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December 9, 2019
Reflection
by Sheila O'Callaghan
On Sunday, December 1, Father Mink reminded all of us that the second collection on December 8, was to support The Retirement Fund for Religious. Father also reminded us of the wonderful work of the sisters taking care of the poor and the forgotten and educating children in Catholic schools. Then, we had Father Jasper's "APP" wherein he spoke about the Advent wreath and the meaning Sister Carmen Rosa gave to each candle - Jesus in History, Mystery and Majesty. Father Mink and Father Jasper encourage us to be the Light and Love of Christ for others. Listen to them.
On Monday, December 9, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary's Immaculate Conception. We celebrate our belief that Mary was full of God's grace from the moment she was conceived. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, is the patron of the United States.
We also remember St. Juan Diego. He was a poor Mexican man who had great devotion to Mary. He had a vision of Mary and she left her picture on his cloak. His cloak hangs in the Basilica in Mexico City.
Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated on December 12. We know Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego. He had great faith. The faith of many Mexican Christians has remained strong since the time of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego.
Please pray for the sick, especially Father Mink, Ms. Carmen, Baby William Kelley, Mrs. Bradford's mother, Mr. Colonna and all the sick of our parish.
Our Armed Forces and First Responders need our prayers everyday. Please pray for them.
SCHOOL NOTESby Principal Pat Grant
Fortunately there were no bears on the St. Ann's campus this week, but there must have been some reindeer, because Santa himself arrived this morning! Hohoho. It sure was fun having breakfast with Santa and enjoying a delicious meal with our wonderful St. Ann families in the Social Hall. Big thanks to Mrs. Lisa Stewart for organizing the event and thanks to her elves, Mrs. Alison Ray, Mrs. Kelly Donilon, and Mrs. Stella-Carlton for all their help. We appreciate Brian Raughley and his jolly crew from Dead Presidents for the great food, and we are also grateful to the Knights of Columbus and Padua Academy student volunteers.
If you want another chance to get in the Christmas spirit, come to the Christmas concert at 2pm Sunday in the church tomorrow and hear SAS children's choir sing as well as being treated to the St. Ann adult choir. And don't forget to bring the family out for good old-fashioned Christmas Caroling next Sunday 6-8 pm. Refer to the schedule below for other Christmas events at school to which families and friends are welcome. A letter of intent to enroll sibling(s) in our Early Childhood Program was sent home in the Friday folder. We would like to give priority to current St. Ann families if they intend to enroll a sibling(s) in Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 or Kindergarten. Please return the letter by Friday, 12/20, in order to receive priority. Thank you!
Reminders
More Useful Information
Winter weather: We get our closing and early dismissal direction from the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office. We use the School Messenger system to alert St. Ann families. You can also subscribe to WDEL SNOWATCH if you want text messages sent to you. Sign up for CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS-New Castle County.
Dec 13-14-- The Delaware Art Museum is holding a Winter Arts Festival. Celebrate the season at this FREE family-friendly event where you can shop for holiday gifts from 20 regional artisan, listen to festive music performed by local choirs and enjoy seasonal decorations. Winter-themed art projects will be available for children and their families. Friday noon to 8 pm. Saturday 9 to 4. Call 571-9590 for more information. DelArt.org.
2019-2020 St. Ann School Calendar: Attached here is the detailed St. Ann School Calendar for 2019-20. Please note that changes may occur to this calendar during the course of the year, so check back periodically.
2019-2020 Diocesan Calendar: Attached here is the Diocesan School Calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.
Amazon Smile: Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support St. Ann's every time you shop, at no cost to you. Next time you want to make a purchase through Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smile via this Amazon Smile link. Save it to your favorites or bookmark it. That way, every time you buy, Amazon will donate 0.5% to St. Ann's. It's just that simple!
Volunteers needed
Background Checks: We need background checks on any adult who wants to spend time with our children in school or at a school-sponsored off-campus event. The cost is $30 and they are good for 5 years. Please contact Pat Walker at pwalker@stannwilmington.com if you are interested.
Lunchroom: We can always use volunteers. Please consider if you or another family member can help out. On the job training available! Contact Brook Rowe at bepers@gmail.com if you can help.