Our Spiritual Theme
Our Spiritual Theme: We Walk by Faith
February Focus: We Walk by Faith... in Knowledge
Spiritual Reflection by Miss Sheila O'Callaghan
Winter continues and it still feels cold. You must continue to wear your winter coat, mittens or gloves and boots. However, by the end of February if you lived in the south you would see signs of spring. God never forgets. He always puts love and variety in our lives.
Our school year is about half over. Our most important job right now is to stay focused, be respectful and love God.
On Sunday, February 2, we celebrate The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple when he was 40 days old. He was greeted there by the prophets, Simeon and Anna. They knew he was the Messiah and they rejoiced. The Presentation is also called a “feast of lights”. It is also called “Candlemas” because candles are blessed on this day.
Monday, February 3, is the 4th week in Ordinary Time. It is also the memorial of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. Legend tells us that Blaise was a doctor before he became a bishop. He died for this faith around the year 314. He healed a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Because of that Blaise is the patron of people who suffer from illnesses of the throat.
February 5, is the memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. She was a very beautiful young woman. She would not marry a certain pagan official, so he put her in prison. She died there.
St. Paul Miki and his companions are memorialized on February 6. They came to Japan in the sixteenth century. Many people became Christian. After some years the missionaries were told to leave. Paul Miki and many others stayed. They were found and put on crosses like Jesus. The Christians of Japan did not give up their faith. They baptized their children in secret and taught them about Jesus.
An Italian priest named Jerome Emiliani is remembered on February 8. He did many good deeds. He is famous because he loved children who had no parents.
In our prayers today and always, let us remember to pray for all children who have no one to love them and those who have no place to live. Please also 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 pray for our Armed Forces and First Responders.
Happy National School Counseling Week!
Across the nation, school counselors are being celebrated this week for their care and concern for the students they serve. This year's theme: Helping Students Thrive, is indicative of the hard work school counselors do each day to support their students promoting healthy self-esteem, teaching coping skills and resilience, and promoting healthy relationships with their peers.
St. Ann School celebrates and thanks our dedicated school counselors: Sister Mary Smith OSF of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and Ms. Kristen Blakely for their dedication and caring for our students and their families.
Please consider sending them a note of thanks this week!
Home & School Association Notes
Catholic Schools Week - Thank You Parents!
Parents, a small token of our thanks for your trust in and support of our school was distributed by HSA members and 8th graders at morning drop off on Friday 1/31, courtesy of the Home & School Association. If you did not receive a cell phone wallet, please contact the school office to secure one!
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Student Life Notes
Congratulations, SAS Spelling Bee Champion, Abby N.!
This week, the classroom spelling bee champions demonstrated their spelling skills in a spelling bee assembly. We are very proud of all of their efforts!
Please help us to congratulate our champion, 3rd grader Abby N., who won in the 14th round of spelling with the correct spelling of the word "upholstery!" She will represent our school at the Regional Spelling Bee in March!
Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus Essay Award Winners!
SAS students were invited to submit essays for consideration in the Jerry E. Dawson PSD Memorial 29th Annual Vocation Essay Contest.
The topics were:
5th Grade - My Unforgettable Story About A Priest, Nun, Religious Brother, or Deacon
6th Grade - Five Character Traits That I Admire In A Priest, Nun, Religious Brother or Deacon
7th Grade - Life Style Changes That Must Be Made For A Religious Vocation
8th Grade - Why We Need Dedicated Leaders In The Religious Life Today
Congratulations to the following student winners!
5th Grade - Rees A.
6th Grade - Coco C.
7th Grade - CJ S.
8th Grade - Zachary L.
Middle School Students are reminded of this week's exam schedule:
- Wednesday 2/5: Math Exam
- Thursday 2/6: ELA Exam
Morning classes will be one hour in length on these dates. We advise that students dedicate study time each evening leading up to exams, schedule after-school help as appropriate to guide studying, and get good sleep and breakfast before exams to perform at their best!
