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ST. LOUISE SCHOOL PARENT BULLETIN
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As I mentioned in a summer letter to you, Pope John Paul II over a five-year span for a total of 129 Wednesdays gave weekly papal audience speeches
on just one theme - the Theology of the Body. The reason Saint John Paul devoted so much time to this one topic is because the source and summit of our Catholic faith is centered around a body - namely, the Body of Christ. After all, Jesus didn't say, "This is my soul" at the Last Supper.
One can't totally explain what the Theology of the Body is in just a few paragraphs. Besides the Pope giving 129 different speeches on it, dozens of books and hundreds of articles have been written on the subject by leading theologians. I recommend you begin your understanding by watching this 2-minute video that discusses the origin of Pope John Paul II's presentations on the Theology of the Body. In its simplest form, the theology of this topic focuses on four things: the human body matters; the body must be honored; the body is a gift from God; there are truths to the body.
Our goal when working with children around the topic of the Theology of the Body is to arm our kids with an understanding of the dignity of the human person and the call to love appropriately as God has called them to, so that they will make wise decisions to follow Christ more fully as demonstrated by how they physically use their bodies. Theology of the Body
gives us parents and educators a very specific way of talking about morality, such as the call to love ourselves and others as persons instead of viewing ourselves and others as things. As our children mature, we can educate them on what Catholics believe about human sexuality - that it was created by God for a husband and wife and with a primary purpose of generating new life.
You might be too young to remember Pope John Paul's messages, and today's society might be too secular and misguided to present a true message about the human body and its purpose. Fortunately,
a grassroots group of people recognized a calling to spread the Theology of the Body to both adults and children in a holistic way. They saw the need for a life-giving message in today's culture which distorts the proper view of sexuality and identity. This group's non-profit is the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team.
Monica Ashour is its executive director, and she holds both a Master's in Theological Studies and a Master's in Humanities from the University of Dallas, a Catholic college in Texas. We are fortunate to be having Monica travel to our state for the first time in the coming days, and speak to St. Louise parents, along with children, on the Theology of the Body. The Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, besides giving presentations and classes, has released a series of books for children. Monica and her team have a goal to form the imaginations of children at a young age to take seriously the truth and meaning of the body, as this will set a solid foundation for a lifetime.
Studying the Theology of the Body applies to more than just the sexual union between a wife and husband. It also covers everything the body does besides marital relations, such as the everyday matters of leisure and exercise for the body, the food the body needs, and the misuse-of-technology the body does not need.
Thus, a discussion on a course for high schoolers and adults revolving around the subject of the Theology of the Body might focus heavily on human sexuality. When teaching preteens and young teens, Theology of the Body might have a lesson on social media and the incorrect use of technology. These kids would be taught that a face-to-face encounter in the flesh is what humans were designed for, so hiding behind social media apps and texting keeps our bodies from growing in positive, healthy ways.
Moving still younger, Theology of the Body talks for elementary-school-age children begin by discussing the more simple subject matter of the wonderfulness of our bodies God has created that does not revolve around sex. For example, in the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team's presentations and books, young children are taught about how to listen to what their bodies are telling them, such as how do we know we're hungry, and what nutrition is best for our bodies, realizing the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Another example is younger kids are taught that hugging your dad and getting a kiss from you mom makes you feel good and loved. A youngster is told that it's important to know his or her body is a gift from God and has deep meaning. This
book-review article goes into more depth about the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team's books for kids and resources for parents and teachers.
At St. Louise School currently, we do not carry any of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team materials, but we do teach about human sexuality in grades 5 and 8 as part of our religion curriculum. These are the Archdiocesan-mandated lessons which discuss the human reproductive system, chastity, and traditional marriage. (See the grade 5 & 8 topics in the
RCL Benziger Family Life program we use.) At St. Louise, we also teach touching-safety lessons to all grade K-8 students. (Your child's teacher will be telling you more about these lessons in the coming days.) Other than these matters, the rest of the teaching about human sexuality is left up to you parents, as it should be, since you are the first and primary educators of your children.
Being the first and primary educators, you'll want to add to your knowledge and skills by attending this Monday nights' parent education class, sponsored by the St. Louise Parents' Club:
When & Where: This Monday, October 1, at 6:30PM in the church.
Who: All St. Louise School parents, as well as your friends/family whose children attend other schools or who aren't yet of school-age. Adults only please.
What: Monica Ashour's parent-education presentation on the Theology of the Body.
How: No need to RSVP. No cost to attend, thanks to sponsorship from Parents' Club & private donations.
Earlier in the day this Monday, Monica Ashour will present mini-lessons to different grade level groups of our students, discussing the
simpler subject matter of the wonderfulness of our bodies God has created. Please be sure to talk to your kids when they come home on Monday the 1st, asking them to share what they learned with the special guest teacher and if they have any questions for you.
I'm looking forward to seeing literally hundreds of parents in the church this Monday night at 6:30PM. Please make attending this a priority.
