It has been a funny week. I believe that I am being asked to be reflective right now by the Holy Spirit. For about a week, I have been reflecting on the Gospel from last week of the talents and how to use them. Fr Paul spoke about the need to recognize our being as a gift from God, and that implies a responsibility to do something with it. Then I listened to Fr Robert Barron speak on this Gospel, and he talked about how Americans treasure the "go-getter" model and push our children to that model. Fr Barron reminded me that the Jesus model is to treasure the "go-giver" model…………………......a very different perspective. Finally I was at a talk on the New Evangelization at our Catholic Schools Office, and was asked to consider the Ignatian approach of looking at the situation from the Jesus perspective……..can we look down from the cross as Jesus did? Can we see a situation from the outside as Jesus would? That leads me to ask myself, “Am I being others centered? Am I using the gifts I have to be Jesus to others as Fr Paul asked? Am I asking our students to be "go-givers" as Fr Barron asked? Can I look at the situation with the eyes of Jesus?” These are questions that require reflection to ensure that I don't take my talent and bury it as the berated servant did. We are being challenged by this Gospel in a very powerful way.
IOWA Testing - Grades 3-8
Iowa Test results will be sent home in a sealed envelope with your child on Friday of this week.
Advent
The first Sunday of Advent is November 30th Our Advent theme this year is “The Morning When the Promise Shines”. Look for more information in the December 3rd newsletter.
Dinner Dance Auction Benefit: Tuition Raffle and Facebook Page
Don’t delay! Tickets go on sale today! Purchase your ticket for the $5,000 Tuition Credit for the 2015-16 school year. Each ticket costs $100, and only 150 tickets are available. Tickets will not be sold the night of the Benefit (March 14, 2015). Send cash or check (payable to ASCA) to the school office, or buy online at http://www.ascadda.org/. (Additional information on the raffle is available on the $5,000 Tuition Credit flyer which is attached to this newsletter and can also be found at the school website.) ASCA Dinner Dance Benefit Committee is excited to introduce our new Facebook page. "Like" us to receive the latest information about the event. Please make sure you click "Get Notifications" under the Like menu to make sure you see our posts on your news feed. To find us on Facebook enter ASCA Dinner Dance Auction in the search box on the top of your Facebook page. If you have any questions about the Facebook page, please contact Darlene Newman at newmdar@gmail.com.
Market Day, Wednesday, December 10th
Our next Market Day will be held Wednesday December 10th, with product pick-up from 2:30 - 3:30 in the gym (enter through Door 9). As a reminder, at least 10% of your pre-tax order will be credited to your annual Family Fundraising Commitment. Please note that Market Day and GFS purchases at local GFS stores are not a practical option for Family Fundraising purposes.
You are encouraged to place your order at http://www.marketday.com/ and pay by credit card. The deadline for internet orders is Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 pm. All Saints Catholic Academy's school code is 27119. Please note that if you plan to pay for your order by check rather than with a credit card, you must pick up your order at the above scheduled time. Late pick-ups will only be allowed for orders paid by credit card.
Volunteers are needed to help sort and stack the food. Please contact Tracy Coleman at tracytroy@aol.com if you are able to help.
Christmas Gift 2014 – Remembering the Teachers
The cold weather moving into our area is a sign that the Christmas season will soon be here! Each year, we acknowledge our dedicated teachers and staff with a coordinated gift from ASCA families. Please consider contributing to this gift. The Christmas Gift flyer with all of the details has been sent home with all oldest and only students, and is available on the school website. The deadline for your donation is this coming Tuesday, November 25th. This is a hard deadline, so if you wish to participate ensure that your contribution is turned in by November 25th. Contact Paula DeRuntz at pderuntz@wowway.com with any questions. Please know that your thoughtfulness and generosity is much appreciated.
Community Outreach – ASCA Families Making a Difference
October and Nov
ember Collection Report
Community Outreach would like to thank all families who participated in our October and November collections. Together as a community, ASCA families donated over 800 books which will be given to Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent program. Just think of all the kids who will now be able to foster a love of reading! Following the trick-or-treat season, we collected approximately 230 pounds of candy which was divided up and donated to Hesed House, Loaves and Fishes and Operation Support Our Troops. Just think of all the candy/treats that will put a smile on someone’s face…..and not on your waistline! A huge thank you to everyone who donated. Your efforts help make a difference in the community!
