Weekly Newsletter

This Christmas we have so much to celebrate! First and foremost a loving God that gave his Son so that we may relish in the good the true and the beautiful for all of eternity. A soul satisfied in Jesus is the most precious gift we could ever receive. Secondly we can celebrate the gift of our children. This basketball season we have been blessed to meet JJ Bledsoe and his family. As we watch him play ball and battle cancer we have all been reminded how blessed we are to watch our children grow and enjoy the small things in life. Lastly our community, God has gifted St. Augustine with a precious gift of a vibrant Catholic Community. St. Augustine is blessed with a history of believing catholics who sacrificed home and comfort to settle as a community, build a school and a church for the community to grow together and thrive in. May we carry our crosses and continue the good work!

St. Augustine School Community: In Mid-September we asked our principle at St. Henry School in Charleston, Amy E Galemore, if she would reach out to St. Augustine and see if it was possible for our 8th grade boys to play basketball with them. Our southern league had fallen apart, and we were looking for an opportunity for Collin, Graham, and JJ to play basketball this season. I had coached St. Henrys for 20+ yrs and with JJ's health situation I knew I couldn't commit to anything other than just being a dad and getting JJ to practices and games when he was up to it. StA graciously accepted us and so began a blessing we had no idea was in our future. We knew it would be a good opportunity for our boys to compete and make knew friendships. We knew it would be good for them to have a bigger experience (StH is much smaller enrollment wise). But we had no idea it would be this. Last week StA basketball team sponsored a free-throw-athon to raise money for JJ and our family to help cover medical expenses, spear headed by Scott Johnston Sara Cracraft Ressel Emily Weiss. I am not sure what they had in mind this fundraiser would be, but when you hear God can move mountains, this was an example of that! On Monday StA held their 8th grade night and honored all of their 8th grade players and Cheerleaders along with our three boys. After the games, Sara, Scott, Emily pulled Stephanie Slape Bledsoe and I aside and presented us with the donations made from this fundraiser (the whole school participated in a dress down day as well). We were nearly knocked over with amazement, actually kind of confused, then overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, then asked them to say it again because in our minds it didn't make sense. The compassion and generosity of the entire St. Augustine School Community for JJ and our family, that just stepped into their lives a couple months ago is truly overwhelming. We cannot express our thank you enough. We will never be able to repay this kindness. This journey we are in is the most difficult experience we have ever faced and to know that so many people are willing to help truly amazes us. One thing we are learning is that through suffering God provides many blessings. That if we are willing to offer up our suffering to Him, allow it to empty us so that He can fill us with His grace, mercy and love then that suffering is not wasted. Suffering must be used to change us, to convert us! We pray every day that JJ's life, his future, his suffering is used for the conversion of countless souls. This true act of kindness has shown us that Gods plan is in place. Thank you and God Bless all who donated!

Jason, Stephanie, Sam, Ben, Hannah and JJ Bledsoe

STA is seeking a Head Cook to start ASAP. Each day you prepare breakfast for infants and ones and lunch for about 130 students infants through 8th grade. This position comes with Tuition Benefits for your family!

We will be without a cook starting December 18th. Please pass on the word!!

Please contact Katie Hendricks for more info.

khendricks@stakelso.eduk12.net

Christmas Program Tonight December 12th @ 6 pm. Doors open at 5:30.

2/9/24 5:30 Home vs. Immaculate Conception – A and C Home vs. St. Vincent Perryville – B Team 12/11/24 5:30 @ Nell Holcomb – A and B – Games will be after their C team game

12/16/24 5:30 Home vs. Nell Holcomb

12/19/24 5:30 @ Trinity Lutheran – B and C 1/2/24 5:30 @ St. Paul

1/3/25 5:30 @ St. Vincent Perryville

1/7/25 5:30 @ Trinity Lutheran - A-Team vs. St. Vincent Cape A

1/16/25 5:30 Home vs. Immanuel Lutheran – A and C

1/11 – 1/12/25 A-Team Tournament @ Notre Dame

1/18 – 1/19/25 A-Team Tournament @ Notre Dame

1/20 – 1/24/25 B-Team Tournament @ Immanuel Lutheran

1/27 – 1/31/25 A-Team Tournament @ St. Vincent Cape

• If there is any unpaid balances remaining, we will hold your report cards and folder
• Find apparel at our Store
• If you plan to volunteer make sure you're Virtus Trained
• School Messenger- Text 'Y' to 67587
• If you are interested in subbing please call the office or email Mrs. Hendricks
• Every Thursday is Parent's Rosary at 7:00 pm in the church with Father Tom
• Children who bring lunch and get a milk will be charged $.50 for the milk
• Wednesday Family folders come home every Wednesday. Please check them and return them Thursday morning.

Dec 12 Christmas Program 6:00 pm

Dec 19 Last day of the Quarter/Christmas Parties 10:00 am

Dec 20-Jan 3 Christmas Break

Email: khendricks@stakelso.eduk12.net
Website: stakelso.org
Phone: 5732644644
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/STAKELSO