Dear Parents-
Pentecost marks fifty days since Easter, and it celebrates the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles and other followers of Christ, marking the birthday of the Church! As Catholics we recognize the way to salvation is through the Church. Through the Holy Spirit we know the Church to be “one, holy, Catholic and apostolic,” preserving and continuing the work of the Apostles, and guiding us in our relationship with Christ. We are so blessed to call ourselves Catholic!
The Pope asked that the rosary is prayed everyday in the month of May. The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., led the world-wide recitation of the rosary on Monday, May 17. SJS students participated in the call by Pope Francis to pray the rosary to end the pandemic.
Our Raise Craze Acts of Kindness fundraiser began on May 8 and it runs through May 31. Joining with 1st grade’s Kindness Week, all students are invited to participate in kindness week to raise awareness of the fundraiser. Students are invited to dress out in specific colors each day during the week of May 24-28, and complete suggested acts of kindness to raise funds for our school. Calendar of dress out colors and activities can be found here. All students are encouraged to dress out and participate. Access to the Acts of Kindness fundraiser is here.
Dress-out guidelines are in place as always for kindness week. Students may wear jeans, or SJS shorts or PE shorts or SJS PE sweat pants/track pants, and a shirt in the color of the day. (Monday-red; Tuesday-green; Wednesday-blue; Thursday-purple; Friday-black). Please remember that students will go to Mass on various days of the week and all dress-out must be Mass appropriate. Students found to be in non-compliance will be sent home at the sole discretion of the administration.
With mixed emotions, I announce that Mrs. Patty Farrell will resign her position as Grades 5-8 school counselor at the end of the school year. Mrs. Farrell has worked at SJS for five years, the last three as school counselor, and she is now looking forward to spending time at home with her family. Additionally, after eight years teaching at SJS, Mrs. Meghan Finn will resign her teaching position in Kindergarten Green, so that she can spend time at home with her new baby. Please keep Mrs. Farrell and Mrs. Finn in your prayers, as they take on new adventures.
Last Friday, Gov. Northam announced the signing of Executive Order 79 that terminates EO 72, lifting all COVID mitigation strategies, effective May 28. SJS and SJC await updates to the diocesan protocols and guidelines which Bishop Burbidge will issue by May 28. Until then, there are no changes to SJS/SJC operating procedures.
VDH reports a 7-day average of 34 new cases of COVID-19 per day in Fairfax County, with a current 7-day test positivity rate of 2%. In nearby Loudoun County the current 7-day positivity rate is 3.5%, and in Prince William County, the test positivity rate dropped to 3.6%. All averages represent PCR testing, which is considered the most reliable. All parents are encouraged to get vaccinated...39.6% of Fairfax County is fully vaccinated….#getvaccinated
We are in SCANTRON testing week three for grades 3-7. Please make sure your children are in school and on time during these last important weeks of school.
Please take a moment and read the message below from Mrs. Ezenwa concerning end- of-year medication pick up. All medications not picked up by June 14 will be disposed of, in accordance with proper disposal guidelines.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please let me know.
Go to Joseph
(Gen 41:55)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
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Early Dismissal and No School |
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11:30am dismissal on Friday, May 21 for all students
11:30am dismissal on Friday, May 28 for all students. *NO AFTERNOON EXTENDED DAY
NO SCHOOL - Monday, May 31
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Medication Pick-Up
Click HERE for a message from Mrs. Ezenwa regarding medication pick up.
Please schedule a time to pick up your child's medication (emergency and or over-the counter medication or items). To schedule a time, please click HERE.
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SJS Saints are spreading incredible acts of kindness! You can too!
- 13 days to go!
- $16,124 raised
- 187 Acts of Kindness
- 128 Participants
- Leading AOK Class: 6 White Mrs. Bolka (2nd week in a row!)
Tips to remind families:
- Each child should have their own account to log their Acts of Kindness- Reminder we are hoping to have 100% participation
- Don't want to burden your family with sending them multiple children links? Don't worry divide the family/friend emails so each email only gets one ask.
