Mrs. Mulvanerty's Update

Greetings, SKS!!!

Dear St. Katharine’s Families,

This week, we step into a season of joyful preparation as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Advent invites us to pause amid the hustle and bustle, to light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, and to prepare our hearts for the gift of Jesus. Here at St. Katharine’s, we’re embracing this season with prayer, service, and celebration—and we hope you’ll join us!

Here’s a glimpse of the special moments ahead:

🩸Blood Drive – What better way to get in the spirit of giving than by giving the gift of life? Sign up for our Blood Drive this Monday; more details below!

🌟Prayer Service – Let’s begin the season together! Join us on Thursday, December 5 for an Advent Evening of Reflection for both men and women.

🙏 Monthly Mass - Come celebrate with our students this Friday, December 6 - prepared by the 6th Grade

💛 Classroom Service Opportunities – Many of our classrooms will take on a special service projects this Advent season, from assembling care packages, visiting the homebound, and writing letters of encouragement. Ask your child about their classroom’s plans and how you can support them!

✨ Grotto Lighting Ceremony – A magical evening awaits as we light up the grotto in honor of our Blessed Mother. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 8 and join us for carols and hot cocoa.

🎄 Christmas Concert & Tableau – Save the dates for some of the most beloved traditions at St. Katharine’s!

• On December 11, our K-4 students will share their talents in a heartwarming Christmas concert,
• On December 18, our middle school students perform a moving concert and tableau that brings the Nativity story to life.

I look forward to journeying with you towards Christmas this year!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

G.B.Y.*,

Jeanne Mulvanerty

*God Bless You!

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It could be a child battling cancer, a mom facing a tough delivery, or even one of our own family members here at St. Katharine’s. Your donation can be the gift of life. What better gift to give this holiday season? Please sign up on the American Red Cross Website.

Mrs. Grant announced that it's time for the annual "Keep Christ in Christmas" Art poster contest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The students (K-8) have been working on their entries during Art class since the week of November 4th. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, December 10. Thank you to all the children for their enthusiasm and hard work!

For 32 years, SKS parishioners have helped make Christmas happier for dozens of needy families at our sister parish, St. Martin de Porres, by providing gifts and food baskets. This year we have 90 families of all sizes to adopt. Sign-ups will be electronic and will open via Flocknote, social media and sksparish.org on Saturday, Nov. 16! Please call the rectory at 610-688-4584 with questions or if you prefer to sign up over the phone. Gift drop off is on Saturday, December 7 from 10am-1pm in the SKS drop off/bus lane. Thank you for your generosity!

This event has been updated to include both men and women. Treat yourself to a break from the holiday madness and a chance to focus on the reason for the season! Evening begins with Mass followed by a festive dinner catered by Paola's and a special guest speaker.

Santa's Secret Shop will be open, and all students will visit the Santa shop during school hours. Please note that this year is CASH ONLY to simplify the check out process. Thank you for understanding! We'll be sending home more information with students as the date nears, and if you have any questions, contact Adrienne Faralli amfaralli@gmail.com or Tina Rogers tinarogers1433@gmail.com. The Santa Shop needs volunteers to help set up the store, assist shoppers during the event, and pack it up at the end. Keep your eyes out for the sign up, which Home and School will send out as soon as we know when each class will be shopping.

The children will have a jolly good time at the annual extended hours Craft Club Christmas Extravaganza: outside playtime, Christmas Bingo, a wreath craft, snack, dinner & an ice cream treat (all allergy friendly)...and the much loved Christmas Karaoke! All are welcome.

For more announcements about SKS activities and clubs, CYO, and parish activities, click here!

Monday, December 2 Classes Resume

Friday, December 6 Last day of Trimester 1, Monthly School Mass prepared by 6th grade

Sunday, December 8 9:30 Family Mass; Grotto Lighting

Wednesday, December 11 K-4 Christmas Concert

Thursday, December 12 Admissions Open House

Friday, December 13 Elective Day, Report Cards, Craft Club extravaganza

Monday December 16-18 Santa Shop

Tuesday, December 18 Tableau for 5th to 8th grades

Friday, December 20 Last day before Christmas Break - NO CARES

Monday, December 23 Christmas Break begins

Monday, January 6 Classes Resume