THE MESSENGER

                                                                                                February 19, 2010

Dear Parents,

     As we begin our Lenten journey of penance and renewal, the story of the temptations of Jesus reminds us that Lent is a time to choose once again to turn to God.  Jesus” temptations are all about wealth, power, and esteem.  In our country, we are often tempted by these aspects of life .  We find ourselves spending time and effort to acquire wealth, and then use it to wield power and win esteem from others.  Yet, numerous people in the world lack even the basics of life.

     Lent demands that we examine our choices in life.  What is really important?  What has lasting value?  Do I make mountains out of molehills?  The traditional penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us refocus our lives on our relationship with God, our families, our brothers and sisters throughout the world, who are also children of the same Father.  Many of our churches ask us to make the Option for the Poor a commitment in our lives.  When we resist the daily temptations of wealth, power, and esteem, we begin to stand in solidarity with the whole human family.

     Each student at St. Anthony School received a RICE BOWL on Ash Wednesday; we are trying to create an awareness in our students to live for others, to give to those who cannot afford the necessities of life, and the luxury to enjoy them.  Making a sacrifice to assist those in need is very pleasing to our God.  The RICE Bowls will be collected the week of March 29th.  We thank you for supporting our efforts to help the poor, the hungry, the needy.

     We extend a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers, dessert-makers, workers, chefs, etc. who assisted at the Chicken and Dumpling Dinner last Saturday.  All was delicious.  We have not yet been informed of the profit, but whatever it is, we are truly grateful and ask God to bless you abundantly.

     Please continue to use SchoolStore.com and GoodSearch.com for your online shopping.  A certain percentage is donated to St. Anthony School for each and every purchase.  This is FREE money to our school, and who doesn’t like FREE?

     We have GOOD NEWS; our school is the recipient of a $2500.00 grant from the Pendergast-Weyer Foundation out of Kansas City.  It is now time to “update” our new laptop computers.  We received the disks to install Windows 2007 and Office Works 2007.  We are ever grateful for the generosity of this foundation.

     We’re gearing up for the Eighteenth Annual Auction (March 13th).  Volunteers are working mightily to make this the best auction ever.  We are in dire need for everyone to cooperate and help sell the raffle tickets.  If you think you can sell one more ticket, please call the office and we will rush one to you.  Just think, you could be the “blessed and lucky winner” of the first prize -$10,000.00.  Somebody’s got to win – it might as well be you (or me).  SMILE! 

     We are combining grades for the “Class Baskets”.  Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 will supply a GREEN THUMB BASKET; Grades 2, 3, and 4  will assemble a large EASTER BASKET, and Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will donate a MISSOU BASKET.  We are requesting each child to donate $5.00 toward the purchase of items for the class baskets; these donations would be appreciated as soon as possible so the teachers can purchase the necessary articles to fill the baskets.  I’m certain all of you know how important this auction is – it helps to reduce the debt on our beautiful building.

     For our eighth grade students and parents – This year, Sullivan Middle School is hosting the first annual “Night with the Science Professionals.”  Over thirty (30) professionals have been invited to come and share their experiences with the students.  This event will take place Tuesday, February 23 from 6-8:00 PM in the Sullivan Middle School Gym.  Our eighth grade students are invited; please plan on attending this event with your child and become an active part in the next step of his/her educational journey.

     After much discussion and deliberation, the Finance Committee has decided to make some necessary changes in the “tuition rates” for the 2010-2011 school year. We’re enclosing the rates in this Friday’s envelope for your perusal and reflection.  Next week, we hope to have the re-registration forms prepared for inclusion in the Friday envelope with dates for submission, etc.

     As always, we appreciate you and all you do for “our and your” school.  We are certainly proud of what we have and what we can become.

Sincerely,

Sister Joann