Pax et bonum,
Did you know that our parish school is very well prepared should an earthquake hit during school hours with all 365 students and 44 teachers and staff here on campus? Next week, we'll be running our annual Earthquake Drill, where the student body practices the proper immediate reaction to an earthquake - Drop/Cover/Hold - and then practices a quiet, calm evacuation to the playground. Once there, the school faculty practices their assigned roles of everything from First Aid to Parent-Child Reunification. Speaking of the reunification, should we have an actual earthquake during a school day, our procedures call for us to close off the St. Louise parking lot to incoming vehicles, and asking for school parents and parishioners arriving in the minutes and hours after a quake to park off site and walk onto campus. This keeps our playground and Parent-Child Reunification area, which is in the south end of the parking lot, cleared for crowd control and safer for all.
Thanks for asking the Patron Saint against earthquakes - St. Emygdius - to pray for our protection.
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Upcoming Calendar of Events
Today through Friday, October 5
- Grades 2-8 take the MAP Growth assessment during this timeframe; check with your child's homeroom teacher for the exact 3 days each homeroom will take their tests
Monday, October 1
- Parent Education Class - The Theology of the Body - in the church at 6:30PM; all parents are encouraged to attend and bring a friend/neighbor/family member who also has children (this event is for adults only)
Wednesday, October 3
- All-school Earthquake Drill will take place today (weather permitting); if you would like to help the school with this and future emergency preparedness/security training, please contact Joe Dickinson .
- Parish "Listening Session" regarding the Church's sexual abuse scandal; 7PM in the parish hall for adults only; RSVP and/or more information at https://stlouise.org/listen.
Thursday, October 4
- Altar Server training for grade 5-8 students from 3:00-4:15 in the Church; parents' meeting at 4:15
Friday through Sunday, October 5-7
- The Skyward system will be shut down this weekend statewide for maintenance
Monday, October 8
- All-school Mass - Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary - begins at 8:50 with a rosary in church, followed immediately by 9:00 Mass; parents are invited to sit with their children and asked to please let your children bring rosary beads from home if available
Friday, October 12 - NO SCHOOL DAY
- The teachers are attending an Archdiocesan-mandated theology inservice today; both the school office and Kids' Club are closed today
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Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Former school parent Sheri Halling continues to undergo cancer treatments and would appreciate your prayers. You may hear more of Sheri's situation at her Caring Bridge journal site.
Our St. Louise Parish maintenance supervisor, Paul Trussell, is requesting your prayers. Paul (pictured at right) has revealed he has had issues develop from his past kidney cancer.
We are thrilled that our librarian and primary grade computer
teacher, Cheri McIntosh, is returning to work next week after this summer's cancer surgery! Mrs. McIntosh (pictured at left) has multiple surgeries still due throughout this school year, and we'll let you know when these are taking place.
Thank you for asking God for His healing on Sheri, Cherie, and Paul, and to give comfort and strength to them as they deal with their afflictions.
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Special Parent Education
Presentation This Monday Night
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Last Chance to Earn a FREE Starbucks Card
Sign up for a Standing Order (that will begin in October) and get a free $5 Starbucks cards as our thank you. Place an order for basic stores you use monthly, like grocery and gas. Send postdated checks with your order, and your cards will be delivered during the first week of each month. This is the best way to set a budget, determine your needs, and meet your Charger Card requirement! We are sending home Order forms in today's red Family Envelope, or find the Standing Order Form on our webpage: www.stlouiseschool.org/chargercards.
Thank you for your support of Charger Cards with your purchases over the summer and to those who have already placed a Standing Order. We look forward to your continued support. Lucky families, please enjoy your free cup of Starbucks coffee or tea!
Charger Cards Sale Office Open on Fridays from 8:15-9:00AM
If you can't make it to our office window on Fridays, Charger Cards are available 24/7 at www.shopwithscrip.com.
For more information on Charger Cards and online ordering,
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Hello, St. Louise Families!
The excitement is really beginning to build in the Auction Office this week! We completed our menu tasting last week (thanks Amy T., Gabby S. and Jen C. for your time and tastebuds!). Our centerpieces and table decorations are well underway and are going to be so beautiful! Our Head Table is going to be the talk of the night (sorry - no hints on this one!)!
Those things are going really well; however, there are a couple of things we could use your help with! We need Premium Wine and Build A Bear Charger Cards. (Don't worry, we are not using them in the same package!) So, if you are at the store, or at the Charger Card office, think of your wonderful Auction Team and please donate these items!
Here Are Some Dates to Keep in Mind
- 10/4: Auction Tickets go on sale! Watch for your invite in next week's Red Envelope and Bulletin!
- 10/10: Black & White photo request form due. Click here for the form.
- 10/19: Premium Wine is due for the Krispy Kreme Class Party. Click here for more info.
- 10/22: Our first Online Auction goes live! More details next week!
Make It a Wonderful Night!
