Dear Panther Families, 

As we celebrate the season of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent is a time of hopeful waiting; a time when we answer the call of John the Baptist: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” May our prayerful observance of this season of Advent draw us nearer to our loving and merciful God.

Please bring your family and friends to Mass this Sunday.   To kick off our Advent Mission week, we will be hosting a St. Nicholas Pancake Breakfast after the 8:15 and 11:30 Masses.  Guests will enjoy breakfast, a photo opportunity with St. Nicholas, crafts, and hot chocolate.  Help is still needed with setup, decorating, and cleanup.  Sign up to help here.

On Monday, December 9, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Masses at 8:15am and 5:30pm.  Parent attendance at either of these Masses on the 9th will earn points for your student’s House. Simply complete the attached House Points Form. You may turn the form in at Mass or send it to school with your student.

Last year, we entered into a beautiful partnership with Ryan Bear, who attends a day program at Logan Center.  Ryan has been visiting our 2nd and 3rd graders to increase disability awareness among the students and to allow Ryan the opportunity to interact with them.  This program opens our students’ minds and hearts and awareness so they won’t hold back when they meet differently-abled folks elsewhere. You can read more about this program at our school in an article on page 8 of this week’s Today’s Catholic.  Additional photos from Ryan’s visit are available in our website photo album. Finally, you can read the welcome letter from Ryan’s mother. 

Do you or your company need a tax break for 2019?  There’s still time! Contributions to SGOs offer potential Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions and are eligible for a 50% Indiana state tax credit! As a bonus, they help our St. Anthony students afford a Catholic education!  For additional information, read the attached letter from Fr. Bob and visit https://www.sgonei.org.

Tuesday, December 17 is our Advent Staff Luncheon, sponsored by HASA.  HASA could use some help with items and classroom supervision for the luncheon.  If you are able to help, please sign up here.  There will be no hot lunch service on that day.  Students will be eating in the classrooms under parent supervision.  All students should bring a sack lunch and a drink.  If you ordered hot lunch for that day, you will not be charged.

The Calcutta House is collecting fleece fabric throughout December and January to make baby blankets for the Women's Care Center. All types and designs of fleece are welcome.  Baby blankets will be made by students during House retreats and indoor recess time, throughout the winter months, and blankets will be delivered to the Women's Care Center in the spring. 

Mrs. Karen Bogol