February 9, 2024 Volume 1 - Issue 21 |
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Dear Saint Families and Friends:
“History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”
Harriet Tubman
Greetings from Berks Catholic! In one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption, there is a scene where the two major characters, prisoners in jail, discuss the idea of hope. Andy tells Red that hope is a good thing, “may be the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Red counters with “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” Imagine for a minute if someone like Harriet Tubman (and there are plenty of others whose names we could insert here) gave up on hope. Or if the Apostles, locked in a room hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion & Resurrection, gave up on the Risen Jesus. Where would we be? What actions, what events, what unbelievable occurrence may not have happened? As we approach the holy season of Lent, let us be mindful of those who risked but hoped, and found great reward for doing so. May we have the courage to do the same during this holy season. Have a great weekend.
It’s a great day to be a Saint! Together, we rise!
John Petruzzelli
Principal
610-374-8361 ext. 253
Email: jpetruzzelli@berkscatholic.org
Twitter: jpetrobcsaints
Instagram: john.petruzzelli.9
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The Week Ahead
Monday, 2/12
Faculty Meeting (2:45 p.m.)
Board Meeting
Tuesday, 2/13
Happy Mardi Gras!
Course Selection Parent Night with College Counseling (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, 2/14
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Ash Wednesday - Lent begins
School Mass (9:00 a.m.)
College Counseling trip to Temple University
Thursday, 2/15
Integrity Restored Presentation
Friday, 2/16
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Let Us Pray…
For all married couples who strive daily, faithfully and lovingly to live out their marriage promises, bearing witness to the love God has for each of us.
For grace from our loving God so that we may experience a fruitful and prayerful Lenten season with a commitment to prayer, fasting and works of charity.
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SAINT OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to Senior
Jose Cervantes
who was named this week's
Saint of the Week!
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Congratulations to the following choir members and musicians who performed last week in the 49th annual Diocesan Music Festival. | |
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Congratulations to the Quiz Bowl Team who defeated Boyertown 10-6, and Twin Valley 13-5 in their competition this week. With the victories, the team qualified for the Playoff Competition in March in just its first season of participation.
Congratulations to moderator, Ms. Poe, and to the team members, Nicolas Alvine ’26, Tony Nguyen ’25, Rocco Perate ’26, Team Captain Rosie Perlman ’27 and Lily Yohn ’27.
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Congratulations to the Senior Class who won this year’s CSW “Clash of the Saints”! | | |
Congratulations to the following faculty and staff members who won a gift card on Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day: Mrs. Eisenhofer, Miss Fromuth, Miss Giblin, Mrs. Grebloski, Mrs. Hennessey, Mr. Kuhns, Fr. Kuna, Mr. Latchum and Mr. Sparks. | | |
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Congratulations to our Cheerleading Team who earned Second Place at the Schuylkill Valley Cheer Competition last weekend! Way to go, Ladies!
Congratulations to the Wrestling Team who won silver medals in both the BCIAA and District 3 Championships. They will now represent BC and the District this weekend in the PIAA State Wrestling Team Championship in Hershey! Way to go, guys!
Thank you to our Saint families who donated soup for our CSW serviced project. We were able to donate over 700 cans of soup to the Berks County Office of Catholic Charities.
Thank you to an anonymous Saint family who catered lunch for the Faculty and Staff last Friday for Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day. Lunch was delicious!
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What’s Happening
Black History Month
Sinde 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month (BHM) and endorsed a specific theme. The 2024 theme, “African-Americans and the Arts”, explores the key influence African-Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, languauge, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultrual expression. Through the generations, the arts have helped preserve history, culture and community; artistic and cultural movements created, led and championed by African-American artists, have blossomed into popular worldwide trends.
Starting this past week, we are celebrating the achievements by African-Americans and recognize their central role in US history. We will focus on all-school “history-minute” presentations, Black History Month scavenger hunt, faculty-sponsored classroom activities and BHM give-aways.
Lenten Reflection
In his message for Lent 2024, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives in our communities. Read about his Lenten remarks here: Vatican News - Lent is a Time of Conversion and Freedom
School Mass
Our next school Mass will be on Ash Wednesday, February 14th at 9:00 a.m. Ashes for the start of the Lenten season will be distributed at Mass. Parents and guardians are welcome to join us for Mass. If you plan to attend, please sign in at the Main Office before coming to the Franco-Post Auditorium.
Next Generation -Diocese
The Diocese of Allentown is embarking on an initiative that will invigorate the Church for the future. Through this process, this initiative hopes to inspire Catholic leaders to revitalize the Church for a Christ-filled and joy-filled future through a close accompaniment. It will offer support for our Bishop, our priests and our 78 parishes. Read more here:
Diocese of Allentown - Embarking on Next Generation Diocese Initiative
Lenten Retreat Series
The Diocese of Allentown invites you to participate in its 5-week Lenten Retreat Series on “The Mystery of the Eucharist”. The series runs weekly on Monday nights from February 19th to March 18th across the Diocese. Adoration and confession take place from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presentation takes place at 7:30 p.m. and refreshments follow. Click the flyer for further details.
Lenten Retreat Series
Honor Roll
Congratulations to our Saints who earned Honor Roll distinction for the second academic quarter. Click the link for the list:
Distinguished Honors
First Honors
Second Honors
Senior Saints Congratulations
Congratulations to our Senior Saints who have been accepted into various colleges, universities and military enlistments. They have already garnered almost $9 million dollars in scholarship offers. To see our ever-growing list, click here: BC Class of 24 College Acceptances
Presidents’ Day
School is closed on Monday, February 18th in honor of Presidents’ Day.
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CSW Scavenger Hunt
An enjoyable new tradition at BC is our Saint Scavenger Hunts. During CSW, Saints could look for Saint, the stuffed St. Bernard dog, and when they sent a selfie with it, they could win a dress down pass. We had a lot of fun searching for Saint last week.
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Broadway Supper Serenade
SAVE THE DATE!
Broadway Supper Serenade
Friday, Friday, February 23rd
5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
BCHS Cafeteria.
An enjoyable evening of fun features performances from
Berks Catholic’s Theater & Music Programs,
all while enjoying a delicious pasta dinner, dessert, raffles and more!
Broadway Supper Serenade Flyer
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Spring Musical – The Wizard of Oz
“Follow the yellow brick road” over to Berks Catholic in March for our spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy is not getting home to Kansas without a little help from all of us! So, dust off your “ruby slippers” because “we’re off to see the Wizard”! The Wizard of Oz is sure to be a great show. Join us on Friday, March 1st or Saturday, March 2nd. Both shows start at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are available at the door - $10 for adults, $8.00 for Seniors and $5.00 for students
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The Bible by the Numbers
When you want to reflect on Christianity, check out 2 Corinthians 5:15-19.
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Social Media
Social Media
Did you see our posts this week about our winter athletic Senior Nights? Keep up with all the happenings at the school on our social media channels. Check out what our students are doing day-to-day in class; important news articles; sports and activities; and more! Be sure to follow the school on social media for all the latest updates, pictures and school information. Facebook: Berks Catholic; Twitter: @BerksCatholic; and Instagram: berkscatholic.
It's a great day to be a Saint!
| It's a great day to be a Saint! | | |
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Our Mission
Berks Catholic High School is centered on the four pillars of God, Family, Academics and Fun. As a vibrant Christ-centered community, the Administration, Faculty and Staff are dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment for a diverse population of young men and women. Through Christian principles rooted in the Catholic tradition, we strive to positively impact our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally, so they can live productive lives of service in this world and attain eternal life.
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