Saints Speak – 5/4/18- Love into Action
Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) is one of our contemporary saints. While her earthly accomplishments are large and far reaching, it was her relationship with God that was at the root of all of her work. We are all called to be "a carrier of God's love." In our actions, we then channel God's love to others. Her example reminds us that every endeavor should be rooted in and start and end in prayer. In her own words below, I feel that she beautifully summarizes our All Saints school community, and our call to action:
Love cannot remain by itself--it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action and that action is service.
Whatever form we are, able or disabled, rich or poor,
it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing;
a lifelong sharing of love with others.
This past weekend, All Saints held a blood drive and cookout to raise funds to help one of our own – ASCA graduate Javier Tecuatl and his family. There were so many impactful moments, so many people to recognize, and so many who collectively helped to make this day such a success.
The school building, normally quiet on a Saturday morning, was abuzz with activity. The fine folks from the Heartland Blood Center clearly were not prepared for the tremendous outpouring of people who wanted to donate blood. I would like to extend a big thank you to all of you who waited – some for more than 2 hours – to give blood. Some of you had not donated blood for many years. Some of you were first time donors. Some of you were ASCA graduates or parents of alumni. Some of you are not known to us, and simply were ‘walk ins’. But all of you wanted to give back – to Javier, and to others.
Our staff lounge was transformed into a bountiful buffet – filled with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, tacos, and more. Boy, did it smell good; and taste even better. All of the food and paper goods were donated by current school families, and even the families of our graduates.
In Café 1, the band, Lil’ Red, treated us to two sets of familiar old favorites and new tunes alike – from Simon and Garfunkel, to Three Dog Night, to Train. You couldn’t help but sing along (especially loud on the chorus). If you want to find out more about the band, or where their next gig is, they can be found on Facebook (Lil Red and the Howlin' Wolves).
With all of the planning meetings that led up to this day, and the army of hands and feet that pulled it off, the day began with everyone joining together in prayer.
I know that I cannot possibly name each person who played a role in making this event a reality. I would, however, like to recognize a mighty group of parents - our Celebra tu Herencia (Celebrate Your Heritage) school group – that was formed earlier this school year with a sole purpose of giving back to All Saints. The group has grown and accomplished much to enhance our All Saints Catholic Academy school community.
As a result of all of the volunteer efforts, over $5,000 was raised over the past week for Javier and his family. Wow! This is in addition to all of the generous GoFundMe donations. On top of that, many of the excess donations will help the school at our upcoming Open House and BBQ coming up this Wednesday, May 9 from 5 – 7 pm. Also, a big thank you to our school families who are sharing the good news about the upcoming Open House and BBQ on social media, along with strategic flyer placement. Your support and help is invaluable in promoting our wonderful school.
Ways in which you can still help the Tecuatl family:
1. If you like to cook--please consider hopping aboard The Meal Train: Please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d45a5ad28a20-tecault to sign up.
2. If you are able to donate monetarily--The GoFundMe Page is at https://www.gofundme.com/javier-tecuatl
Most of all, please pray, just as Saint Teresa of Calcutta modeled for each one of us. Pray for Javier. Let us storm the heavens with healing prayers for him. Let us pray for Javier’s doctors, nurses and medical team. Let us pray for his comfort during his treatment. Let us pray for his sister Ashlee and parents. We know that our loving and gracious God will not leave his side, and will hold him in the palm of his hand on this journey.
Yesterday, I enjoyed watching our students complete their GLOW Run with the Saints in our school gym. I am grateful for all of the support that this Boosterthon fundraising initiative has received from our All Saints school community and beyond. The results are still coming in, as it is not too late to contribute. One school parent on her way into the school this morning shared that she already has received three additional pledges since yesterday, and was so pleased because she knows that every bit helps. Pledging will remain open until 8 am next Thursday, May 10. I have to take this opportunity to acknowledge school parent Jennifer Haidu, her amazing committee, and also PB and Joy, and everyone from Boosterthon Fun Run for their help in raising these funds for ASCA, and for creating such fun and school spirit over the past two weeks.
As I reflect on our virtue focus of loyalty this week, I again am astounded at how our focus seems to always connect so beautifully with what is happening at All Saints. When we think about loyalty, we have to reflect on the kind of friend that we want to have, and on the friend that we want to be. I’ll bet that you would desire friends who are dependable, and who will remain true to you. Think for a moment about how important it is to practice loyalty when you are part of a team. Team members support and encourage each other. You exhibit compassion and forgiveness when one member of the team stumbles. I cannot help but see and feel this virtue in all of the events of this week. Let us continue to practice this virtue here at All Saints, and in our homes.
A Few Other Things
Feast of St Dymphna
St Thomas the Apostle will be celebrating a special mass to honor the Feast Day of St Dymphna. If you are not aware, St Dymphna is the patron saint of mental disorders, nervousness and anxiety. The actual feast day is May 15; however the mass will be celebrated at St Thomas on Monday, May 7 at 7 pm. There are so many young people who are struggling with mental health issues. You may want to attend this mass to pray for the health of our young people, and those who are facing these often life and death struggles. There are also St Dymphna prayers and novenas available online.
