Sunday was a beautiful day for Catholics. To have two popes canonized as saints who were alive in our lifetime is amazing.
If you have been in my office, you know that I have a favorite picture of John Paul II. A few years ago a father was in my office, and he actually teared up when he saw the picture. He told me that when his son (who was 13 at the time) was born, there was a rare blood complication. The doctor came to him at the delivery time, and told him that his baby and his wife were not going to make it. They would try, but there was really no hope. The father was understandably beyond distraught. He called his uncle who was a Bishop, and asked him to pray. He then went to the hospital chapel and prayed himself. The uncle knew who to call; and somehow, word made it to the Vatican in record time. A request was made; and Pope John Paul II added his prayers for the man’s wife and child. The wife and son, against all earthly odds, survived; and the child that John Paul II prayed for at his birth graduated from All Saints Catholic Academy. God is so very good.
The picture above on this page is of a beautiful new gift to All Saints Catholic Academy. This is a Wall of Saints is found on our second floor as you approach the library ramp. This wall was designed and created by the Yambao and Yoshioka families in honor of their daughters who are graduating from All Saints this year. What a beautiful gift this is; and the timing of it so wonderfully honors the newest of our saints: Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II. We are filled with gratitude.
A Second Reflection
I had two moments this past weekend that felt like the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. First, Fr Paul’s Holy Thursday Homily was printed in our bulletin. I had heard the words that Thursday night, but they felt different in print. He was speaking of how we had to realize that even Judas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin had to be forgiven. He said:
“….. there is nothing more natural than retaliation. Children do it. One child hits another, and the other hits back—no instruction needed. The instruction is about resisting the temptation to retaliate. And a case could be made, and I think should be, that violence is basically retaliation for injuries either real or imagined. And imagined injuries can be as deep and as painful as real ones………….. Jesus’ view was that all these claims belong in the court of the Father who alone is just. This means not only that people have to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, it means that whole societies have to wait upon the justice of God. This requires faith and patience, even in a secular age. There is simply no other solution. Jesus is proclaiming that God is ready and always was to forgive all transgressions. And if people really want to inflict injury in retribution for all their hurts, real or imagined, he will take all of that into himself.”
Educators spend a great deal of time trying to show children that there are answers and solutions other than retaliation.
The second voice came in the form of an article in the Sunday Tribune, entitled 10 Things You Might Not Know About Lies. Very interesting. It seems to be so systemic to our society.
In one of the university classes I teach, we look at an ongoing annual survey began in 1966 at Michigan State University. The trait most highly valued is honesty. We have a disconnect in our society between how we behave and what we value.
Here at ASCA, as Jesus people, we value both honesty and forgiveness. These are consistent with our mission. Just some food for thought.
Founders Day
Today, we are celebrating Founders Day. We are only in existence through the foresight and vision of a group of parishioners, parents and grandparents who worked very hard to create our school. The founders who were able to be with us today were introduced at Mass, and then toured ASCA to see the fruits of their efforts. We also have commemorated their names circling around the soffit in the area by the school office. Take a look and say a prayer of thanksgiving for all they have given us.
D203 Busing Change
Please make a note on your upcoming calendars. There will be no busing home from school this Friday, May 2 for District 203 bus riders. You will need to arrange alternate transportation for your student on these particular days. All other buses will be running.
Kilroy was Here
Wow – I hope you had a chance to see our junior high musical this past weekend. We sure have some talented and hardworking thespians in our junior high! The singing, the dancing, the costumes….all outstanding. We know that our students could not possibly have pulled this off without great support from their parents. Thank you very much to all who helped to make this happen.
2014 G.L.O.W. 5k Run for Reading
Have you seen the colorful 2014 G.L.O.W. 5k signs along the Naperville streets lately? Have you wondered how you could be part of this fun run? We want YOU to join our Shining Saints ASCA team for the 2014 G.L.O.W. 5K Run/Walk for Reading! We are looking for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to join us for a fun-filled evening of exercise and community sprit! (We hear that there are many walkers at this event.) All proceeds from this event go to the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, which enhances literacy programs throughout District 203, District 204 and area private schools. Over the past few years, ASCA has received approximately $7,000 in grants from this Fund! We recently found out that we have been awarded a grant of $2,000 for the 2014-2015 school year for professional development and to purchase sets of fiction and non-fiction books to use in guided reading groups. We would love to support this wonderful organization that has been so generous with ASCA!
Please check out the Glow Registration flier, and consider registering with your family and friends. (You know that Mrs. Abrams, as well as Track and Field have helped your children to be ready to run!) Also, FYI, Anderson’s Bookshop will award an author visit to the school with the highest percentage participation. Come on Saints! A prize will be given for Best “GLOWING” Individual. Go to www.naperglow5k.com for more information.
Lenten Project – Thank you!
Our grand total of clothes collected this year for the children of the Hogar del Pobre Orphanage is 839 items plus $285, which has far exceeded our goal. Mrs. Porlier's class collected the highest amount of items – 54; and preschool collected 84 items collectively. The junior high resurrection egg project was responsible for over $200…truly a legacy of love. In the name of these needy children, thank you for your support!
Teacher Appreciation Week
It’s getting close to the end of the school year when we honor and thank our teachers for their dedication to our children. Teacher Appreciation Week will take place the week of May 5-9th. This year, we are asking parents to support our efforts in two ways:
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Gift cards for the teachers will be purchased with your donations along with a letter listing the names of all contributors.A donation of $5 per child is suggested.Please send donations, payable to ASCA, to the office with "Teacher Appreciation" noted in the memo line by this Friday, May 2nd.If you have any questions, please contact Robin Gullborg at robinborg@sbcglobal.net.The Teacher Appreciation Week flyer went home in hard copy last week with all oldest and only students, and is also available at the school website.
