Cougar Brief
July 24, 2024
Discover Catholic Schools Week is Here - November 17-23
We’re thrilled to celebrate Discover Catholic Schools Week—a wonderful opportunity to highlight the unique qualities that make Catholic schools truly special. From our dedication to academic excellence and faith formation to the joyful children who bring our school to life, and our warm, welcoming community, there is so much to celebrate!
Join us on our social media platforms as we showcase what makes our Catholic school extraordinary. We encourage our families to share the Bishop Reicher experience with others. Spread the word, refer friends, and let them know why our school is the perfect place for children to grow in faith, knowledge, and service. Together, we can make a lasting impact and welcome even more families into our community.
A Beautiful Beginning to Thanksgiving Break: Eucharistic Procession
As we prepare for Thanksgiving Break, we warmly invite you to participate in a cheristed tradition that lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. On Friday, November 22, our community will come together for a Eucharistic Procession—a beautiful act of devotion and thanksgiving.
The procession will begin at St. Louis Catholic Church, travel to the lower school at 8:30 a.m., continue to the high school, and conclude back at the Church.
This sacred event offers a profound opportunity for our school community to unite in prayer and reflection, expressing gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. Witnessing the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist as it is carried throughout our campus is an inspiring and deeply moving experience for students, faculty, and families alike.
We hope you can join us for this meaningful celebration of faith and thanksgiving.
Bishop Reicher Annual Fund - Why Give to the Annual Fund?
This is a question we hear often, and it’s a great one! Tuition is vital, but it doesn’t cover the full cost of providing the exceptional education and enriching experience your child receives at Bishop Louis Reicher. The reality is that we intentionally keep tuition at a level that’s affordable for as many families as possible, and the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student is significant.
The Annual Fund bridges this gap, supporting areas tuition alone cannot cover:
- Enhanced Academic Programs: Enhanced curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
- Extracurricular Activities: Athletics, arts, and leadership programs that build character and foster community.
- Tuition Assistance: Helping families who might not otherwise afford a Catholic education.
- Facility Upkeep and Improvements: Safe, inspiring spaces for students to learn, pray, and grow.
When you give to the Annual Fund, you’re investing in your child’s education and in the future of our school community. Your gift—large or small—directly impacts the quality of programs and resources available to all students. Together, we ensure that Bishop Louis Reicher can continue to foster saints and scholars for generations to come.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generosity. Every gift truly makes a difference.
To learn more, click HERE.
Two Weeks Until the Parish Mission
This Advent season, you’re invited to an extraordinary Parish Mission: “Building Nazareth at Home” with Katie McGrady, an internationally recognized Catholic speaker, author, and host of The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM! Join us on December 1-3 from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m. for three inspiring evenings at St. Louis Parish, where Katie will share practical ways to create a faithful and holy home.
Even if you’re not a member of St. Louis Parish, this mission is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your family’s faith and discover how to make Christ the center of your daily life. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let’s come together as a school and parish community to grow in holiness and build a home where love and faith flourish.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and let’s embark on this meaningful journey toward Christmas!
Child care will be provided.
Dates: December 1-3
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: St. Louis Catholic Church
CRASE Training: Enhancing Safety in Parish and School Settings – December 7th
Please join us on December 7th at 9:30 am in the Bishop Reicher PAC (in the high school) as the St. Louis Health & Safety Ministry hosts the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event (CRASE) training, presented by Shaunda M. Bradley. The CRASE course provides civilians the opportunity to gain knowledge, build strategies, and maintain preparedness for active shooter event. This training will focus on Parish and School settings but will provide you with a greater understanding regardless of the location. Shaunda M. Bradley has 20+ years of Police and Public Protection Experience. All are welcome to attend! Questions: Mike Marascia (325) 320-6739
High School Student Shines in Leading Role
We are thrilled to share that Stella Clafferty, one of our talented freshmen, will be performing this weekend in the Waco Children’s Theater production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This heartwarming holiday classic is sure to delight audiences of all ages, and Stella’s dedication and hard work exemplify the creativity and talent of our student body.
Show your support by attending a performance and cheering Stella on as she shines on stage!