Reading Workshop for Parents
St. Raphael will be holding a reading workshop for parents (presented by Nancy Murlick) on Tuesday, May 22 from 1-2:30 pm. At this event, you will learn tips and tricks to making reading fun, how to select the ‘right book’ for your child, as well as activities to help him/her be a successful reader. RSVP by Friday, May 18 to (630) 355-1880.
Update from SHPP
Wow, there are a lot of things happening at ASCA in the upcoming weeks. This week on Tuesday, May 8, SHPP will be sponsoring an assembly for teachers, staff and students. We have arranged for Matt Wilhelm, former America's Got Talent semi-finalist, to come speak to our school community, and to entertain us. Matt is a three time X-Game medalist and a two time United States National Champion. He will dazzle us with his BMX bike tricks. Additionally, Matt's presentation will cover a variety of different topics such as encouraging our children to stand up for themselves, to be safe, to be responsible, to be respectful, and so much more. He will share personal stories of how he overcame challenges in his own life. We hear that he may jump over Mrs. Santos with his bike. We encourage you to visit his website at www.mattwilhelm.com.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to school parent, Michelle Ling. It was her idea to have a Holiday Shop this past December. The great success of the Holiday Shop, and the funds that were raised, is helping us bring Matt and this exciting assembly to All Saints. This never could have happened without the tireless work of Michelle and all of the Holiday Shop elves (volunteers). Thank You!!!
School supply sheets for the 2018-2019 school year are in the process of being double checked, and sent to School Kidz for printing. As soon as we receive them, they will be sent home with students, and also put up on the ASCA website.
Next week, the nominating ballots for SHPP committee heads will be sent home. Please remember to vote so that events like these, and so many more can continue. Without YOU, these events cannot happen.
Vacation Bible Schools in our Parishes and Diocese
St Thomas the Apostle
The deadline for your registration is today, Friday, May 4. For more information, go to http://www.stapostle.org/scripture-safari-registration-now-available/, or contact the Faith Formation / Religious Education Office with questions, (630) 305-6318 or Patti at pdougherty@stapostle.org.
St. Elizabeth Seton
Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 30. Contact the RE office at (630) 416-1992 for more information.
Totus Tuus Catholic Summer Camp Program – Diocese of Joliet
Registration is open now at https://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ttjoliet/sectioncontent.php?secid=2 for students entering grades 1-12.
News from the All Saints Athletic Association
Track and Field
Congratulations to athletes competing in last week’s meet. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finishers were:
5th Grade
- Keegan Glynn 1st - Long Jump; 3rd – 100m
- Payton Knox 3rd – 800m
- Colin Leonard 3rd – 75m
- Will Yacullo 2nd – 200m; 3rd – Long Jump
- K. Glenn/P. Knox/C. Leonard/W. Yacullo 2nd – 4x100 relay
- W. Jimenez/C. Leonard/S. Knox/W. Yacullo 3rd – 800 medley relay
- Dylan Kokkinos 2nd – Javelin
- Sarah Meyers 1st – Javelin; 3rd – Shot Put
- Isabella Wojtowicz 1st – High Jump; 2nd – 100m
6th Grade
- Brendan Fenlon 2nd – 600m; 2nd – Triple Jump
- Nick Madden 1st – 100m; 2nd – 75m;
- Kyle Zediker 3rd – High Jump; 3rd – Triple Jump
- Aaron Vivar 2nd – Shot Put
- N.Madden/E. Mueller/N. Roe/C. Rojas 1st – 4x100 relay
Congratulations to Bella Mendoza for her 3rd place finish in Long Jump and 3rd place finish in 75m run at the meet held on April 21st.
For additional meet and individual results, please visit http://s-p-l.org. This week’s meet will be co-hosted by ASCA and Ss. Peter & Paul at Marmion Academy this Saturday, May 5.
Important News
2018-2019 Sports Registration is Now Open through May 20. If your child will be in 5th – 8th grades for the 2018-2019 school year, be sure to access the registration website at www.asca.SIPlay.com establish an account and register for the sport of choice. All students (grades 5-8th) are welcome to join the athletics program. All Saints offers volleyball, cross country, basketball and track & field. If you have questions, please email Erika Baka at jnebaka@gmail.com.
Why All Saints Athletics?
- Physical and social development - Our athletics program is a great way for students (grades 5-8) to be active in a fun, competitive and social atmosphere. There are many advantages for children who are involved in organized sports.
- “NO CUT” Policy – ALL students (grades 5-8) have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic league play
- Fosters school spirit
Parents – Your Help is Needed Too! Our athletics program cannot be successful without the help of our parents. If you are looking for a way to become more involved, please consider volunteering within our organization. We are looking for parents interested in coaching, helping to grow school spirit, plan/organize social events (including “Blue Out”, Alumni Night, Car Wash, banquet video production, team photography, etc.) For additional information, contact Erika Baka or Keith Glab.
Upcoming Dates:
Thru May 20 2018-19 Sports Registration open on SIPlay.com
May 5 Track Meet @ Marmion Academy (co-hosted with SSPP)
May 12 Track Divisional Championships @ Geneva Middle School South
May 19 Track League Championships @ Bolingbrook High School
May 31 Track & Field Banquet
GO SAINTS!!
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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