watch for more details on this service project next Tuesday.  
 
Confirmation Retreat
Our eighth-grade students continue to prepare for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.  They will be participating in a special retreat facilitated by NET Ministries on Tuesday, February 25 in the Great Room.  Please continue to pray for our school and parish students as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 
Fiddler on the Roof Jr. - Middle School Musical
The Middle School musical “Fiddler on the Roof Jr. ” will be performed on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm and Friday, March 13 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm in the school gym.  Middle school students have been working tirelessly on their performance and it will be a fantastic show!  All students will have the opportunity to see the play during the week.  A ticket order form went home in the Friday Folders today and one is also attached to this letter.  Guests attending the performances may also pay at the door.  Please be aware that adults attending student performances must purchase a play ticket for each performance attended.  We thank Mrs. Bowe, Ms. Roettger, Mrs. Kilduff, Ms. Walsh, our Middle School Faculty and many parent volunteers for providing this special experience for our middle school students.
 
2020-2021 School Enrollment - Help us make our mission happen and grOW our school!
St. Joseph’s School is the largest ministry of the Church of St. Joseph.  The enrollment of new families and students continues at our school.  Please assist us in growing our school by sharing information about our school with neighbors, parish families, at the basketball gym, hockey rink, or aisle 5 at Target.  You are also encouraged to invite families to join you at any of our school Masses and/or other special school events (ie; Middle School play, Night of the Arts).  Please consider inviting them to visit school with you to meet our faculty and receive a tour allowing us to show them the great things happening in our classrooms every day.
 
For the 2020-2021 school year, a $200 Referral Credit is available to current school families for each new family they refer who registers to attend our school for next year.  Thank you for your assistance sharing our school story and helping us grow our school enrollment for next year.
                                                                                                                                        
St. Joseph’s School Commitment
St. Joseph’s School is committed to providing an outstanding academic formation for your people, rooted in a deep love for Christ and His Church.  We recognize that this mission requires cooperative investment and sacrifice from our families, donors and the parish community.  We are committed to making St. Joseph’s School education affordable for all families who desire a faithful Catholic education. 
If you have any questions regarding financial aid, please contact our school office or log into your TADS account to complete the financial aid process.  (TADS parent help line 612-548-3320)
 
Parish Multi-Child Discount
Registered parishioners at the Church of St. Joseph should have received a new multi-child discount form from the parish; if you have have not received such a form, or have any questions or concerns,, please contact Patrick Menke, Parish Administrator at patrick.menke@churchofstjoseph.org or 651.789.8349.  As a reminder these forms are to be signed by the parent(s) and returned to the parish office (or school office) prior to February 28th; once received, Fr. Creagan will sign off on the form as well, and the discount to be applied. 
 
CAA Scholarship Opportunity
Each year, the CAA awards six $500 scholarships to current 6th or 7th graders to be awarded at their grade school for the following academic year.   The deadline to submit applications is Saturday, April 18, 2020.  Award winners will be announced in early May.  The link to the application can be found on the CAA website, stpaulcaa.org or attached below.
 
Spring Sports Registration - Now Open
Registration for spring sports (grades 5-8 – baseball, softball), (grade 5-8 – track) begins today.  Spring sports include track, girls’ softball and boy’s baseball. A spring sport’s registration form is coming home today.  You may also find one on the website under Student Life - Athletics also attached below.  If your child has played a fall or winter sport, we will only need the registration form.  Please do not send payment in with your Registration. All Spring Sports fees will be billed through TADS the month of April.  If this is the first sport being played this school year, please check the box on the registration form and the rest of the forms will be sent home. 
Forms should be turned in by Friday, March 13 ^th .  Registration will not be accepted after Friday, March 13 ^th .  Sports participation fees are non-refundable. 
 
If you are interested in coaching a spring sport, please contact Mrs. VanDiver, Athletic Director, at 651-457-8550. 
 
McDonalds / DoorDash Fundraiser for St. Joseph’s School
Do you like McDonalds?  Do you like saving $$$$? Do you like making money for St Joes?
Do you like the chance of winning autographed merchandise from MN sports icons and celebrities?  Or the chance to play video games with them?
 
