During this busy season, some of our Middle School students made time for shopping and wrapping gifts for families in the Adopt-a-Family project. In conjunction with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Seventh and Eighth Class students tackled the wish lists of five area families in need. With money they donated themselves, they shopped at Target, selected clothing and toys for family members, and wrapped and bagged the gifts for delivery Dec. 7. Additional funds allowed for an extra contribution to Sts. Bridget and Teresa Parish for toys, and for turkeys and hams for Christmas food baskets at ASH.

[nggallery id=77]

We celebrated the feast of our sainted foundress, Rose Philippine Duchesne, on Friday, Nov. 16. The school community gathered in Rauch Memorial for her feast day liturgy, and shared the following Communion meditation, written by Kim King, RSCJ:

When we are asked to be bold and courageous,
 
You are our inspiration
 
When our imaginations dream and see beyond the limits of our sight,
 
You are our hope
 
When we fail to meet a challenge and need to accept our limitations,
 
You are our model
 
When we pray with the desire for deep union with God,
 
You are our Saint
 
And with your blessing, to the greater glory of God, we seek to be loving people who live and serve others with your same purpose, vision, and quiet humility.

Learn more about Philippine Duchesne’s life as a Religious of the Sacred Heart, and be inspired by many of her quotations on the Network of Sacred Heart Schools’ website.

On alternating Saturday mornings this fall, laughter and encouragement have emanated from the Play Room, where games and sports activities have been set up for young Special Olympics athletes. Volunteer Seventh Class students have organized the fun, working and playing with the 3- to 7-year-olds as they develop many of the athletic skills associated with soccer, basketball, t-ball and bowling. The athletes have practiced kicking, rolling and catching a ball, dribbling between cones, and sometimes just enjoying playing with new friends! Duck, Duck, Goose, parachute activities and snacks have added to the fun. The greatest gift has been the value and appreciation Seventh Class students have developed for the parents of these special needs students and the “kids who are just like them.”   

[nggallery id=76]

Our Fourth and Fifth Class students are helping to make the upcoming holidays a little brighter for area children by assisting Santa’s Helpers, an area non-profit group dedicated to seeing that all children are able to receive a few gifts at Christmastime. Our students have been traveling to the Santa’s Helpers warehouse and wrapping small gifts and toys that have been donated throughout the year. For more information, go to www.santashelpersstl.com.

Kick off your holiday shopping in style! For a second year, the Academy Mothers Club is bringing its long-running and popular Taste of Christmas event home to ASH, with more than three dozen vendors setting up shop in Rauch Memorial and the White Center. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to shop for unique clothing, jewelry, home decor, candles, stationery and much more. All proceeds benefit the school scholarship fund.

Click here for a listing of Chic Boutique vendors.

As a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, the Academy is committed to educating to the Goals of Sacred Heart Education: a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, the building of community as a Christian value, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Hear what students in the graduating class of 2012 have to say about the Academy of the Sacred Heart.