Christmas Caroling
It's time to tune up your holiday voices and join us in singing some Christmas cheer! We will be Christmas caroling at Spring Meadows Retirement Community on Wednesday, December 10th at 4 pm. All children are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by their own parent. Space is limited, so sign up early by emailing Michele Klein at mklein511@comcast.net. For questions, please contact Ann Zediker at jazediker@comcast.net. The Christmas Caroling flyer has all the details for registration and participation.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!!
Santa is stopping at ASCA on Saturday, December 13th from 8 – 11 am. Avoid long lines at the mall. Bring your family to ASCA to have a picture taken with Santa. There will be craft activities along with light refreshments. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. The cost is $20 per family, which includes 1- 5x7 photograph (to be delivered to ASCA on 12/18/14), 2 digital files emailed to registrant, children’s activities, juice, coffee and snacks. The Santa reservation form is attached to this newsletter and can be found at the ASCA website. Don’t miss out on a fun morning! This event is sponsored by SHPP. Please contact Sandy Benson at sndybnsn@comcast.net or Paula DeRuntz at pderuntz@wowway.com with any questions.
SCRIP Processing News
SCRIP will not be processed next week due to the very short holiday week. You can, however, still order ScripNow! and reloads using presto pay. If you have any questions please contact Debbie Bibo at (630) 777-0425. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Schoolbelles Winter Sale
Schoolbelles Winter Sale is now in progress through Wednesday, January 7th. Save up to 25% on uniform essentials that include jumpers, skirts, pants and polos; as well as pick up some stocking stuffers for your children that include hair accessories and doll
dresses.
Out of Uniform Days – Benefitting the ASCA Class of 2016
The first out of uniform day is scheduled for this Friday, November 21st. If you did not prepay for out of uniform days, you may pay as you go by bringing $5 (cash or check made out to ASCA) on Friday. Please place your money in an envelope labeled with your student’s name, grade and ‘Out of Uniform’. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Combs at trescombs@comcast.net. The Class of 2016 thanks you in advance for your support!
St. Elizabeth Seton Women’s Advent Tea – This Weekend - Sunday, November 23rd
If you want to give a gift to YOU, and start the Advent season in a peace filled place, plan to attend the Women’s Advent Tea this coming Sunday. Whether you come alone or with friends, family, neighbors, CRHP, Cursillo, SCC, or Book Club groups, you will find ladies that you know, and enjoy this always lovely afternoon. The event is open to all women 19+, and ALL are welcome. It is not too late to purchase a ticket. The cost is only $30 per person, which includes lunch and entertainment. Raffle tickets will be sold at the tea for $2 each, or 3 for $5. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to a charity.
The event will take place from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, so please plan on joining us. All are welcome! Tickets are available at ASCA by contacting Maryanne Higdon at mhigdon@ascacademy.org, or Jennifer Fletcher at jfletcher@ascacademy.org.
Cultivating Stillness in Advent – Tonight at St. Margaret Mary
Tonight, Wednesday, November 19th from 7:30-9:00pm, St Margaret Mary Parish will be presenting a program entitled Cultivating Stillness in Advent. Fr. Paul Hottinger will give a short talk on the significance of Advent. Chris Corbett and Patty Curran will share how they cultivate stillness in their life and in the life of their families during Advent. All are welcome! The event will take place in the COR Center.
Upcoming Camps at Benet Academy
Benet Academy will be holding a girls basketball skills camp and a boys baseball camp. Camp and registration information can be found at the school website.
ASCA/Benet Academy Volleyball Connection
The Benet Academy Girls Volleyball team recently won their 3rd state championship in the past four years. Three All Saints graduates are members of the winning team: Rachael Fara (ASCA Class of 2011), Gretchen Rudel (ASCA Class of 2013) and Lily Johnson (ASCA Class of 2014). Rachael will be headed to Northwestern University next year to continue her studies and volleyball career. Congratulations to the Benet Redwing Girls Volleyball team, and ASCA grads Rachael, Gretchen and Lily.