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On Monday, May 5th, please send your kids to school with a freshly picked or purchased flower.We will provide teachers with a 12” vase so they can create a bouquet for their classroom.
We have many other events planned for our teachers during this week, including a “Red Carpet VIP Luncheon” on Wednesday and a light breakfast on Thursday morning. We need many volunteers to help make this week special for our teachers. If you would like to help out, please contact Paula DeRuntz at pderuntz@wowway.com and/or Mili Jain at mili_anand@hotmail.com.
Servant Leader Award
Please see the Servant Leader Award nomination form that is attached to this newsletter, and also found at the school website. SHPP would like to recognize those parents of 8th grade students who have contributed so much to the All Saints Catholic Academy school community. Please return your nomination form by Friday, May 9. Please contact Robin Gullborg at robinborg@sbcglobal.net with any questions.
Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!... at the ASCA Flower Sale!
With hope and a prayer, Spring is right around the corner. After a long, dreary Winter, let's add some brightness to our homes! Most of us purchase flowers each year, so please consider buying yours through school to support a fundraising initiative. The following flowers will be available in a variety of vibrant colors:
- Geranium 4.5" Pots - $5 per plant - minimum order 6 pots
- Geranium 10" Hanging Baskets - $30 per basket
- Petunia 10" Hanging Baskets - $30 per basket
The flowers will once again be supplied by Lizzie's Garden in Naperville. ASCA families who have purchased plants through our last two sales will attest to the beauty and quality of the flowers. We have heard from many of you, upon seeing the flowers, that you wished you had placed an order - so don't miss out this time!
We are timing the sale so you will receive your plants right before Mother's Day weekend. Order for yourselves, neighbors, friends and family, too! Our Spring Flower Sale order form/flyer was sent home with all oldest and only students, and is also available at the school website. The deadline to return order forms is this Friday morning, May 2. You will pick up your flowers in McSherry Hall on Thursday afternoon, May 8th.
If there are any questions, please contact Michelle Yacullo at 630-416-6691 or yacullo@sbcglobal.net. Thanks in advance for your support of our school through an investment you will enjoy all summer!
Do you know someone who can help?
If you know of anyone who has a working car that they could donate, please let me know. I will connect them to a disabled person in great need of this help.
The Runaway Pencil
will be closing down soon for the current school year! Thursday morning, May 8 will be the last day to visit the ‘Pencil’ for your school supply needs. We thank all of you who made a purchase this year; and look forward to seeing you all next year.
Kane County Cougars Outing
SAVE THE DATE! The annual All Saints at the Kane County Cougars Game will be Friday, June 6. More details coming soon.
Class of 2014 Car Wash
The ASCA Class of 2014 will be holding a Car Wash Fundraiser this Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 12 pm in the ASCA South Parking Lot. All monies earned will go towards the class legacy gift. Please contact Ruth Combs at trescombs@comcast.net with any questions.
Community Outreach
Big Spring Clean - "This and That" Collection for SCARCE
We are collecting several items for SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Composting and Recycling Education) during the month of April. The following items are needed:
Puzzles
Yarn
Glasses and/or sunglasses
Keys
Metal molds (for super crayons)
Corks
This is a great reason to clean out your closets! Bring all donations to the ASCA office during the month of April. Please contact Ann Zediker at jazediker@comcast.net if you have any questions.
Holy Sp
irit Catholic Community Vacation Bible School
Come Join Us to Learn How Much Jesus Loves You! Online Registration at www.hscc.us for Vacation Bible School will begin on April 1st and run through May 15th.
Vacation Bible School Details:
Dates: July 14-18, 2014
Time: 9:00 am - Noon
Location: All Saints Catholic Academy
1155 Aurora Ave., Naperville
Cost Per Child: $30
Ages: Entering K through Entering 5th grade
News from the All Saints Athletic Association
Sports Registration for 2014-2015 Sports Season Starting Soon!
SAVE THE DATE: Registration period will be May 5 – 14th
Parents: We are excited to announce that beginning next month, you will be able to register your athletes and pay your sports fees via credit card online for the 2014-2015 school year! (Check payments will still be accepted). Look for a separate notice from the school on May 5th, followed up by a reminder in the Principal’s newsletter on Wednesday, May 7th to register for ALL sports up until Wednesday, May 14. An FAQ (frequently asked questions) document will accompany the announcement, but you will find the site extremely easy to navigate and you will get instant confirmation of your registrations!
Please plan to register your athletes during this week and no later than May 14th when the site will close. Please email Vicki Perry at ASAA@ascacademy.org with any questions.
Track and Field
This week’s track and field meet - the St. Irene and St. John of the Cross Invitational - will be held this Saturday, May 3rd at Brooks Middle School, located at 350 Blair Lane Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Come out and cheer our ASCA athletes!!!
Event Schedule
- 8:15 am – Junior Varsity (5th/6th grades) Girls Field Events; JV Boys Running
- 12:00 pm – Varsity (7th/8th grade) Girls Field Events; Boys Running
4th Grade Boys Basketball Skills Sessions at ASCA
The ASCA basketball sessions will help your 4th grade boy to start honing his basketball skills! The sign up form is available at the school website. For more information, contact Dave Nirtaut at dnirtaut@gmail.com.
The basketball session dates are:
Tuesday, May 13
Thursday, May 15
Monday, May 19
*All sessions will take place from 6:00 – 7:15 pm in the ASCA Gym.
Go Saints!