End of Year
May 13, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
We are nearing our end of the school year…only 3 more days to pack lunches, and 3 more full days of school left. Beginning on Friday, we have Noon Dismissal for the whole school until the last day of school, on Thursday, May 23rd.
We have the winners of our Talent Show:
1st Place: Pre-Kindergarten
2nd Place: Victoria Radford
3rd Place: Abigail Sutiono
If you were not able to see the Talent Show, the videos have been uploaded on our website…go here:
This Friday is Field Day. Casual attire is permitted. Please, no short shorts or tank tops. Thanks to Miss Dougherty and Miss Burkett, each grade (except Pre-K) has been divided up into teams. They have organized a series of competitions for awards at the end of the morning. We will also have our annual tradition of water balloons/water gun “fights” the last hour of school. You may provide a hand sized water gun and pre-filled water balloons for the fun.
Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are Exam days for 7th-12th. Noon Dismissal for everyone.
Finally, next Thursday, May 23rd (Free Dress Day) is Clean-Up Day and Book Return, and Practice for the Seniors’ Graduation.
The All School Awards Ceremony will be Thursday night, May 23rd, @ 7PM over in St. Stephen’s Chapel. We will recognize the Kindergartners briefly for Kindergarten graduation, however we are no longer having 8th grade graduation since almost all 8th graders move into our 9th grade class.
Class of 2013 Graduation will be at 4:00 on Saturday, May 25th. Since this will be our largest graduating class yet, the ceremony will be located at Woodhaven Church on Northgate and O’Connor, with a reception following.
May Crowning and Sports Award Banquet
April 30, 2013 | Leave a Comment
May Crowning is this Friday during Mass at 10:00 AM. The First Communicants will be participating in the Coronation along with the rest of the school. Every student needs to bring a rose or flower to place at the Blessed Mother’s feet during the ceremony.
We need your RSVP if you received an invitation to the Sport’s Banquet for all students in 8th-12th grades. The Sport’s Banquet is this Saturday, May 4th at 7PM. Tickets are $12 per person.
Thank you for your support for the victims in West, Texas. Faustina Academy raised over $1400 for the relief fund.
Upcoming Activities
April 23, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
Next Thursday will be Talent Show try-outs. Please encourage your child to bring a talent to the show, We are looking for a musical instrument played, a dance routine, singing, a recitation, a skit, etc. The Talent Show will be on Friday, May 10th at 1:45.
Next Friday, April 26th is our annual high school Spring Formal. The 9th-12th will be dismissed at Noon. All dresses need to be brought in and approved by Monday, April 22nd. Tickets are $35.
The Cheerleaders are already practicing and getting ready for next season. Amanda Halisky is the Head Coach for our Cheer Squad and is here every afternoon working with the Cheerleaders. Looking forward to a great season next year.
Eight out of our 10 participants in Varsity Track qualified for the State Track Meet Competition scheduled for this Tuesday, April 23rd. Go Falcons!
May Crowning will be on Friday, May 3rd. We ask that everyone bring a flower for our Blessed Mother that day.
Sports Banquet is Saturday, May 4th at 7PM for 8th-12th Graders and families. Please RSVP.
Save the Date: Drama Production “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed on May 10th and 11th.
Our All School Awards ceremony will be on Thursday, May 23rd at 7PM here in our Cafeteria. Only the Kindergartners will be our special graduates this year and will be recognized briefly during the ceremony.
FYI: We are looking into changing out our High School Math books for Algebra I and II for next year. Hopefully we will find a text that will fill in the conflicts that we are currently facing.
Divine Mercy Novena begins this Friday (Good Friday)
March 26, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Faustina Families and Faculty,
This Friday is the beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena…below is the novena. At the end of the novena, if one receives communion on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 7th), and goes to confession the Saturday before or on Divine Mercy Sunday, one receives a complete forgiveness of sins and all punishment due to sin is wiped away. To get this great promise one has to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion on that Feast of Divine Mercy, which has now been called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the whole Church. Jesus said, “Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 300)
I named the school after this beloved Saint due to this message that our Lord wanted the world to know. His great mercy is showered upon us every Divine Mercy Sunday. This should not be confused with a plenary indulgence. With a plenary indulgence, one must be detached from sin in order to obtain the plenary indulgence. The promise of Divine Mercy Sunday, does not have the same stipulation…if the above is done with sincerity, there is no stipulation attached. You will receive a complete forgiveness of sins and punishments due to sin. That is the promise from our Lord to St. Faustina.
Have a wonderful Holy Easter!
Divine Mercy Novena begins this Friday (Good Friday)
Jesus further asked that this Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena of Chaplets to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday.
Say one Divine Mercy chaplet each day following the novena intention. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:
“On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy… On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls.” (Diary 1209, 796)
“On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy… On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls.” (Diary 1209, 796)
First Day
“Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.” Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
“Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.” Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Second Day
“Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind.” Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard – upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Third Day
“Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.” Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Fourth Day
“Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.” Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
“Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.” Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Fifth Day
“Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.”
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
“Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.”
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Sixth Day
“Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence.”
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Seventh Day
“Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.” Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Eighth Day
“Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
“Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Ninth Day
“Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.” Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
“Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.” Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen
Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet
March Activities
March 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment
We are ending our 3rd Quarter this Friday. Report Cards will be ready after Spring Break. Last week our 7th graders went to San Antonio to visit the Alamo and other Texas historic landmarks, since they are studying Texas History this year. They had a great time.
This week the high school students will be going to Pagosa Springs, Colorado for their ski trip. We leave today and return on Sunday. Please keep us in your prayers for safe travels.
This Friday, we will have Mass at 10:00 and Stations of the Cross at 2:30. All are welcome!
