The Rhodes Ahead

The first quarter is in the books! Time goes fast and it feels good to be in a routine with additional things to keep us busy - so many opportunities listed in this newsletter.

A new quarter is a good time to rethink how and why we do things the way we do. Please revisit the drop off and pick up procedures. A reminder from the Johnson Drive side, if you arrive after the gate closes, when it is opened, you need to park in one of the rows in the back so that you are the last to leave the lot. If you see children in the lot, please don't drive. Always expect children, people rushing (in cars and on feet), and be aware when you are walking in the parking lot.

I was also reading a Catholic School Playbook on line and wanted to share this quote from the first chapter.

"Woltering recently advised his school parents to read a book on the topic of technology - Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport. He offered three warning to parents: 1: Devices are designed to be addictive. For young people especially, their relationship with devices and social media become like going back to the slot machine to see if one more pull will win the jackpot. Young people need parents to set boundaries to identify and prevent future harm caused by this addiction. 2) Texting is not conversation. Young people who communicated exclusively through technology become uncomfortable with in-person social situations; they lack the refined skills to communicate effectively in person. 3) Interacting with a screen is a passive activity. It saps energy, while real leisure is invigorating. Young people who spend time on devices are being robbed of the opportunity to develop habits of pursuing healthy, leisurely activities."

It is a great time to start fresh. The grade book is empty. We can all work on a resolution to do something a little bit better -maybe it is to change our expectations on time so we don't have to rush or to detach from social media or have our homework done at a certain time - time to start a new quarter!

Let's learn and live our faith well to help others do the same - we do not know what impact it can make.

Strength in Surrender,

Kathy Rhodes

Trunk or Treat: Trunk or Treat is a Parish-wide event this year! Join us on Friday, October 25 with trick-or-treating from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Johnson Drive parking lot. Entry fee is either a large bag of candy or to host your trunk for the night. Register here (required) and see link for full details on parking, food options and volunteer opportunities. Message contacts in sign up link with any questions.

The Youth ministery would like to do a sign up for food, pre-order through this link: https://web4u.forms-db.com/view.php?id=2397551

Oct. 24 Mornings with Moms

Oct. 24-25 Book Fair

Oct. 25 Trunk or Treat

Oct. 31 Halloween Parties 2:15, parade through courtyard at 3:10

Nov. 1 Holy Day of Obligation, Students will attend 8:15 Mass, Spirit Day,

See the attached flyer to learn about the schedule and the cost. The Sign-Up Genius link is below to sign up for the October session. You do not need to commit to every session and if the first date doesn't work out - you can still sign up for upcoming months.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA8AE22A5F4CE9-52471448-blooming

Blooming Girls Workshops

Here is the link for the book fair volunteer sign-up. Is there anyway you could add this to the newsletter? Thank you!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4DABAB22AAFE3-52039029-shoj

Megan Abbott

omalleym07@gmail.com

See the attached form below for registration information.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – After consultation with the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced that whenever the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is transferred from Sunday, December 8 to Monday, December 9, it remains a holy day of obligation, beginning this year. This is a change of past practice, whereby the obligation to attend Mass was previously lifted with the transfer of the solemnity from Sunday to Monday. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception has always been transferred to Monday when December 8 has fallen on a Sunday. But from now on, the transfer includes the obligation of the faithful to assist at Mass. The Roman Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to the patronage of Mary under the title of her Immaculate Conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is therefore the patronal feast of the U.S. Church.

Couples & Cocktails Kick-off Event: Our NEW Marriage Ministry is here -- Join us on Saturday, November 9 from 7-9 pm in the MPC for a relaxing evening with your spouse! Fr. Zarse will share his vision for marriage in our parish and announce upcoming events. Enjoy fellowship, food, and fun with hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided. RSVP here by November 6. For childcare assistance, contact Erin Rodriguez.

Advent Mini Retreat: Join us for a half-day Advent retreat on Saturday, November 16, from 8 am - Noon in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2. The day will include Mass, Adoration, discussion, fellowship, and an overview of the self-guided program, Prepare Your Heart from Ave Maria Press. Optional small group on Saturday mornings. See registration link for more details. Cost is $8.25 if you register before Nov. 6. Contact Char Mies with questions.

The Marriage Course: Are you ready to invest in your relationship and strengthen your marriage? Join us for a special series of 8 sessions starting on Monday, November 18, designed for couples looking to build a deeper connection. Sessions mimic a date night atmosphere with private conversations with your spouse, food & drinks and expert insights about real marriage topics. Childcare offered! Can't join for all sessions - no problem! Videos will be sent out each week. Register here.

Music Ministry Social & Info Night: Dr. Tatiana Tessman invites any existing music ministry members or people interested in joining to attend a meet-and-greet on Saturday, October 26 after the 4:30 Mass. It will be a casual evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, mingling and music. Dr. Tessman will perform and then have time for everyone to share in some chorale fun. But mostly she would just like to get to know people! Click here to register.

Kneelers on Side Aisles: Starting this weekend, parishioners will have the option to kneel when receiving Holy Communion. Two kneelers will be placed on each side aisle of the church. You may proceed as usual, and if you choose to kneel, please use the kneelers. If you prefer to stand, simply do so in front of the kneeler to receive the Eucharist.

Here is the latest newsletter for families from the Archdiocese. Please click the picture for the link.

Mrs. Rockers talked to all the students about this volunteer award. These forms are in the documents menu in the miscellaneous file or here is a link to the forms:

St. Benedict Rosary Prayer Group will meet on the little playground at 3:06 each Wednesday to pray The Rosary (or at least part of it) for SHOJ school. All are welcome, even littles can come play while you pray. Please join us.

Email: kathy.rhodes@shoj.org
Website: school.SHOJ.com
Location: 21801 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 9134225520
Facebook: facebook.com/SacredHeartCatholicSchool