Funeral Services for Coach Zach McMillian

Thank you to all members of our community for the outpouring of support this week after the tragic loss of our Football Coach – Zach McMillian. Many people have reached out in so many ways to ask how they can help – and we have all seen the blessings bestowed upon us from the special prayers Fr. Mike was able to do with our football players on Sunday to the Mass with Fr. Nesti on Monday morning, the collection of the letters for his family, the red ribbons tied to the trees on campus, the re-naming of the field, the many, many comments on our social media posts, and gifts and support from other schools. While this has been a difficult week for our students and community, we are filled with gratitude for the prayers, love, and support for Coach Zach and our entire school community. 

Funeral Service Details:

Monday, November 20, 2023

Meet and Greet: 10:00 am -11:00 am

Funeral Service: 11:00 am

At: Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

3826 Wheeler Ave. Houston, TX 77004

Fox 26 News Story

Yesterday, Houston’s Fox 26 News Anchor Anthony Antoine was on campus talking to a group of St. Cecilia Alumni who were coached by Zach when playing football at St. Cecilia, as well as some of their parents, and current parents as well. The story will run on tonight’s (Friday, November 17th) 9:00PM News on Fox 26.

Honor Our Patroness St. Cecilia

The parish is having special Vespers (evening prayer) on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:30PM to honor the patroness of our parish, St. Cecilia. The service will feature hymns, psalms, and the blessing of our new statues. Following the service, the St. Cecilia Women’s Club will host a reception in the Community Center. Please click here to sign up to bring a dish to share.

Family Learning

Middle School Midterms

Middle school midterms are right around the corner. Click here to find a schedule of the “Exam Prep Days” and the specific content area test(s) that your child will be taking each day. Students will be given 1 hour and 15 minutes for each midterm with a 30 minute break in between midterms. 

2nd Quarter Java With Jeff Recording

For those who missed Wednesday's Java with Jeff, click here to view the presentation and recording.

Learning Commons Literacy Corner

Please click here for our weekly Learning Commons Literacy Corner updates including the quote of the week, vocabulary word of the week, and the high frequency words of the week.

December 6th & 8th Mass Schedule

Since December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (and a Holy Day of Obligation), for that week – we will not have our weekly school Mass on Wednesday, December 6th – instead, it will be on Friday, December 8th. Mass attire will be required on Friday, December 8th. Our Spirit Day that week will be on Wednesday, December 6th, and that is also when we will have our Weekly Assembly in the Gym. 

2023 Christmas Program Information 

We are excited about our upcoming annual Christmas programs. The students have been working hard to learn their songs. We can’t wait to share them with you! The programs will all take place on Friday, December 15th in the Auditorium at the following times:

• 8:30AM - PK3, PK4, & Kindergarten
• 9:30AM - 1st and 2nd Grades
• 10:30AM - 3rd and 4th Grades

Ticket and Seating Information - an email will be sent out to all families the morning of Thursday, November 30th with the links to the Eventbrite ticketing for the three Christmas programs. The opening sales times for the seating for the three performances will be at different times that morning. 

HSA Events

Sweet Treats - Sign Up Genius – December 6th

Please join in our annual Sweet Treats tradition! HSA asks parents to bring sweet treats for faculty and staff to enjoy throughout the day. Please drop off treats at the front office. Please click here to review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

November Recording

On Tuesday, November 14th, HSA had their November monthly meeting. You can view a recording of that meeting here. 

Open House and Admissions Information for Younger Siblings

Our annual Open House for families interested in applying for the 2024 – 2025 school year is Tuesday, November 28th with both daytime and evening sessions. If you have family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors who are interested in applying for St. Cecilia Catholic School for next school year please share this page on our school website with the Open House information with them. Also if you would like – you can share the school’s Open House Facebook advertising post on your page to promote St. Cecilia Catholic School. 

If you have younger children who are not currently enrolled as students in St. Cecilia Catholic School and would like to apply for them to begin next school year, the application for the 2024 - 2025 school year is available online. The deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 - 2025 school year is Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Here are some helpful links to complete the process:

• Admissions Process 
• Important Dates 

Upcoming Auction Sign Up Parties

We have three fun Christmas themed Sign Up Parties for December now available!

Spaces can be limited so act fast and don’t miss out!

Available Sign-Up Parties:

Student Parties

• 7th & 8th Grade Holly Jolly Trolley – Wednesday, December 13th

Parent Party

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Party – Thursday, December 21st

Click here to sign up for the sign up parties listed above.

Sign Up Parties are parties planned/hosted and funded by parents. Spots are sold for parties to help support Auction. Parties may be for students of certain grades, all students, Moms, Dads, Couples, or Families. There are also some school sponsored parties available for students known as Fun with Faculty. Sign-Up Parties will be released throughout the year.

Sing In The Children's Choir For Christmas!

The St. Cecilia Church and School Children/Youth choir is accepting new members for the 4:00PM Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve. Students in grades two through eight are welcome to participate. Younger students must be able to read. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons from 3:45PM to 4:45PM in the Music Room. There is a limited amount of space available for students to participate, please register soon if you would like your child to take part. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Carol Crittenden or Andrew Meinen

St. Cecilia Students in the Nutcracker Production in Galveston

Alliana Jacobs and Eleanor Stoebner will be appearing in the City Ballet of Houston's annual performance of The Nutcracker, performed at the historic Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. The production was choreographed by ballet legend, Frederic Franklin and will be performed on December 9 and 10. As part of the matinee performances, there will be a brief presentation and opportunity to meet the dancers and take photos.  

City Ballet of Houston, under artistic direction of Mary Elizabeth Arrington and Luis Fuente, is a Charter Member and Honor Company with Regional Dance America and has been dedicated to supporting youth within the community since its inception in 1958. It is recognized as a company that brings quality performances to the community and prepares young dancers for professional careers.

The Nutcracker performances are Dec. 9 and 10 at The Grand 1894 Opera House and tickets can be purchased here.

STH Coding Camp - December 2nd

Calling all 2nd to 8th grade students who want to learn more about coding and STEM! The St. Thomas High School Computer Science Honor Society is hosting a coding camp. Click here to learn more and register today!

Prayer Requests for our St. Cecilia Catholic School Community

Healing Prayers

"LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." ~ Isaiah 33:2

• Phyllis Imogene Batra, Mother of Mukta Khurana 
• Zach McMillian, St. Cecilia Football Coach