Spring Break is March 11th-15th.
After Spring Break, we will have Parent/Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st from 3:30 to 6:00. Sign-up sheets will be set out on the morning of Monday, March 18th. All sign-up sheets will be placed on tables in front of the kitchen, in the cafeteria. Please sign-up to see your child’s teacher and receive their report card.
Schedule Change: Tuesday, March 26th – we will have NOON DISMISSAL to begin our Easter Break. We will return to school on Tuesday, April 2nd.
I hope everyone has a great Spring Break and continue to have a Holy Lent!
Donation Dress Day
February 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
Don’t forget the Donation Dress Day tomorrow. Please give money to Coach! The collected donations will go to the young Pro-Life mom who is not able to make ends meet. Also, Re-Enrollment Contracts are due this Friday. Please make sure you include the registration check in order for your registration to be complete. After Friday, I will open up seats for the waiting families, so it is important that the deadline is kept. Next Wednesday, February 13th is Ash Wednesday. We will have Mass with Ashes at 10:00 AM. All are welcome! Since Valentine’s Day falls in Lent, we will celebrate the day on Tuesday, February 12th. The lower school will have Valentine’s Day Parties beginning at 2:00. The Students will also have a Dollar Dress Day where they may wear, pink, red, and/or white. Stations of the Cross will begin each Friday, (beginning Friday, February 15th) at 2:30 in the cafeteria.
Project Gabriel
February 5, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
We have a Project Gabriel’s young mom that needs help making ends meet before her little baby is due in March. Project Gabriel is a Pro-Life Organization that helps these young mom’s that CHOSE LIFE but needs help to provide for their little ones. We have told Project Gabriel that we would like to help these moms when we can. This Thursday will be a DONATION DRESS DAY for one particular mom that needs help. The students may come in casual dress with a donation given at the door.
Welcome Back
January 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
I hope you and your family had a great Christmas and New Year. School resumes at regular time on Tuesday, January 8th. Report Cards will be going home this week. Just a few things as a reminder before the new semester begins…
1) Flu Season is upon us and in full swing. It has been reported that this flu season may be the worst in 10 years. Please consider flu shots for your children, if not please be diligent in keeping hands sanitized as a habit. The teachers will be doing the same at school. If your child comes down with the flu, please let the office know. The child must stay home for 5 complete days before returning to school. The flu continues to be contagious for up to 24 hours after the fever breaks. The teachers have been notified that homework will not need to be made-up during the 5 days the child is out. Only tests and quizzes will need to be made up after the child returns, and the child has a whole week to study and re-take the tests or quizzes missed after their return to school.
2) Uniforms: Just like any other private school, the uniform code needs to be followed. No variations from what has been specified may be allowed. Just a few reminders: Girls may wear white or navy tights or white fold over socks or white knee highs (no leggings or navy knee highs). Only Parker sweaters or Land’s End fleece jackets are permitted for cold weather attire (no other look-a-likes are permitted). High School girls must wear the burgundy Land’s End Fleece jackets or burgundy Parker sweaters, not the navy ones for PK-8th. All skirts and jumpers need to be to the knee. Finally, the boys’ pants need to be longer than the ankle. The High School boys’ pants must be from Parker in order to be in uniform.
3) Supply Fee of $100 is due for the spring semester. Please submit to the school office. If you are not sure whether or not you have already paid the fee in August, please email Susan Grygier, our Business Manager, at sgrygier@sbcglobal.net.
4) Seniors: The $150 graduation fee is also due in January. Please submit the fee to the office and label the check “graduation fee”. I will be scheduling graduation pictures in February.
5) Raffle Winners: For the students who earned the trips to Chuck-e-Cheese and Main Event, the trips will be scheduled during January and February…we will let you know the day and times.
6) Re-Enrollment will be earlier this year than in years past. The deadline will be February 8th. Since other schools have also changed their enrollment to January, we had to accommodate in the same way. When you receive your Enrollment Packets, please return with registration fee as soon as possible to secure your spots for the following year. After the 8th, we will open up the spots we have available after re-enrollment.
7) Maternity Leave: I am scheduled to have my baby on Tuesday, January 8th. I will be out for the most part of January, but plan to be in and out in February. I am still available by email for any concerns, questions, or assistance. Mr. Ayers and Mrs. Stirton will be the main contact persons at the school for immediate assistance. They will keep me apprised of the day-to-day operations until my return. Meanwhile, please keep us in your prayers, and I hope you all have a great start to the new semester.
Merry Christmas Happy New Year
December 20, 2012 | Leave a Comment
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
School begins Jan 8
This Week
December 17, 2012 | Leave a Comment
Dear Families,
This week, Monday thru Thursday, we will have Noon Dismissal each day.
On Thursday, beginning around 10:00, the PK-6th will have Christmas parties, and the 7th-12th graders will finish their exams.
This Thursday at 11:45, we will be doing our Faustina Tradition (for 8 years now), by releasing 170 red and green balloons this year with a message attached to each balloon. With the sad fact that God is being pushed out of everything, and children in schools can’t mention Christmas, wear red and green, or bring Christmas cookies for their snacks at schools, we send a message attached to our balloon, reminding everyone to please remember the reason for this season, and that is our Lord Jesus Christ and it’s His Birthday! With this particular send off – we will send with it a prayer for the victims and their families in Connecticut. So very very sad.
Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, we will have our Christmas Program. There will be no school on Friday, December 21st. Christmas Break is from Friday, December 21st – Monday, January 7th. School resumes on Tuesday, January 8th and Report Cards will be sent home at that time.
I will be sending out another email closer to when school resumes for the new semester!
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy and Blessed New Year!