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Waco Children’s Theater
Performances at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 22nd
Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm and Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 pm.
Tickets are $10 for children and $15 at the door; pay at the door only
Located at the Lee Lockwood Library located at 2801 W Waco Drive
It's time to order Mrs. Meier's famous Red Cake and Toll House Cookie Bars!
Toll House Cookie Bars - Served on December 19 - https://forms.gle/Y6C86hCJEpaTz6Zj6 - Deadline to order by is 12:00 p.m. on December 18.
It's About Time for the Waco Wonderland Parade
The Parents Association is excited to announce that they will once again be participating in the annual Waco Wonderland Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10:00 a.m. We invite you to join the fun by helping them decorate the float or by walking in the parade. If you're interested in getting involved, please email Tessa Flaquer at tessa.flaquer@gmail.com. Let’s showcase our Cougar pride in the community!
Candy Donations Needed: Help make the parade extra sweet! If you'd like to contribute, please bring your candy donations to the lower school office by Thursday, December 5. Earn 1 PAWS Point for every pound of candy donated, up to a maximum of 7 points. Thank you for your generosity!
Welcome Jennifer York to the Coaching Teach as Head Cheer Coach
Mrs. York has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting and Directing from Sam Houston State University. For the past 11 years she has worked as a teacher and Director of Theatre Arts at Celina High School and Middle School, Gilmer High School, Anna Middle School, and Pittsburg High School and Middle School. During this time, she designed, directed and choreographed plays and musicals. She also has experience teaching Art, Culinary Arts, Digital Media, Choir, and Spanish.
Before moving to Waco with her husband, Coach Nick York, and children Grainger and Georgia, she served as the Director of Theatre Arts and Fine Arts Department Head at Pittsburg ISD in Pittsburg, Texas. She and her family attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Daingerfield, TX where she taught CCD classes and served on the Women's ACTS Retreat in the Texarkana area. Mrs. York is excited to learn more about the world of cheer and help both squads to reach their full potential.
Also, lower School parents know Mrs. York as the friendly and helpful Administrative Assistant who supports the Lower School community.
Welcome Kandy Olivarez as the Middle School and Cheer Assistant Coach
Kandy Olivarez is a dedicated middle and elementary school art teacher at Bishop Louis Reicher, where she has been inspiring students for the past three years. With a passion for creativity and a heart for education, Kandy creates a classroom environment that encourages young learners to explore their artistic potential and express themselves in meaningful ways.
Beyond the classroom, Kandy has a strong background in competitive cheerleading and sideline cheer, having been actively involved in the sport for many years. Her experience in cheerleading instills in her students the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values she encourages them to apply in both art and life.
Kandy and her husband have been an integral part of the Bishop Louis Reicher community for many years, with all three of their children having attended the school since Pre-K 3. This deep connection to the school and its mission drives her commitment to serving her community.
In addition to her role as an educator, Kandy is actively involved in a variety of local community organizations. She is passionate about giving back and truly loves serving her community in any way she can. Whether through volunteering, supporting local events, or lending a helping hand, Kandy is always eager to make a positive impact on those around her.
Welcome William Hill to Our Middle School and High School Basketball Staff
Coach William Hill Jr., a native of Waco, Texas, brings over 20 years of coaching experience across youth, select, middle school, high school, and minor league sports. He graduated from Trinity Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, with minors in Biblical Studies and Coaching.
Upon returning to Waco, Coach Hill served as head coach for multiple sports at Vanguard College Preparatory School from 2010 to 2012, leading middle school boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, and middle and high school track and field teams. During this time, he also worked as a PE assistant. From 2013 to 2014, he joined Texas Christian Academy as head coach for varsity girls’ basketball and volleyball, while also serving as assistant coach for the varsity boys’ basketball team. In 2015, he founded the Waco Men's Minor League team and has since built a strong, successful program.
Coach Hill credits his wife, Chaquinta Hill, and their "Brady Bunch" of seven children and four grandchildren as his biggest supporters.
Growing up just five blocks from Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School, Coach Hill has always admired the school’s tradition. Being hired as part of the basketball staff fulfills a lifelong dream, and he is passionate about impacting young lives and fostering a family-centered environment that aligns with BLR's values.
