Cyclone Chatter December 10th, 2020

​Dear STM Families,
 
Thank you for your input and insights during the last week regarding our move to distance learning through December 17.  I have attempted to personally call as many of you as possible, but I’m running short on minutes.  If I have not called you, please know that each correspondence is very important to me in making future plans and decisions for our learning mode.  Many of you have shared meaningful and intuitive suggestions that we will consider in our planning, as well.

It’s hard to believe that we will begin our third week of Advent next week, so it is almost time to light the rose-colored candle.  This Sunday is known as Gaudete (Gow-DAY-tay) Sunday which means “rejoice.”  We rejoice that the birth of our Lord is near!  The liturgical colors at Mass include rose (not pink—just ask Fr. Justin!), as well.  

Please take a look at some of the activities that will culminate the final week of school before Christmas break (and beyond):


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 10-Dec. 17                 Distance Learning for all students
Friday, Dec. 11                   Final turn-in for Fun Raffle tickets
Monday, Dec. 14                Fun Raffle Drawing
Thursday, Dec.17               Last day of school before Christmas Break
Thursday, Dec. 17              Drive-by Christmas Celebration; 2:30 p.m. in STM parking lot
Dec. 21-Jan. 1                    Christmas Break--Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Monday, Jan. 4                   First day of school in 2021
Monday, Jan. 4                   Mrs. Corkins’ class First Reconciliation Service at 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 15                    Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL          


FINAL TURN-IN FOR FUN RAFFLE TICKETS IS TOMORROW!
All sold Fun Raffle ticket stubs must be returned by tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  Please turn those in before noon tomorrow at the STM school office.  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.  
For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount. 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DRIVE-BY EVENT:
Our STM teachers and staff would love to be able to spread some cheer and physically see our students and parents to wish you all a ‘Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year!’ 
Please join us at 2:30 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 17 for a Drive-By Christmas Event in our front driveway.  The teachers will social-distance and stand on the sidewalk to greet, wave, and maybe even sing a carol or two with you!!
We would love for you to come if you can!  Our students are sorely missed by all of the teachers and staff!  We are SO looking forward to our return on Monday, Jan. 4!!

WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
 All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.

MRS. CORKINS’ 2ND GRADE CLASS FIRST RECONCILIATION:
The First Reconciliation Service for the students in Mrs. Corkins’ 2nd grade class has been rescheduled for Monday, January 4 at 6 p.m. in the church.  During this service:

• Fr. Justin will begin with an introduction,
• share a gospel passage,
• give final instructions to the 2nd graders,
• and then our three priests will hear the 2nd graders' (only the students') confessions.
• Fr. Justin will share a concluding prayer at the end of the service.

STM HOLIDAY SPIRITWEAR PICK-UP: 
We don’t have a solid date/time for STM Spirit Wear delivery and pick-up.  Please continue to check your email for updates.  Thanks for your orders—and your patience!

STM AUCTION—HERE’S A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR FAMILY!
We have a family that is going to donate a French Bull Dog (Approximately 9 weeks old) to the auction. We are going to do a special online bidding for him on www.stmauction.org starting Friday through 12/18. He is AKC Chocolate Brindle and loves to play and cuddle. He is ready for his forever family. 
Take a look at his cute face on the attached flyer.  Here’s his little message to you:  
I am a puppy as you can see,
A pup that needs a family to love little me!!! 
I promise to play with you every day!!!
To shake and go fetch and even learn to stay!!
So, go tell your parents to bid on me cause I would love a place under your tree!

Following is a short Family Prayer Service for the 3rd Week of Advent that you might share at home:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Leader: Come Holy Spirit! In this third week of Advent, we ask You to fill our hearts with joy as we prepare for Jesus, who is coming soon!
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
Family member lights the first and second purple, as well as the rose candle.
Leader: Lord, as we journey closer to Christmas, center our joyful anticipation on Jesus’ coming. Of course You know that we are excited about gifts, decorations, gatherings, and treats.  Let all of these passing joys point us toward the unending joy that we find in knowing and loving Jesus.   
All:  Come, Lord Jesus.
Leader: Lord, as we joyfully look forward to Christmas, guard us against worry, stress, and unnecessary obligations.  Help us clear out whatever busyness distracts us from Jesus or steals our joy.   Give us clear eyes and hearts so that, without distractions, we might joyfully prepare for Jesus’ birth. 
All: Fill our hearts with hope, peace, and joy! Amen.

Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal