Saints Speak – 11/15/2018 – So Much to Be Thankful For
We will be celebrating Thanksgiving just one week from today. This is one of my favorite holidays, especially when I reflect on memories of time with family, not to mention the food. Giving thanks helps us to recognize, appreciate, and be grateful for the good things in our lives. It’s something that’s good to do every day; however, there is something very special about this day in particular.
On Thanksgiving, how wonderful would it be to see all people making a special effort on this day to say thank you to the people in their lives—family, friends, neighbors, and to God for the joys that are in their lives. Thanksgiving has the potential to be a day that could unify everyone across this world in giving thanks and gratitude. I would like to share this beautiful prayer written by author, Lorna Byrne:
A Prayer of Thanks
Thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me, my God.
The blessing of having a soul, that speck of your light.
The blessing of the gift of my guardian angel for eternity, that never leaves me even for one second.
The blessing of the peace and love that dwells in me.
The blessing of the family you have given me.
The blessing of those you send into my life for companionship.
The blessing of living in harmony with those around me.
The blessing of my labour, my work.
The blessings of all the material things I have in my life, big and small.
The blessings of this wonderful world and the nature around me.
Thank you, my God, for all the things I forget to thank you for.
And most of all, thank you, my God, for continuing to bless my life.
Amen.
We gather on this day to be thankful for what we have, for the family we love, the friends we cherish, and for the blessings that will come. I wish you and all of your loved ones a most happy Thanksgiving. Safe travels to those who will be on the road or in the air.
I am also very grateful for all of our ASCA students and families who are living our mission statement, and in particular, being of service to others.
I was dumbfounded upon hearing about the over 700 pounds of candy that was collected for our troops. A huge thank you to parents Robin Beck and Anne Soto who chair our Saints in Service - SHPP Community Outreach Committee, and who helped with the candy collection. Their cars were overflowing with sweet treats.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the service we have completed, thus far, as a school community. During this school year, ASCA students and families have........................
- donated hundreds of boxes of cereal to Loaves and Fishes food pantry, which was collected at the Meet and Greet in August.
- donated over 2,300 books to Chicago area at-risk school children through Bernie’s Book Bank, which was collected during our fall book fair in October.
- donated over 700 pounds of candy to our active duty military through Operation Support Our Troops, which was collected in our candy drive this November.
Our students are also doing service with their classmates, as they participate in their Grade Level Service Projects supporting organizations such as: St. Patrick’s Residence, Operation Support Our Troops, Ronald McDonald House, Hesed House, Angel’s Grace Hospice Care, and Blessings in a Backpack.
Our Junior High students are doing much to serve our school community. Thank you Junior High for stepping up into the following leadership roles:
- babysitting during SHPP meetings and Parent Teacher conferences
- altar serving, singing in the mass choir, serving as mass buddies with our younger saints, and serving as sacristans who prepare the gym for mass each week.
- They are acting as Student Leaders for our school-wide collections, and will continue to serve others through Student Voices.
I would like to thank YOU, our ASCA students and families, for your generosity and for making a difference in the lives of others!
As we move into the cold weather months, we have a number of upcoming events that you may wish to participate in:
Button and Zipper Coat Drive: November 26- 30
Button & Zipper is a charity that collects men’s, women’s and children’s outerwear to help Chicagoans in need stay warm during our long winter months. These items will be distributed to homeless shelters, youth organizations, and individuals on the streets, throughout the Chicagoland area, this winter. We will be collecting clean, gently used or new coats the week following Thanksgiving break.
Cradles to Crayons Shoe Drive: November 26 - 30
Cradles to Crayons is a charity that collects and distributes new and nearly new children’s items through grassroots community drives. Donations are processed and packaged by volunteers in their warehouse for distribution to local disadvantaged children. We will be collecting new or gently used shoes, boots, sneakers and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and adult sizes 1–10) the week following Thanksgiving break.
Drop off collection bins will be placed by Door 1 for these collections. With the holidays approaching, this is a great time to clean out your closets to make room for new items!
Annual Advent Hesed House Collection: December 3 – 14
Each year, during Advent, our school community collects items for Hesed House. Hesed House is a homeless shelter based in Aurora. Almost 1,000 individuals (including ~200 children) are served each year through Hesed House’s shelter and three housing programs. Hesed House has informed us that they are in need of certain items for their clientele. This is a voluntary drive, so participate, if you are able. Please click here for a flyer with further details.
Save the Date – MLK Day of Service: January 21, 2019
Save the date for our MLK Day of Service on January 21, 2019. While school is not in session on January 21st, students are asked to complete an act of service in honor of MLK Day. More details regarding service project opportunities will follow!
A slide show highlighting our ASCA service projects will run on the 1st floor hallway screen during Grandparents Day and the coming week.
Grandparents (and other Very Important Person – VIP) Day – Tuesday, November 20th at 12:30 pm
Speaking of gratitude – we LOVE our grandparents and the very special people who play such an important role in our children’s lives. We look forward to welcoming them to ASCA this coming week. If your grandparent has not yet responded that they are coming, please have them give us a call at school, or send an email to ascagrandparents@gmail.com.
There is a prayer service planned that begins at 12:30 pm, with special presentations and performances, and classroom visits.
Afterschool Program Pick Up – New Policy
In our ongoing efforts to address safety at All Saints, we have reviewed the pickup of students from all afterschool activities such as Sticky Fingers Cooking Class, Nanobeast Coding classes, Chess Club, Sewing Club, Girl Scouts and Daisies, Piano, Voice, Band or Orchestra lessons, Musical Rehearsals, Detention, and of course, Athletics – any activity that takes place from 3:30 pm on.
All students should be picked up from afterschool activities at Door 1 (Main Welcome Desk Entrance). Parents will only be allowed to wait in the vestibule (between the outside door and the locked inside door) or in their car – not inside by the Welcome Desk.
The only exception will be parents who are picking up their child from afterschool care. These parents should still enter the building and be buzzed in via Door 7 to sign out their students. Parents who are picking up students from extended care from 4 – 6 pm must use the Door 7 entrance.
December Hot Lunch Orders
December hot lunch orders will be accepted through Monday, November 19.
Remember to make a copy of your order form (or take a picture on your phone) so you know what and when you ordered. Late orders cannot be accepted. Please don’t be disappointed – turn in your order early. Questions? Contact Jennifer Thornton at jthornton@ascacademy.org.
First Wednesday Adoration
Our next First Wednesday Adoration will be on Wednesday, December 5. All ASCA families, students, and staff are welcome to join us each month. A sign-up sheet is located in the Chapel. We would appreciate people signing up to be certain that we have the entire day covered. Times will be one hour slots from 9-3. If you have any questions, please contact Christi Kluzak at dkluzak@comcast.net.
All Aboard SHPP
Thank you to all who attended our November SHPP meeting. The meeting minutes have been posted on the school website at https://ascacademy.org/About-ASCA/SHPP. If you have any questions, please contact the Executive Team at shpp@ascacademy.org. The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30 pm in Café 1. Please mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!
Get ready- the Holiday Shop is coming
Back by popular demand, SHPP is excited to sponsor ASCA's 2018 Holiday Shop from December 3 - 6. The shop will offer a large variety of gifts with kid-friendly prices -- most are under $5 -- and free gift wrapping. Stay out of the cold and crowds this holiday season, and get all of your holiday shopping done right in McSherry Hall. Look for the preview table after Thanksgiving break. Can't wait to see what the Holiday Shop has to offer this year? Click here to check out our online shop! Here you can see all the gifts that will be offered, including their prices, and create shopping lists. Just print them out and bring them with you. Shopping couldn't be any easier! Enjoy your Thanksgiving break in the comforts of your home and plan on doing your shopping at the Holiday Shop!
Do you love all things Christmas? Are you one of those people who loves to see the looks on people's faces when you've found the perfect gift? Or perhaps you enjoy giving others your gift of time. If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then we have the thing for you. Consider volunteering at the Holiday Shop. It takes many of Santa's Helpers to help spread that Christmas cheer and we would love for you to join our team! Just click on the link below and sign up. Thank you in advance for helping make this holiday season magical for all!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BAFA62BA1F58-2018
Looking for Recess Volunteers
As schedules change, we find ourselves short at recess again. We are currently in need of volunteers for recess on Thursdays and Fridays. It's a great way to meet new people and enjoy that crisp fall air! Please sign up on the following link if you are interested in volunteering: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0449a8a922a5fb6-recess
Coordinated Teacher Christmas Gift
SHPP is currently collecting for the teacher/staff Christmas Gift. Please click here for more information.
COMING HOME – ASCA’s 14th Annual Dinner Dance Auction
DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE AT WINNING THE $5,000 TUITION CREDIT! RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW – NEARLY 50% of TICKETS ALREADY SOLD!
An annual part of the DDA is the $5,000 tuition credit raffle. For only $100 per ticket, you have the chance to win $5,000 toward your 2019-2020 tuition…or use the credit to make a very generous donation to the ASCA Scholarship Program! Only 150 tickets will be sold and nearly 50% of tickets have already been purchased. Time is running out!
DDA volunteers are available for ticket sales after Mass each week and during Grandparents Day. You can also purchase your ticket online at ascacademy.org. Find us under the “About ASCA” tab. Tuition Credit Raffle Tickets purchased before December 21st will be entered into a drawing for a Fees and Forms credit for the 2019-2020 school year…an additional $390 value (K- 8 students) / $155 value (preschool students)!
Please see the ASCA DDA website for complete rules and restrictions. Cash, Check (payable to ASCA) or FACTS (must be set up for auto-pay) will be accepted. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Bayer at dda@ascacademy.org. Mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss this great night of food, music and fun!
ASCA 14th Annual Dinner Dance & Auction – Coming Home! Saturday, February 23, 2019 6 pm - Midnight at ASCA
The DDA Forms Finder
Looking for a form? Please see the following forms and links below:
Fundraising Corner
Tamale Sale
Our ASCA Tamale Sale is ongoing through the end of this month. Friday, November 30 will be the last day that orders are accepted. Proceeds will go toward renovation of our chapel and the purchase of a new tabernacle. Click here for a copy of the order form.
Bakers Square Pie Sale
Bakers Square pies are great for Thanksgiving, Christmas OR ANYTIME!!!! The Class of 2019 is raising money to help fund their 8th Grade Legacy Gift with the sale of Sweet Return gift cards from Bakers Square. You can use the Sweet Returns gift cards to purchase pies for the holidays or family gatherings. The cards make great gifts! You can purchase cards now and save them for future use. The Sweet Returns cards have NO expiration date and can be used at any Bakers Square location.
Sweet Return Red Cards can be used to purchase fruit pies, and only cost $13. Sweet Return Green Cards can be used to purchase custard and cream pies, and only cost $15. If you purchase a red card and decide you want a pie from the green card list, you can pay an additional $2 (+tax) at the time of purchase. Please note that cheesecakes and carrot cakes are not included in this offer.
Click here for the order form. All of this information can also be found at https://ascacademy.org/Forms-Flyers. To ensure pie card delivery before Thanksgiving, please submit your order form and payment by Monday, November 19.
Cards will also be available for walk up purchases on Monday, November 19 outside Door 1 from 2:15 - 4 pm. The Class of 2019 thanks you for your support.
Yankee Candle Update
Don't forget you can still place orders online through the end of 2018, and still receive FFO credit. Go to http://www.yankeecandlefundraising.com, and enter our GN 999983478. Remember to set up a student account to receive FFO credit.
Upcoming FFO Opportunities
Lynch Creek Farms Christmas Wreaths are coming soon. Stay tuned!