Click here to learn more about making Auction night a Wonderful Night out. Start getting your table group together, make reservations at the hotel, and find something fun to wear! It sounds like there are quite a few of us staying at the hotel (nearly 20 rooms have been booked), so it is going to be a FUN time at the Seattle Marriott Bellevue! Click here to make your reservations before our room block gets full!
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I can tell you a million times over how much fun the auction is, but it's probably more credible to hear it from other people you know - with that in mind, I wanted to share a quote about the auction from Marinell Zevenbergen:
"Mabuhay! Ang gabi ng Auction ay ang masayang pagtitipon ng mga magkakaibigan upang suportahan ang ating mahal na paaralan. Mahalagang bigyan natin ang ating mga anak ng maayos na edukasyon at ang auction ay isang pinagmumulan ng pondo upang matulungan ang ating paaralan na gawin ito."
"Auction night is the best! We always get a group of friends to sit together and we spend the evening laughing and talking, and supporting our kids' school. It's really important to us that we give our kids the education they need, and the auction provides the funds to help our school do this!"
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So Grateful for the Volunteer Support
This week I want to thank for all of their work on this event: Rena P., Margie C., Mike K., Megan S., Peter N., Gabby S., Joy T., Ingrid F., Megan K., Amy T., Cindy W., Mindy M., Edna H., Laura L., and all of our awesome Jr. High volunteers (Kate, Ray, John, Carson and Ethan). It doesn't happen without you!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask or stop by!
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Save 15% by Ordering by This Sunday
Purchase your full-color, hardback yearbook from our publisher, TreeRing, and you'll have plenty of time to add your own memories from throughout the year. Every student has the option of getting a one-of-a-kind copy containing two free pages to customize with personal photos. Your two free custom pages will be in your book only and are optional. (If you choose not to personalize you'll receive the same book, without the two extra pages.) Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of the school year this June, but you can put in your order for on now.
To purchase and personalize your yearbook, go to www.treering.com/purchase. The St. Louise School passcode is 101439484318388. Regular price is $22.50, but you can save 15% if you order in September. For questions email TreeRing or the St. Louise yearbook team.
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Support Orphans in Latin America
St. Louise Parish is hosting a sponsorship drive to support the children of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) following the Masses on the weekend of October 13 & 14. Over 100 St. Louise Parish families currently sponsor kids at NPH, to help provide a loving home, education, and healthcare for over 3,200 orphaned, abandoned, and
at-risk children who live in conditions of extreme poverty throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
In celebration of NPH-Northwest Region's 30th Anniversary, we are hoping to find 30 more sponsors. You can stop by the NPH table to "meet" a child in need and sign up to sponsor a child. Contact Dawn McIntosh with any questions
or visit the NPH website for additional information.
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Calling 5th-8th Grade Students
Altar Serving is not just a service but a prayerful celebration of Jesus Christ! Our
grades 5 or older students who are baptized Catholics are welcome to join the altar server ministry team. Training is scheduled for Thursday, October 4, 3:00-4:15pm in the Church. Parents are not required to stay for the training need to be in the church by 4:15 to receive crucial scheduling information. If your child is interested but has a conflict with attending this training, please contact Gaby Gonzalez or Mary Herridge.
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Meet Our Newest School Parents
We are excited to have 50 new school families join the St. Louise School community this fall! Each week we'll be showing your some of the new faces and names. Thank you, veteran St. Louisers, for making these newest parents feel welcome.
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John and Jennifer Spaith
son in kindergarten |
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| Shanthanu Simon and Babna Rose daughter in kindergarten |
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| Kalpesh Shah and Vandana Gala daughter in 2nd grade |
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| Eliseo and Gladys Ponte daughter in 6th grade |
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Local Arts & Crafts Vendors Welome
St. Louise Parish School is hosting our annual St. Nicholas Breakfast and Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 1st. We're inviting local artists to showcase their arts and crafts. Kindly email Janelle and JT Taasan, our St. Nicholas volunteer coordinators, at stnick@stlouiseschool.org if you are interested and would like to receive additional information. Please extend the invitation to any other craft creators you feel may want to participate. Thank you for helping make our event a wonderful holiday experience.
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Parents in Prayer Invites You to Join the Group Each Wednesday
Come pray with fellow school parents, Wednesday school days from 8:30-9:30am. The mission of Parents in Prayer (Padres en Oracion) is to pray for our families, teachers, staff, and greater St. Louise community in a spirit of confidentiality.
This weekly program meets in the main school building. Simply enter the parent door outside the front entrance, sign in at the office, put on your yellow nametag, and head to the Faith Formation room, located near the lobby just before the 1st grade classrooms. Join us when you can; all are welcome! If you can't join us for a meeting, but have a prayer petition, please email or text it to Susie Goett (206-795-1252) or to Carmen Castillo (925-389-8926; habla Espanol).
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Prayer Inspiration for the Week
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
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See what's happening on our St. Louise Facebook page
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