- Please register under the class your child is in NOW not homeroom- the prizes are:
- Top Acts of Kindness Classroom - 1st Place
- Chick-Fil-A Lunch with the Friars and Chef Laura + a Dress out Day!
- Top Acts of Kindness Classroom - 2nd Place
- Chick-Fil-A Lunch with the Friars and Chef Laura
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*NEW* Top Class with Highest Amount Raised
- Chick-Fil-A Lunch with the Friars and Chef Laura
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We want to see and hear about the kindness you are spreading! Send photos to
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A huge "thank you" to those who made purchases during the
Book Fair/Book Drive!
We appreciate your support!
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New Family Sponsors Needed! |
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Kindly remember that if you need to pick up your child before dismissal for doctor's appointments, trips, etc. please do so by 2:15pm. Thank you for your support!
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Please note our new Weekend Mass times starting May 22-23, 2021.
Peace and good!
I pray this message finds you well and enjoying good health.
After meeting with the friars and appropriate parish staff, we have made the decision to begin our full Mass schedule on the weekend of May 22 - 23, 2021. The Mass schedule was approved by Bishop Burbidge prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We were hoping to begin this in either June or July, however, we now have several Masses at full capacity as more parishioners are returning to the weekend Masses. The Mass schedule will be:
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Sunday
7:00 am
9:00 am
11:00 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm - Spanish
5:00 pm
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We will continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols as directed by the Bishop.
We will have music (instrumental and cantor) at six of the seven weekend Masses. We will not have music at the 7:00 am with the exception of Christmas and Easter. We thank our musicians and cantors for their ministry.
We would need the continued ministry and assistance of the Knights and ushers at the six English Masses. We thank the Knights and ushers for their ministry.
We would need the continued ministry and assistance of the Spanish ushers at the 3:00 pm Mass and possibly a few other Masses. We thank the Spanish ushers for their ministry.
We will continue to reevaluate the manner in which we return "back to normal" regarding confessions on Saturday afternoon, 6:30 am weekday Mass (M-F), First Friday Mass and Nocturnal Adoration, Spanish Prayer Group, etc... I would ask for your continued patience and understanding as we attempt to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic.
Know that I appreciate your patience and understanding as we celebrate the sacramental life of the parish in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Easter blessings!
Father Tom
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Mrs. Rutledge and Mrs. Carson invite you to join along
for conversation and camaraderie as we begin
our second book
Discipleship Parenting -Planting the Seeds of Faith by Kim Cameron Smith
The next meeting is planned for Wednesday, May 26, at 7:00PM.
Book Club Zoom Link:
Topic: Chapter 7 -- A Strong Marriage
The author shares these takeaways for our consideration:
A Strong Marriage
● Our family will only be as stable and healthy as our marriage, so it deserves our attention. God intends for spouses to be a safe harbor for one another, not the source of storms!
● Your marriage models for your children how to treat others in close, intimate relationships. Speak about and to your spouse with deep regard and love; perform little acts of kindness to make his or her life easier. Be willing to serve even in small ways.
● You and your spouse are called to help one another on your paths to heaven. See your spouse the way Christ does, as a precious and priceless soul on a journey to a Divine Destination.
The goal of the book club is building community and helping each other through a pandemic. It is not intended to be therapy or family counseling. Please seek the assistance of licensed practitioners if needed.
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All St Joseph Pack 913 Cub Scouts and Family Invited — Saturday, June 5th 11am – 4pm
Come One, Come All! Please join St Joseph Pack 913 Cub Scouts for a Scout Carnival and our annual Blue and Gold Birthday celebration. BBQ, snow cones, cotton candy, birthday cake, balloons, dunk tank, inflatable obstacle course, carnival games, and entertainment. We also will be having our annual Scout cross over ceremony, and provide new handbooks, awards as well at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Large Pavilion area. For more information, contact Steve Bailey at chairperson@pack913.com.
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**Families are encouraged to follow all COVID-19 CDC guidelines. |
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Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook
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Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), Twitter account (@sjschoolva), and download the mobile app from the App Store (St. Joseph Catholic School, VA)
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750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320
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