November 30, 2011

Dear Parents,

“Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way...”

You may have expected a more religious tune as the opening of this letter, but St. Nicholas is a very important figure in this season of Advent. His story dates back to the 4th Century, to the time of his imprisonment for his Faith and his service to others as a bishop. Hence, the colors of red and white, so associated with modern Santas, come from those that a bishop wears, and the giving of gifts from the story of Nicholas’ sharing his own wealth with others. It is a tradition in many countries that children put out their shoes the night before his feast which is December 6th, and little trinkets are placed in them as a prelude to the giving of gifts at Christmas in memory of God’s gift of Jesus to us. In some cases, a piece of coal--yes, coal-- is sometimes placed in a shoe or stocking as a reminder that one has not been very good and may need to show better behavior before the feast of Christmas. As a child, I do remember seeing a piece or two in my stocking a few times as did my brother! Today, Nicholas can be a reminder to us to be a people who know why we are celebrating this Advent Season--to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ in a deeper way into our hearts and family homes. He can also remind us of the many ways we can give of ourselves these busy days--through our helpful attitudes, our smiles, and patience in the midst of a busy world. Let yourself be a child again and live in the spirit of St. Nicholas!

St. Anne School is going to celebrate this jolly saint with a St. Nicholas Party this Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. This party is for children ages 4 to 8 years old and our Student Council will be hosting this event. There will be treats, a movie, some craft time, and everyone will have something to take home to their family. There is even a rumor that St. Nick may show up, too. The event will be supervised so you are free to leave your children and do your own thing for a few hours. However, we do ask that you be back by 11:30 A.M. to pick up your children. This Saturday is also the day of our monthly adoration, so you may want to also spend a few minutes in the Church in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and pray for all children, born and unborn, that they truly have the opportunities to enjoy the life God has given to them.

The Dixon Senior Center is also sponsoring a workshop that same morning, but they are charging--ours is totally free, so think about sending your child to join us.

As usual, there are several flyers in this envelope, so here’s the list:

1. Lunch and Helper Menus for the month of December--Please call the office if you can give some time.

2. Riley Flyer--As you may know, the Riley Family continues to cope with the illness of their older son,Mitchell. This involves many trips to Madison and other family situations. Their younger son, Brett, is one of our seventh grade students. Mrs. Betty Frantz has offered to coordinate meals for the family and the enclosed flyer gives a fuller explanation of her proposal. Please do what you can to assist.

3. 50/50 Flyer--Only 20 families have turned in their 50/50 Tickets as yet. We ask that you please make every effort to sell your tickets and send in the stubs and money as soon as possible. The totals will be published soon and it is hoped that we can give away a large sum of money. That can’t happen unless everyone turns in their stubs and money receipts. Also, tickets will be sold at the Dixon Christmas Walk. If you can assist with that, please call Missy Helfrich at 973-0321.
4. St. Andrew’s Youth Group is sponsoring an evening of fun for our Jr. High Students. A flyer/permission slip is enclosed for Jr. High Students and must be returned signed, with money, by December 7th, to assist the group with planning.

5. Scrip totals are also enclosed for all families. Remember, you are asked to meet your total by the end of March. Please consider purchasing some Scrip for your Christmas needs.

6. Market Day Flyer--Please note that the pickup date will not be Jan. 2nd, but a new date which is still being decided with the company.

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

On December 8th, which is a holy day of obligation, our Parish will once again host an evening of Prayer for Life. It will begin at 7:00 P.M. after the 6:00 P.M. Mass and continue until 12:00 Midnight. All families are encouraged to spend some time this evening to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for life.

The Box Tops Contest is set to end on December 9th, so please be sure to turn in all your Box Tops by that date and then start saving for the spring contest. Be sure your family name is on your turn in sheets and bags.

One last item involves our Lunch Program. Lately, several children have been bringing items to be heated in the microwave. As of this letter, that can no longer be done at school for the following reasons:
1. Items brought from home and kept in a lunch box, even with a cooler, can produce bacteria and even when heated, this may be a health hazard to your child.
2. Lunch is served with a minimum number of servers, and it is difficult for one of them to leave the serving line to heat an item.
3. The child has to wait a longer time until lunch is served to all the other children and then has a more limited time to eat their own lunch.

Therefore, we ask that items no longer be sent to be heated in the microwave . We are thinking of the health of your child in this matter, and also of our need to comply with regulations from the Health Department. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.

May God bless you in the Advent Season and draw you ever closer to Himself.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.


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