WELL THEN, have we got a deal for you….
 
Presenting the McDonalds-DoorDash- St Joseph’s School Fundraiser!!!!!!  Here's how it works:
 
1) Download the DoorDash app
 
2) Doordash McDonalds
 
3) Use code DASHMCD to save $5 off your order
 
4) Participate in one of these gleam campaigns with your favorite MN sports hero or celebrity:
Trevor May -  bit.ly/gamewithtrevormay
Harrison Smith - bit.ly/gamewithharrisonsmith
JT Brown - bit.ly/gamewithjtbrown
Josh Okogie - bit.ly/gamewithjoshokogie
KFAN Power Trip - bit.ly/gamewiththepowertrip 
 
5) EVERY TIME you do this St Joseph School will get $5!!!!!!!!!!  Promotion runs through March 22nd.
 
Let’s eat some Mickey D’s and make some money for our favorite Catholic school!!!!!!!!!
 
Donuts with Dads - Feast of St. Joseph Celebration – Thursday, March 19 – Save the Date
The Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of our parish and school, is Thursday, March 19.  Dads and grandfathers are invited with their children and grandchildren to attend a “Donuts with Dads” celebration on Thursday, March 19 between 7:45-8:25 a.m. in the Monsignor Foran Great Room.  Donuts, coffee, and juice will be served before school as we celebrate dads and grandfathers.  Dads and grandfathers are invited to remain for fellowship prior to attending the celebration of Mass at 9:00 a.m. in Church.  Please click here to RSVP for this event.  We look forward to seeing you!
 
Volunteers Needed for Donuts with Dads Event
St. Joseph School Moms - we need your help to serve donuts and coffee as well as do a little clean-up for our annual Donuts with Dad's event on Thursday, March 19 ^th, 7:00am-9:15am.  This wonderful event is held in the Parish Great Room.  Please CLICK HERE to Volunteer!  Thank you for your help!
 
Volunteers Needed for Recess Duty 
We need help for recess duty for the remaining months of school.  Whether our students are outside or inside because of the weather, volunteers offer tremendous assistance in providing supervision of students.  Please click here to volunteer in February.
 
St. Joseph’s Preschool Hearts of Love Project
Our Preschool’s Hearts of Love project will be happening the week of February 24th-28th. A collection box will be placed in the Preschool lobby to collect non-perishable food and care supplies (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.) for Neighbors Inc. in So. St. Paul. 
 
Early Childhood Screening for Preschool Aged Children 
Please be sure to make an appointment for Preschool Early Childhood screening through the school district you reside in.  Screening is required now for most schools, instead of highly recommended as in the past.  It is suggested that the screening be completed at the 3½ age level.  Even if your child is past the age recommendation, it is still necessary to make an appointment.  Please call the Early Childhood Office in your school district to schedule your appointment.   Please contact Vicki Young at 651-789-8300 if you have any questions or need additional information.
 
St. Joe’s Winter Socials - Now Open!
St. Joe’s Winter Socials are now open!   Please see the attachment below for a list and details of the Socials that are now available!  Please click here to register to attend.
 
4HG Summer Camps - Registration Now Open!                                                                                   
4HG is excited to announce our summer camps for 2020!  Click here to register for a 4HG Camp and to learn more about what these terrific camps have to offer!
 
Winter Season- School Closing Information 
School closings due to snow and/or extreme cold are announced on television and radio.  St. Joseph’s School is always included with our school district; ISD 197 West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Eagan.  If District 197 schools close, our school will close.  In addition, our school office will also send out an “email blast” to our school families and a message will be posted on our school website announcing the closing of school.  Please note; If an extreme number of weather related closings occur, school administration will evaluate the need to reschedule instructional days.
 
School Masses
Our next school Mass will be on Ash Wednesday, February 26 at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.  Parents and family members are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year.
 