What is this FFO?
Remember that all families are responsible for their Family Fundraising Obligation (FFO - $250 for preschool only families; $500 for K-8 families).
We encourage ALL SCHOOL FAMILIES to take advantage of each fundraiser that is offered that goes toward your FFO. For more information on fundraising opportunities at ASCA this year, please go to https://ascacademy.org/Portals/0/ASCA%20Fundraising%202018-2019.pdf. If you have any fundraising questions, please contact fundraising@ascascademy.org
Remaining fundraisers currently available that count toward your FFO include:
- Yankee Candles – online ordering available through 12/31/18.
- Lynch Creek Farms Christmas Wreaths – stay tuned for more information to come
- Scrip – orders are placed each week. Orders made through the end of February will count toward the 2018-2019 FFO. Orders placed after February count toward your 2019-2020 FFO.
- DDA donations - cash and item donations. See the DDA Forms Finder for more information. Note – ticket/raffle purchases do not count toward the FFO.
Tecuatl Family Meal Train
If you are interested in volunteering to prepare a meal, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d45a5ad28a20-tecault
.
Upcoming Events in our Parish Communities
St. Elizabeth Seton Women’s Advent Tea - Sunday, December 2nd
As we anticipate the season of Advent, let’s give ourselves the gift of a peace-filled afternoon, so we can truly appreciate the blessed Christmas season. Come alone or with friends, family, neighbors, CRHP, Cursillo, Small Christian Community, or Book Club groups. The event is open to all women 19+. The cost is $35 per person includes lunch and entertainment.
The event will take place from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, so please plan on joining us. All are welcome! Raffle tickets will be sold at the tea for $2 each, or 3 for $5. Proceeds are donated to charity. Reservations are available at ASCA by contacting Maryanne Higdon at mhigdon@ascacademy.org.
Advent By Candlelight Concert
A concert featuring award winning music artist and author Tacji (Tatiana Cameron) will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Community on Sunday, December 2 from 3 – 5 pm. If you have not seen her, she presents a very moving experience. All are welcome! Reserve your seats at www.hscc.us.
St. Elizabeth Seton's Annual Craft & Vendor Fair
Start your holiday shopping early at the annual St. Elizabeth Seton Craft & Vendor Fair after all masses this weekend, Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18.
News from All Saints Athletic Association
Basketball game schedules have been posted to the DPL website. You can view your team’s schedule at http://www.dplbba.org. Reminder no practices will be held during the Thanksgiving break. Practice schedules will resume on Monday, November 26th and games will begin on Friday, November 30th. Remember to pick up a new ASCA basketball car decal and show your team spirit!
Parents: please return your athlete’s volleyball uniform to the main office as soon as possible. Uniforms need to be cleaned prior to return. Place the uniform in a Ziploc bag with the player’s name and team so that you receive credit for the return.
IMPORTANT & UPCOMING NEWS
SHOUT-OUTS now available! Does your athlete have a birthday to celebrate? Do you want to recognize your son/daughter’s team or your son/daughter for their academic/athletic performance? SHOUT-OUTS are now available for $25 through the Athletic Association. Shout-outs will be placed on the digital scorekeeper’s table at all HOME games for one weekend. Be sure to purchase a shout-out to recognize your child’s special moment! Contact Keith Glab at kglab@ascacademy.org.
Show your team pride by placing a SAINTLY SPOT in the DDA booklet. Submission deadlines are due by January 19th. For further information, contact DDA Chair, Catherine Chen at chenxcatherine@gmail.com
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@ASCA_Athletics) and Instagram (@allsaintsathletics) and Facebook (All Saints Athletics)!
GO SAINTS!!
Check Us Out on Social Media
A Tremendous Thank You to the Cornerstone Sponsors of
A Green Tie Affair, ASCA Dinner Dance Auction 2018
For more information, please click on the Cornerstone Sponsor logos above. We encourage you to patronize these generous sponsors.
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