Provide the gift of warmth this holiday season! With cold weather setting in, the Social Justice committee is collecting coats, hats, gloves, blankets, scarves and mittens for a group called Helping Hands for the Holidays. This collection will benefit those in need in the St. Charles community. Ends December 8.
Plans are underway for our annual Trivia Night on Saturday, January 23. It’s taking a new twist this year, with a totally ’90s theme. Entry fee for a team of eight is $200, or $25 per person. Beer and soda provided, with 50/50 raffle, silent auction, table decorating and attire competitions. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with play beginning at 7:15.
Watch for more information starting December 3.
The late-summer 2015 meeting of the Alumni Coordinating Council began with a celebratory visit to the Shrine to toast the recent completion of the informative walls there. They will help to educate pilgrims about the woman who is buried in one quiet corner of that edifice. Alumni Donations made that dream a reality!
The south wall traces the story of Philippine Duchesne life from her departure from France through her years in Missouri and Kansas. It ends with her death in the little cell on our campus. The north wall describes the two burial paces that preceded her present, inconspicuous tomb in a corner of the Shrine. It goes on to proclaim the legacy that her pioneer spirit secured in the United States and, indeed, by its missionary enterprise, into the whole world. Parabolic sound domes in each corner offer additional historic narratives that enhance the story of our saint.
Now we are ready to move down the hall to Phase III of our Alumni Project. We will be addressing “Philippine’s Back Porch.” Not only was this the exterior part of the original 1835 convent, but it derived new importance in 1951 when Philippine’s remains were carried in from the “round house” in the front yard and kept here in simple reverence until the Shrine was ready to receive her sarcophagus. This area will be modestly restored with appropriate signage this year to add another dimension to the pilgrim experience.
Many thanks for considering a gift to this year’s Alumni Project! CLICK HERE to donate.
Dear Parents,
During this beautiful and special week of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne’s Feast and in anticipation of Thanksgiving, I wish to express my deep gratitude to God for so much at this Academy.
Among the many things I am thankful for I include:
Moms, don’t miss out on an opportunity to create a stronger bond with your daughter! GIRLS IN THE KNOW is offering a 4-week series at ASH that’s designed for girls ages 9–13 and their mothers. Topics will include safety, bullying, nutrition, exercise, friendships, self-esteem, puberty and much more! Led by a group of female professionals, this 4-week program will meet on Sundays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2016 (from 4–5 p.m. in Cribbin Hall Library), teaching healthy communication skills to strengthen the mother-daughter bond while promoting positive self-esteem. REGISTER NOW—sessions are limited to 20 mother-daughter pairs. $125 per family, scholarships available.
Fourth Class students recently lent a hand at Santa’s Helpers, a non-profit agency that helps bring Christmas cheer to needy children. As described on the Santa’s Helpers website:
“Santa’s Helpers began in 1968 when founder Rita Swiener heard from a professor about a poor family that had fallen through the cracks of social support, and would not be helped over Christmas. She and a few friends sprang into action with gifts for every member of that family. Since that day, thousands of children have had a Christmas visit from Santa, bearing personalized gifts for them and their family.”
This morning the Sixth Class presented the life story of St. Philippine Duchesne as depicted in the stained glass windows of Cribbin Hall. The script they used was penned by Mrs. Jane Cannon, and provided a detailed description of the nine windows installed in the years 1941–1946 (following Philippine’s beatification in 1940). The rich imagery of the windows created by Emil Frei Studios beautifully illustrates the life of the saint whose Feast we celebrate tomorrow. Thanks, Sixth Class and Sister Margaret Munch, for bringing her story to life!
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Our Middle School students started the week by gathering in the Shrine for Prayers and Reflections for our World. The Fifth Class offered the following prayer:
We pray for all whose lives have been touched by tragedy, whether by accident or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn, immerse them in your love and
Lead them through this darkness into your arms and light.
For those who comfort, be in both the words they use and all that’s left unspoken;
Fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, whose own suffering brought us life, here and for eternity. Amen.
©John Birch
In honor of St. Philippine Duchesne’s Feast Day on Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Social Justice Leadership Council is organizing a Food Collection for New Hope Food Pantry. Especially appreciated are dry boxed items such as cereal, noodles, granola bars, crackers, cake/brownie mixes., etc.
New Hope is not supported by any government agency and relies solely on donations from schools and food drives. Social Justice member Berkeley said, “We are hoping for lots of items since New Hope is in need of items, especially with the holidays coming up!”
We’re looking forward to our Fall Open House for prospective families on Thursday, Nov. 19! If you know family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who are interested in learning more about the Academy, Open House is the perfect opportunity to see our school in action! The presentation begins at 9 a.m. with an overview of our mission as a Sacred Heart school, our unique educational philosophy, our curriculum and programs. Seventh and Eighth Class Student Ambassadors will lead tours, which are always a highlight for prospective families. Everyone is welcome to attend, and an RSVP is appreciated to help us plan. Please contact Lisa Tebbe, Admissions Director, at ltebbe@ash1818.org.