Does Your Employer Offer a Matching Gift Program?
Employer matching programs are a wonderful way to maximize your donation to St. Joseph’s School.  Please look into your employer programs to see if they may participate in this program.  If you have any questions or need help with the process, please contact Lisa Wrobel in our school office.  Thank you.
 
For Your Information
St. Joseph’s School is an important ministry of the Church of St. Joseph.  Some of our school families are not members of the parish.  In our efforts to serve all school families, our Friday Letter may at times include information about activities and events that are taking place at the Church of St. Joseph.  
 
Parish Father Daughter Dance -Tonight-  Friday, February 21st 
The Parish Father Daughter Dance will be held in St. Joseph’s Church Great Room from 6:30-9:30-pm this evening.  This event is open to all ages. Thank you to all who have helped with this wonderful event.
 
Church of St. Joseph Pre-Lenten Mission
St. Joseph’s School families are invited to attend the Pre-Lenten “Alive in Prayer” Mission to be held February 23-24 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Joseph.  Fr. Steve Borello, Director for Vocations for the Diocese of Joliet IL, will be our special guest leading the mission in preparation for Lent.  Fellowship and refreshments follow both talks in the Msgr. Foran Great Room.  We hope you are able to attend.  Please click on the link below for more information.
 
Archdiocesan Synod
As part of the Archdiocesan Synod process, all parishioners are invited to participate in surveys that will provide valuable information in planning for the future here at St. Joseph and in our Archdiocese.  If you haven’t already attended a Listening Session, we encourage you to bring a friend and attend the upcoming the upcoming Listening Sessions .  
 
Middle School Youth Nights
Middle School Youth Nights will be held every other week throughout the year! These nights will be held on the 1st and 3rd week of each month and will include fun, snacks, fellowship, and different types of prayer such as bible study, Adoration, and small groups.  Please see the attachment for a full list of dates and times.  If you have any questions, please contact Jake Debolt at jake.debolt@churchofstjoseph.org
 
Click here to link to the weekly St. Joseph’s Church Bulletin .
 
Important Links:
2020 Lenten Schedule
Middle School February Newsletter
Spring Sports Sign-Up Forms
Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Pre-ticket Sales
CAA John W. Hajlo Scholarship
Middle School Youth Nights
 
February / March Look Ahead:
            °  Friday, Feb. 21 - Father / Daughter Dance 6:30-9:30pm Great Room
            °  Sunday, Feb. 23 - Church of St. Joseph Lenten Mission “Alive in Prayer”
            °  Monday, Feb. 24 - Church of St. Joseph Lenten Mission “Alive in Prayer”
            °  Tuesday, Feb. 25 - Confirmation NET Retreat 4:00-9:00pm Great Room
            °  Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Mass 9:00am Ash Wednesday Church
            °  Friday, Feb. 28 - Sacrament of Reconciliation - Church
            °  Saturday, Mar. 1 - Confirmation Interviews 3:30-6:00pm (times to be assigned) Church
            °  Friday, Mar. 6 - Mass 9:00am Church
            °  Friday, Mar. 6 - End of Trimester 2
            °  Monday, Mar. 9 - Beginning of Trimester 3
            °  Monday, Mar. 9 - Confirmation Night of Reflection 7:00pm Church
            °  Tuesday, Mar. 10 - First Eucharist Night of Reflection 6:30-7:30pm Church
            °  Thursday, Mar. 12 - Fiddler on the Roof 7:00pm School Gymnasium
            °  Friday, Mar. 13 - Fiddler on the Roof 2:00pm & 7:00pm School Gymnasium
            °  Friday, Mar. 13 - Mass 9:00am Church
            °  Thursday, Mar. 19 - Donuts with Dads 7:45am- Feast of St. Joseph, Mass 9:00am
                  Church
            °  Sunday, Mar. 22 - Confirmation Ceremony 2:00-4:00pm St. Paul Cathedral
            °  Friday, Mar. 27 - School IN Session No District Transportation or Food Service
            °  Friday, Mar. 27 - Mass 9:00am Church
            °  Friday, Mar. 27 - 6th grade Biography Fair - Great Room
            °  Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - No School Spring Break