Our taste of winter has surely disrupted schedules and plans, but indeed many (at least students and teachers) enjoyed the free time that “just happened.”  It got me thinking of last Sunday’s and this Sunday’s Gospel passages, the call of the first disciples.  Jesus just seems to walk into lives, extend an invitation to “follow me,” and lives are changed forever.  While not all are called to so radically follow Jesus, the invitation is there to some extent for many people, particularly among those who identify as Christian.  Jesus invites to a continual conversion, a growth in understanding, a deepening commitment, different ways to respond in service, and so much more.  What might a “yes” response mean, and what doors might it open?  Something to reflect upon on a cold winter’s night.

-- Fr. Donald '70

Next week begins the second semester. It is a milestone as we pass the halfway point of the school year. It is a good time for everyone in education, students and teachers alike, to assess our progress, to make adjustments, and to prepare for a successful conclusion to the year. Families are encouraged to talk about this at home as well as we reflect on the first half of the year.

We will do the same here. We will make a point over these months to address the issue of cell phone usage as a distraction. We will reiterate our policy with our students that devices are expected to be off and away. Similarly we will impress upon them the importance of the dress and grooming code. I thank you in advance for your support in these efforts.

Also, as a reminder, Archbishop Curley has built three snow days into the calendar. We used one on January 17th. If we exhaust all three, then we will switch to virtual instruction. Instructions will be sent in advance to assist in that process.

-- Jeremy Joseph '96

On February 1st, Mr. Joe Dugan, Internet Safety Specialist with the Maryland State Police, will present to parents about the many ways our children can find themselves in trouble on the internet, such as loss of privacy, exposure to graphic content both from imagery and online games. We will touch on the subject of our children creating and sharing CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material, also referred to as child pornography), and how this can create a lifelong problem for our children. We will also talk about the dangers of online predators, and how a child’s need to feel they belong could put them at risk for Human Trafficking. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. 

For planning purposes, we kindly ask that you RSVP HERE if you plan to attend.

The Curley Gala XXIX will be held on March 23, 2024. The event features both a silent and live auction, and we need your help!

Each year, our Gala Gift committee designs class “themed” gift registries. We are encouraging our families to donate a gift to the auction based on your son's class theme --

Class of 2027: “Gifts for Him” 

Class of 2026: “Gifts for Her”  

Class of 2025: “Summer Fun” 

Class of 2024: "Gift Cards"

The class with the highest percentage of gifts donated will win a dress down day and class pizza lunch. All parent names from the class with the highest percentage of gifts donated will be entered into a raffle and the winner will win (2) free tickets to the black tie Gala on March 23. We ask all gifts to be donated by March 12 at the latest. 

PLEASE NOTE – Your gift does not have to come from the registry list. If you find a gift that fits your class theme elsewhere, or you would like to make a gift basket, etc., we love that too! You can also go in on a group gift from the registry as well! Just make sure that you add your student name, his class and parent name to the gift when sending to or dropping off at school to ensure all students involved are given credit for the gift. When donating gifts, please make sure your name, as well as your son’s/student’s name, are included on the purchased gift. Please have gifts sent or dropped off directly to school to Attention: Gala. For other Gala opportunities including hosting gift gathering parties, sponsoring, tickets or volunteering, please contact Mrs. Caroline Kogler Palmisano, cpalmisano@archbishopcurley.org , or 410-485-5000, ext. 211. We thank you in advance for your support! 

The SGA is hosting the Polar Bear Plunge Cool Schools Challenge again this year! We currently have 14 teachers signed up to participate and will begin raising money this week during lunch periods. Buckets will be in the SDR for students to donate spare change or big bucks to the teacher they want to see water dumped on! The more money a teacher gets, the more water they get dumped on them! The staff participating are: Mrs. Vandergriff, Mr. Muth, Mr. Benton, Mr. Streckfus, Mrs. Schucker, Dcn. Tim, Mrs. Burton, Mr. Noppinger, Fr. Chris, Mr. Forte, Mr. Ayd, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Mince, and Mr. Joseph. The SGA students will also be taking the plunge at the Cool Schools Plunge on February 1st. Go HERE to donate online to our fundraising page! If you are donating in honor of a certain teacher or for the SGA, please note that so that teacher gets the credit! 

Please consider supporting our FYM (Franciscan Youth Ministry) program by coming to a Bingo on February 9, 2024. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased HERE or by using the QR code on the flyer below. 

Friar "C" News

The concession stand needs your help! Please consider volunteering and supporting Curley's athletic teams. Go HERE to sign up. Your support is appreciated!

Golf Team Pancake Breakfast

You are invited to join the Golf Team for their 2nd Annual Meet the Team Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast will be held on February 10, 2024. Kids under 10 eat for free! Go HERE to get your tickets today. Contact Coach Mark Johnson with any questions.

The second quarter ended on Friday, January 19. Please check your son's grades and reach out to his teachers if you have any questions or concerns. This means the 3rd quarter begins Monday, January 22, which offers the opportunity for continued success or a fresh start. Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you son needs any assistance.

-- Kenneth Pipkin

Be sure to get your tickets for Curley's Shrimp Feast and Bull Roast On February 24, 2024. Wheels! Laydowns! Auctions! Raffles! Great Food & Drinks! We packed the gym last year and are looking to do the same again this year. Discounted tickets are only on sale until January 20, after that tickets will be $60 per person. Go HERE to get your tickets today. If you have any questions please contact Greg Loftus at gloftus@archbishopcurley.org.

The Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus is the sponsor of several high school scholarships, some for children of members (the Frederick M. Gossman Memorial Scholarships), and others for Catholic students in general (the William J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarships). The awards may be applied to tuition only for the 2024-25 school year. The application period is now open, and all applications must be received in their entirety by the Scholarship Committee no later than February 1, 2024. Scholarship applications are available HERE. If you have a problem accessing the information, Fr. Donald can get you an application packet.