Cougar Brief

Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School will join Catholic schools nationwide in celebrating National Catholic Schools Week from Sunday, January 26, through Saturday, February 1. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” reflects the core values of Catholic education, emphasizing faith, service, and academic excellence.

We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our parents, parishioners, and community. Your commitment to our mission makes celebrations like this possible, and we look forward to a week filled with joy and gratitude.

Throughout the week, our students, families, and staff will come together to celebrate the many blessings of Catholic education with activities that honor our parish, community, vocations, nation, students, and staff. Exciting details for the week’s events will be shared soon—stay tuned as we prepare for this special celebration of faith, service, and community!

Our Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, His Excellency Bishop Joe Vasquez, will be coming to Bishop Reicher to say mass for our entire school community.

The mass will be said Tuesday, February 11th, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, 8:30 am in St. Louis Catholic Church. Fr. Raphael will also be present to concelebrate. The mass is being said in honor Bishop Reicher's 70th Anniversary as a school (founded as first Waco Catholic and then Reicher High School in the 1954-55 school year).

We will also celebrate our regular school Mass on Wednesday, February 12th, meaning there will be two school Masses that week.

A new semester is underway, making it the perfect time to revisit the policies, procedures, and guidelines outlined in the Handbook. Staying informed helps ensure a smooth and successful school year!

Parent-Student Handbook

Our pilgrims and their chaperones are continuing their inspiring journey through Italy. Stay connected with their pilgrimage by visiting our website to view updates and photos. We kindly ask you to keep them in your prayers.

https://www.bishopreicher.com/pilgrimage-to-italy

Get ready for your child to enjoy Mrs. Meier’s famous red cake and Toll House cookie bars this month! Don’t miss out—place your order by the deadlines listed below.

Red Cake

Available: January 16

Order Deadline: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15

Click HERE to order.

Toll House Cookie Bars

Available: January 23

Order Deadline: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22

Click HERE to order.

The charges will be added to your FACTS account.

MAP Testing for Grades 1–8 begins this Tuesday and will continue over the next two weeks, taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Testing starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. each day. To help your child perform their best, please ensure they get plenty of rest, enjoy a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.

Re-enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open! We value our Bishop Louis Reicher families and look forward to continuing to partner with you in your child’s education and faith formation.

The initial email announcing re-enrollment was sent on January 1. If you did not receive this email, please reach out to Mrs. Chollett at bchollett@bishopreicher.com so we can ensure you have the necessary information.

Important Reminder:
The re-enrollment deadline is 11:59 p.m. January 31, 2025.

Completing re-enrollment by this date ensures your child’s place for next year and helps us plan for the academic year ahead.

To begin the re-enrollment process, log in to your FACTS Parent Portal - www.factsmgt.com

DCYC registration is now open. Join thousands of other high schoolers as we gather in Waco to worship our Lord! DCYC runs from January 31-February 2, 2025. Email: youthministry@stlouiswaco to register.

Attention lower school parents! We are excited to invite you to our next Parents Association Meeting, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected, share ideas, and collaborate with other parents to enhance the experience for our students and school community.

The meeting location will be in Room 216. Please park on 23rd Street and enter through the main entrance of the lower school. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.

Mark your calendar for February 22 and get ready for a night of celebration, community, and fun at our annual fundraiser, The Bash!

What to Expect:

• Silent & Live Auctions: Bid on incredible items and experiences.
• Delicious Food: Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of dishes.
• Dancing: Hit the dance floor and dance the night away!
• Adult Beverages: Enjoy a variety of cocktails, wine, and more.
• Surprises & More: Exciting activities and entertainment await you!

Proceeds from The Bash will support the mission of Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School.

Don't miss this unforgettable evening. Stay tuned for ticket and sponsorship details.

• Book Shop: Help manage Book Shop during the lunch breaks at lower school. [Sign up here]
• Duty-Free Lunch: Provide support during Duty-Free Lunch for our teachers. [Sign up here]
• Donate sweet treats to the teachers lounge (click HERE to see what to donate)

It is the responsibility of parents to log their PAWS Points. Below, you’ll find a downloadable set of brief instructions to guide you through the process of posting your PAWS Points in your FACTS Family Portal.

Once you have fulfilled the required PAWS Points (20 for all parents or 40 for those receiving tuition assistance), please refrain from logging any additional points.

January 14

• MAP Testing at Lower School - 1st - 8th Grades
• Lower School Parents Association Meeting - 12:00 p.m. - Room 216 - Lower School

January 15 - School Mass - 8:30 a.m. - St. Louis Catholic Church

January 16

• MAP Testing at Lower School - 1st - 8th Grades

January 17-19 - 8th Grade Basketball Tournament

January 20 - No School in Observance of Martin Luther King Day

January 21 - MAP Testing at Lower School - 1st - 8th Grades

January 22

• School Mass - 8:30 a.m. - St. Louis Catholic Church
• Picture Retake Day at Lower School

January 23

• MAP Testing at Lower School - 1st - 8th Grades
• Bash Planning Meeting 6:00 p.m. - El Charro on LaSalle

January 25 - Texas Rally for Life in Austin

January 26-February 1 - Catholic Schools Week

January 29 - School Mass - 8:30 a.m. - St. Louis Catholic Church

January 31-February 2 - DCYC for High School Students - Convention Center in Waco

All school families are warmly invited to the events promoted below. These gatherings provide a fantastic opportunity for parents to connect, build community, and engage with one another and our parish community.