Our Spiritual Theme
Our Spiritual Theme: We Walk by Faith
January Focus: We Walk by Faith... in Fortitude
Spiritual Reflection by Miss Sheila O'Callaghan
On Sunday, January 12, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.
Christmastime is over and the first week of Ordinary Time begins on January 13. There is nothing ordinary about it. It means that the church is in between liturgical seasons. During Ordinary Time we will try to “Walk by Faith” and do ordinary things well. Let us try to pray well, do our school work well and remember the feasts that occur in January.
On January 13, we remember Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. His name means “cheerful”. Bishop HIlary was a great writer. He helped people understand that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When you make the sign of the cross, remember St. Hilary.
Also on January 13, in England, schools open after Christmas break. So the winter term is called “Hilary”. If people ask you what time of the year it is, you can say that it is January or winter or ordinary time, or even that it is “Hilary”.
We cannot forget Saint Anthony, Abbot. He is memorialized on January 17. He had a great love for the poor. He gave everything he owned to the poor. He went into the wilderness to live alone and pray without ceasing. However, people learned about him. They came to him and he taught them how to pray and live a simple life. Anthony also helped bury the dead. He is now known as patron of gravediggers. He is also patron of pets, because he lived with so many animals, including a rooster.
As we begin the New Year let us ask God to fill our hearts with peace, love and hope for all the world.
Please pray for the sick, especially Fr. Mink, Mrs. Miriam Harris, Oliver Conaty, and all the sick of our parish. Please continue to pray for Maureen Engelbert. Pray also for our Armed Forces and First Responders.
Notes from the Admissions Office
Vision for the Future Tuition Assistance
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 1/31/25
Applications and all required documentation for the 2025-2026 school year must be received by FACTS no later than January 31, 2025. Tuition assistance through the Diocese of Wilmington is provided to children attending Grades K-12. Families currently receiving tuition assistance from the diocese must reapply. Assistance is not automatically renewed from year to year. 2023 W2 statements are accepted. A family does not need to wait for the 2024 W2 statement. Award notifications will begin as of March 1,
2025. Families seeking tuition assistance from St. Ann School directly will only be considered after first completing this Vision for the Future application.
Please scroll to the bottom of our tuition and fees page for application details.
Home & School Association Notes
Mother & Son Blue Coats Basketball Game
We are excited to see SAS mothers & sons at tonight's Blue Coats Basketball Game!
Reminders:
- Game time is at 5:00 PM!
- Parking is free in lots B and C
- Tickets will be available for pick up with Ms. Casey near the Will Call station
- Each ticket comes with a food voucher for pizza or hot dog, chips, and a drink
Student Life Notes
Contribute to the SAS Time Capsule!
St. Ann's celebrated its 125th year of education in 2024! The class of 2000 oversaw the creation of a special time capsule project which our current Student Council opened and displayed for the school during Grandparents Day and during Bishop Koenig's December visit to celebrate Mass.
Now, we are already planning for the 150th anniversary of our school! The St. Ann Student Council will re-dedicate a time capsule during Catholic Schools week later this month to be opened in the year 2049, and they'd like your contributions! Please see below.
Catholic Schools Week - January 25-31, 2025
St. Ann School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week at the end of the month. Here is a sneak peek of the activities and events designed to highlight and celebrate our mission of faith, academic excellence, and community service!
Celebrating Our Parish
Saturday 1/25 - 4 pm Mass
Sunday 1/26 - 7:30 am & 10:30 am Masses
- We invite students to to attend Mass in uniform!
- Student leaders will distribute small gifts of parishioner appreciation
Celebrating Our Community
Monday 1/27
- Each class is adopting a community partner to show our thanks and commitment to being good neighbors. Teachers will share partners and plans in the coming days!
- Classroom Spelling Bee Champions will compete in the school-wide Spelling Bee!
Celebrating Our Students
Tuesday 1/28
- Students will enjoy a no-cost Casual Day and get a special lunchtime treat!
- Middle School students will be taking a morning field trip to a special location in Philadelphia.... The surprise will be revealed when permission slips are shared this week!
- Elementary School students will have their own "magical time" at an in-school assembly with a special presenter... Details will be shared in a special flyer this week!
- First day of the Day of Giving Campaign designed to raise funds to support our students!
Celebrating our Nation
Wednesday 1/29
- Students are encouraged to accessorize uniforms with red, white, and blue USA pride!
- Today, students and educators are asked to communicate the value of Catholic education to local and government leaders on National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. All classes will pen letters to our Board of Catholic Schools, City Mayor, and Governor sharing our appreciation for their support of private Catholic education, what we love about it, and offering our prayers for their leadership during Social Studies classes.
- Final day of the Day of Giving Campaign!
Celebrating Vocations
Thursday 1/30
- Classes will contribute to a vocation appreciation project to share with the pastoral staff at St. Ann Parish
- School-wide contributions appreciated for a gift drive for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
- Students in K-8 grade will participate in a “Religion Bee” trivia game competition led by the SAS Religion Committee
Celebrating Faculty, Staff, & Volunteers
Friday 1/31
- Time Capsule Presentation led by Student Council
- School-wide Mass
- Faculty Casual Day & HSA-provided lunch
- Volunteer & parent thank-yous!
Celebrating Our Families
Saturday 2/1
- Students will deliver special appreciation messages to families
