March 28, 2012

Dear Parents,

In a few days, our Church will celebrate the most holy time of the year. The events and services of Holy Week have evolved over many centuries to become the special days they are today. The last days, called the Triduum, meaning “three days”, serve to remind us of the final events in the life of Jesus, but the entire week has many meaningful days. Beginning with Palm Sunday, the Church recalls the triumph of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, but also initiates us into the Passion of Christ with the Gospel reading at the Mass. On Holy Thursday, the wonderful gifts of the Eucharist and Priesthood are celebrated, followed by the emptying of the Church Building, signifying the Lord’s arrest and the beginning torments of that night. The Good Friday Services remind us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and the all consuming love that God has for us in giving His Son for our salvation. The quiet of Holy Saturday and the waiting serve to build anticipation for the glory of the Easter Services at the vigil that night and the Alleluia Joy of Easter Day. As this Holy Week begins, I encourage families to spend some time reviewing these important days, perhaps reading the Scripture accounts at home to prepare for the celebrations with your children as a means of entering more fully into this most special week.

As part of the Holy Thursday celebrations, our Second Graders are asked to join in the Holy Thursday Procession. A letter is enclosed for those in Grade 2, explaining this event more fully. Please return the bottom portion to inform us of your child’’s participation.

Enclosed with this letter are the following items:

1. Lunch Menus and Helper Sheet--Please call if you can give assistance.

2. Lunch letter regarding food served at our school

3. Box Top Flyer--The contest is almost over, so please turn in your tops as soon as possible. Please remember that if you want credit for your child’s classroom, you need to put you name on the envelope or plastic bag when tops are turned in.

4. Permission Slip for Grades K and 1--This is for Masses at the nursing homes in April.

5. Flyer from the YMCA

PRINCIPAL’S POINTS:

The family of Tim Stewart, a teacher at St. Andrew School, suffering from cancer, has sent the following note:

During this past month your love, prayers, and assistance have been gratefully received and appreciated. It is difficult for me to put down in words how thankful we are. The benefit held on the 12th of March was humbling. You have helped rally “Team Stewart” in this fight and do know that I take each and all of you with me in my corner. Your thoughts and prayers will continue to lift us during this journey.

With prayerful gratitude,
Tim and Tammy Stewart and Family

If anyone wishes to order Team Stewart T-shirts, a form is available in the school office.

The Sauk Valley Track Team will have its first competition on Thursday of this week. Parents of students in the Track Program are asked to pay the $25.00 Track Fee to St. Anne School by April 3rd, 2012. The school will then forward one check to the Track Program.

Eighth Grade Parents are reminded to turn in the Graduation Fee as soon as possible.

The SCRIP Program for this school year ends on March 31st. In next week’s Brown Envelope a summary will be sent to each family and those who have not met their goal for the year will be asked to pay up the difference before Commitment Sign Up can be done. The new year for SCRIP will begin on April 1st. There will be no SCRIP orders sent in during Holy Week or the week of Easter Break as the SCRIP Program closes down at this time in the Spring. Local items will be available on Palm Sunday, but SCRIP will not be sold on Easter Sunday.

It is said that the early bird gets the worm so this year we have made arrangements for our School Picnic early. The date for the school picnic will be May 23rd, and it will be held at Yogi Bear Camp Grounds. More details will be forthcoming.

Next week’s Envelopes will be coming home on Tuesday so they can be returned before the Easter Break begins. Please try to get yours back so it doesn’t get lost in your Spring Cleaning!

Please continue to vote at the “savevotewin.com” site until March 31st. One never knows the difference one vote can make.

As we move to this most holy week of the year, it is hoped that you can find time to attend the many Church Celebrations with your family. If traveling, check out the site “www.Masstimes.org” for times and places of Mass around the world. You will surely be able to find a Mass wherever you choose to spend these holy days. As you walk with Jesus these last days of Lent, may you find peace and rejoice in God’s saving love.

Sincerely,



Sister Marcianne, S.S.N.D.

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