Dear Parents-

Today, we celebrate Mardi Gras, marking the last day of ordinary time prior to the Lenten season, and a day set aside as a day for over-indulgence! And although not a holy day of obligation, we enter the holy season of Lent with school Mass and reception of ashes. The Lenten Season calls on each of us to reflect on our own lives and areas for growth. As a school we commit to acting in a very thoughtful manner, avoiding gossip, and unkind actions towards one another. Embracing the dignity of every person, and respecting each other helps prepare us for a life with Christ.

During Lent, students in grades 3-8 will attend Stations of the Cross each week on Wednesday afternoons. Parents, please note that if you MUST pick up a child early on a Wednesday in Lent, please plan to arrive at the school office no later than 2:00 PM (Grades 3-8 only). After that time, students will be in the church, and not be available for an early dismissal.

In December 2022, Pew Research Center issued an update on their 2018 report on Teens and Cyberbullying, noting that “nearly half of teens have experienced cyberbullying, with offensive name-calling being the type most commonly reported.” At the middle school level, girls and boys report similar rates of exposure to online harassment. Parents are encouraged to re-open the dialogue with your child about the dangers associated with social media and text messaging. Please also remind your child that the excuse, “I was just kidding,” generally does not work.

Please join in our Holy Name Honor Guard initiative, pledging to always use God's name with reverence, and join in our initiative to teach kindness. Kindness takes action.

Parents are invited to join the school community and pray the Stations of the Cross each Wednesday during Lent in the Church.

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

Illustration by: Lucy M.

The Marine Corps shares 7 reasons Why Teaching Children Kindness is Essential

Here are just a few of the many benefits your children will experience from learning the values such as kindness:

• Happy children
• Improved health and less stress
• Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem
• Less Bullying

• Increased Feelings of Gratitude
• Better Concentration and Improved Results
• Reduced Depression

For more information, click HERE.

Have your child use their cell phone to make phone calls only - encourage human communication and resist temptations by other apps! Disable all social media apps and text messaging on their cell phones and devices. Let's declutter our minds and hit the reset button for Lent.

The Knights of Columbus sponsored Father-Daughter Dance is sold out.  Only those with reservations will be admitted. We look forward to seeing you!

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!

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

Peace and good! As we gather to celebrate the 40 Hours Devotion here at the parish, “Let us ask ourselves…adoring the Christ truly present in the Eucharist: do I let myself be transformed by Him?” (Pope Francis).

The purpose of Eucharistic Adoration is to deepen our desire to be open to God's love, mercy, and guidance. On behalf of our parishioners who make a holy hour each week, I invite you to join us for our 40 Hours Devotion on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Please note:

• All are welcome to join us for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Please feel free to sign up for a committed time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4cafa92ea31-40hours/8213661#/

• Please feel free to contact the SJC Office is you have any Office at 703.880.4302); and
• Please feel free to join us at any time during the 40 Hours Devotion.

As a parish community, let us continue to be transformed by Christ through the gift of the

Eucharist.

Father Tom

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