Dear Parents-

While he is a very popular and has a widely known name, not much is known about St. Valentine’s life, and it is very possible that what is known is actually a compilation of the lives of three similarly named, but nonetheless different, men! With so little known about St. Valentine, and although still recognized as a saint, he was removed from the general calendar. Father Saunders wrote an article in the ACH years ago where he mentioned that while cupids and exchanging cards are secular traditions, the Christian message of love for our Lord, which St. Valentine showed in his life as a priest and martyr, should be embraced. Everyone can honor St. Valentine by loving our neighbors, praying for them, and thanking everyone for their love in return. St. Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers.

At Mass on Friday, we kicked off our Holy Name Honor Guard initiative. Students were invited to pledge to always use God's name with reverence, bow their heads when they say the name of Jesus, and ask for forgiveness for those who abuse the holy name of God by praying "May the name of the Lord be blessed, both now and forever.” Parents are invited to join in our initiative, and discuss with your child whether or not he/she made the pledge.

So that you are able to volunteer at SJS, all parents are encouraged to complete the two requirements of the Child Protection Program. Part 1 involves completion of a background check, and Part 2 requires attendance of a Virtus seminar. For additional information please access the quick guide info, or feel free to contact Mrs. Beth Covert at bcovert@sjcherndon.org.

Remember that tickets are on sale for the spring fling.. our Shaken, Not Stirred fund-raising event! In addition to simply enjoying the camaraderie of our community, SJS has set three goals for our fundraising, including upgrades to our school security; upgrades to our outdoor classroom and environmental sciences curriculum, and upgrades to our music department adding musical instruments such as drums, and other percussion instruments that are easily shared among students. Hope to see you there!!

As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

Refreshed, revived and renewed by "faith, love and hope." (1Thess. 1:2-3)

Denise Rutledge

Principal

 Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God

Acts of kindness call for intentionality.

Kindness is shown by making the effort to be friendly, considerate, and generous. Being kind is an intentional act; it requires action. It is not enough to stand by and do nothing. We are all responsible for making the world a kinder, happier place. As you go about your daily tasks this week, think of how you can share in the global responsibility of kindness. (randomactsofkindness.org)

Tickets on Sale NOW!!

Do you own a beach house or business? Are you creative and want to donate a themed basket full of goodies? Love to entertain? You (or a few families) can host a BBQ, Italian dinner, or seafood boil! Consider donating an item, service, experience, or basket to be up for bid at the auction! Donation suggestions include: gift cards, vacation home stays, concert tickets, sports tickets, tours of local landmarks, golf rounds, hotel night stays, the possibilities are endless!

How about giving a 'shout out' to your graduating 8th grader or an ad of encouraging words for your child(ren)? Check out the Program Ad form for details.

Be sure to check out the Sponsor and Underwriter opportunities - lots of great perks at all giving levels!

Visit the Shaken Not Stirred auction fundraising website for forms and information!

Come Join the SJS Community in support of the CYO Charity Coaches Game

This is a long-standing annual tradition that took a hiatus for the last few years (thanks COVID), but is BACK and should be a great time!

So what is the Coaches game you might ask? It is a charity basketball game held in the SJS Gym with your CYO Coaches (from all grade levels and teams), along with some SJS Staff - playing the game we love! We might be a bit winded here or there, but hey, so what! It's a great time for us to come together as a sporting community and support your coaches for all they do for the teams. 

So here are some simple bullets:

Who - You, your coaches, your family/friends and teammates.

What - The Annual CYO 2023 Coaches Game.

When - Sunday February 19th - Tip Off at 6:30pm, Doors open at 6:00pm.

Where - SJS Gym (aka the best in the Diocese)

Why - Because there is no school the next day and it is a ton of fun!

How - Easy, show up and cheer.

Some other items of note:

1 - Cost is a voluntary/suggested donation of $2 per attendee or $5 per family. Thanks for supporting CYO!

2 - Bring cash - we will have concessions (thanks 8th grade for coordinating & remember to keep drinks/snacks in the hallway;-)

3 - Cash is also needed for the halftime contests for kids (Free Throw, 3ptr, Half Court shot). $1 per participation -- Gift cards for the winners - boy and girl in each category.

4 - All proceeds collected will go to the Parish CYO Basketball Fund to support our kids with equipment, jerseys, upkeep of the gym, etc. Your support is very welcome!

It is customary to make a few signs for your favorite coach - come cheer them on! Consider wearing your SJS jersey top to the game - we are looking to take a huge group photo and want you in it!!

It will be fantastic - We will have Coaches jerseys, referees, an announcer, the anthem, music, halftime contests, concessions and a lot of fun. 

Let's fill the gym and make it loud!! See you there!

Any questions, please contact St. Joseph's CYO Commissioner, Mac Cannon (cannonclan@gmail.com)

Click HERE for more information on the Child Protection Program. Contact Beth Covert at 703.880.4357 for any questions!

Attention all Boy Scout Pack 913 families and friends,

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our pack, we would like to honor the memories and achievements of our Scouts by creating a slide show for the annual Blue and Gold dinner. We are asking for any photos of Cub Scouts and Cub Scout events from the past 30 years to be submitted for use in the slide show.

Please send any photos you have to cubmaster@pack913.com by February 15th. We look forward to celebrating the history and accomplishments of our Scouts together at the Blue and Gold dinner!

Thank you,

Pack 913

The 2023 Bishop's Lenten Appeal serves tens of thousands of people!

Please support the mission of Jesus Christ in our diocese.

Our 2023 Bishop's Lenten Appeal (BLA) theme, "My Soul Rejoices in the Lord," honors Our Blessed Mother’s "yes" to God’s call, sharing the theme of our diocesan Jubilee’s second preparatory year. Each of us can seek to imitate the perfect example of Mary by proclaiming the greatness of the Lord each day as we live our faith and share our blessings. In this spirit, please prayerfully consider a donation to the 2023 BLA today!

https://vacatholic.org/



Peace and good! As Congress studies and acts on many pieces of legislation, it is important for each of us as Catholics to protect and speak up for our Catholic faith and beliefs. A good resource is the Virginia Catholic Conference.



VACATHOLIC is led by Diocese of Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Diocese of Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout, the Conference advocates for:

·      Respect life initiatives that protect human life and dignity in every stage of development and circumstance, from conception until natural death.

·      Social justice initiatives that protect the rights and serve the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable members of the human family, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees.

·      Family life and education initiatives that preserve and support religious liberty, the institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, the family and parental choice in their children’s education. (https://vacatholic.org/)

Let’s us continue to work for the respect of life, justice and peace.

Advent blessings!

Father Tom

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320