The Rhodes Ahead

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10XqwCKv9w7e8LP_sdDYeLCgNUqFKj00kRRyqNVFshuI/edit

See the PDF below for instructions on how the day works!

It is an exciting time of year, especially since the official holiday season starts in a couple of weeks with Thanksgiving! Please make sure that you RSVP for the near and dear day below. Be sure to read the attachment, as we start with Mass in the church and this helps everyone find each other. Also, for our new families, just so you know, most students leave with their grandparents or guests well before the early dismissal at 11:30.

Along with the holidays, we start thinking about weather and what will happen when the snow comes. We still have the option of a 9:30 start in our handbook. You will be made aware of all changes in the schedule by text and phone call. We don't always follow a certain district - for example DeSoto has to cancel sometimes because of the cold which causes transportation problems. Within the archdiocese, many schools will be doing different things. As with our school calendars, we have the freedom to do that. I even struggle wishing we had different schedule, but in the end, it is what it is.

I was excited to see that nearly 40 school parents attended the couples and cocktail event last weekend. I would encourage you to continue to take advantage of these events offered at the parish. These events are from an organization that has researched what works and makes a difference to families. I also know that books, like The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt focuses on the mental health challenges facing today's youth, particularly the impact of digital technology and social media. While the book primarily addresses the effects of a "phone-based childhood," it also highlights the importance of community, including the family structure, in shaping children's resilience and emotional well-being. If you talk to teachers and counselors, they can reiterate that anything we can do to help our children succeed should be done. Thank you for partnering with us.

Strength in Surrender,

Kathy Rhodes

Nov. 18 Picture Retakes

Nov. 19 First Reconciliation

Nov. 21 Kindergarten Information Night

Nov. 26 Near and Dear Day - students leave with Grandparents when ready, early dismissal at 11:30

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

"Teach us to give and not count the cost." St. Ignatius of Loyola

We would like to invite you to make a difference and participate in nationwide Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23, 2024. We know that there are many students out there trying to log hours for Confirmation and/or the President's Volunteer Service Award. This day serves as a wonderful opportunity to do that while also making an impact in our neighborhoods and community. There are many ways to get involved whether they be as a larger group or as an individual family. It can be as simple as raking leaves for a neighbor, making cards/writing letters to the homebound, or filling red bags for our local food pantry. More ideas can be found here! When one family volunteers and encourages others to join, the effect spreads far and wide touching the lives of many. Feel free to take pictures of your family doing service and send them our way! We'd love to post them to our social media accounts.

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.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Breakfast with Santa: Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 7! Enjoy a yummy breakfast from the Knights of Columbus and visit with Santa Claus from 8:00 - 11:00 am. in the MPC. Crafts and games will be available for children. Get your picture with Santa and enjoy the morning with us! Click here to sign up for the visit with Santa. Volunteers needed. Click here to sign up to help.

Light up for Christ: Light Up for Christ is back! Join us on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm in the Narthex. Fr. Zarse will read a special story to the kids in front of the creche followed by treats. All are welcome.

Kindergarten Information Night: Want to learn all about Kindergarten at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School? Join us on Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 pm. Topics include curriculum, how to know if your child is ready and the requirements. Please RSVP via email here. Childcare is available.

Parish Adoration Night: Spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to help prepare our hearts for the Advent season on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 pm. Families welcome!

MINISTRY

D-A-S-H: The November Dads at Sacred Heart meeting is on Thursday, November 21 at 8:00 p.m. Whether you are expecting your first child or getting ready to be an empty nester, DASH is a great place to meet like-minded fathers who are striving to be the best husbands and fathers that they can be and to be a solid leader in their domestic church.

Sign up for a Holy Hour: Is God calling you to go deeper into one of the Five Foundation Stones? While our newly updated chapel is open 24/7 we strive to have every hour filled by at least one adorer. Please click here to sign up for a weekly hour with Jesus. This will be the best hour you spend all week! See bulletin for adoration chapel reminders regarding lights in the chapel.

Feed His Lambs: Our Feed His Lambs ministry is in need of cookie donations on Friday, November 22. Please click here to sign up or for more details.

Angel Tree: Our 26th Annual Angel Tree starts this weekend! Angel Tree pulls together hundreds of gifts for local community members and families in need! Gift lists are mostly virtual here, but we do have a small amount of tags available on the trees in the Narthex for those without computer access. Envelopes are also available for monetary donation. See link or tag for instructions. Return wrapped gifts to Sacred Heart the weekends of Nov. 30 and Dec. 8.

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