Dear SPC Families,
Yesterday afternoon, I was walking down the hall when a little voice exclaimed, "Dr. M, today was the best day ever!" to which I replied, "What happened today?" She enthusiastically told me, "A very tall man (Father James) came into the classroom and put crosses on our foreheads. That means God loves us!" There really is no greater gift than seeing children grow in their faith! We don't often associate excitement with the Lenten season of fasting and sacrifice, but this little one quickly reminded me that even in the season of sacrifice and fasting, there can be great joy in God's love for us!
On Tuesday, we gathered for our Palm Burning Prayer Service, and yesterday, we gathered as a school for Ash Wednesday Mass. As we journey through Lent, we will talk about Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving. Students will attend Stations of the Cross led by 8th graders, and the 2nd -8th graders will attend Reconciliation.
LENTEN ALMSGIVING:
We are excited to announce our 2024 partnership with Catholic Extension! Over the past seven years, we have partnered with Catholic Extension for our Lenten Almsgiving. What the parish and school have been able to accomplish during this time is truly amazing. I have been blessed to visit some of the projects and see firsthand the transformative nature of the donations. Please click here for an overview of projects throughout the years.
This year, we will support missionary priests in the Diocese of Cheyanne, Wyoming! Please click here for an overview of this year's project. In early March, Seminarian Lee will come and speak to the students about his vocation and his work in Wyoming.
We are asking students to participate in Almsgiving this Lent. I encourage you to have a conversation with your students about ways they can participate. This is not a "ask mom and dad for money" situation; it is time for students to make choices and work to help the missionary priests. Below are some ways to talk to your children about almsgiving. If your child brings in $1 or $50, the important thing is they contribute themselves in any way possible. Simply bring the money to the homeroom, and we will collect the funds.
Lenten Resources for Families:
Helping kids understand Almsgiving
Explaining Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving to kids
Celebrating the Spirit - Final Day to Sign Up for Teacher/Classroom Parties or Party Boards
Just a reminder, tomorrow (February 16th) is the final day to sign your child up for any of our fun Teacher Treats Parties! Please click on the Teacher Treats & Party Board link to sign up for the great parties hosted by our teachers. And for the parents, we still have some spots available at our incredible parent hosted party boards! Don't miss out!
Strings Concert February 22nd at 7:0opm
Congratulations to all of our musicians! Please come and listen to their beautiful music. If you are thinking of having your child start an instrument, this is a great way to show them what is possible!
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:
This is a reminder that parent-teacher conferences are around the corner, and pick-a-time will go out shortly!
March 7th: Dismissal for students at noon (NO PM EDP)
In-person conferences will take place from 1:00-8:00 pm
March 8th: No school today- Remote Parent Teacher Conferences today 9:00-3:30 pm
Save the Dates:
February 16th - no school, faculty professional development day
February 19th - No school Presidents Day
SPC Athletics
Please click on the image or here to register today
SPC Home & School Association
We are just over one week out from the SPC Sweetheart Dance! If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, please do so using this link!
There are a *very* limited number of spaces remaining for the 5:30pm session! Also, see below for volunteer information!
As we prepare for the dance, we are looking for volunteers to help us get the gym Malibu-ready! Use this link to sign up. Volunteers are needed to help decorate the day of the event as well as to assist with check-in and the overall flow of each of the sessions. You may sign up for more than one volunteering time slot.
Spring Ballet Registration 
Please click here to download the flyer with the registration link and more details.
SPC School Board
The St. Paul of the Cross School Board will have 3 vacancies for the 2024-25 school year. Details regarding the nomination deadline and election timeline will follow in a few weeks. For now, we wanted to put the idea on your radar, giving you plenty of time to consider taking a leadership role and participate on the school board.
As an advisory board, our school board assists our Pastor, Fr. James, and our Principal, Dr. Erika Mickelburgh, in formulating and implementing policies and procedures to run our parish school.
The school board meets monthly during the school year. The board activities include finance, academic education, religious education, public relations, technology and building planning.
The eligibility requirements to serve on the Board include being:
1. A registered practicing Catholic at St. Paul of the Cross;
2. Genuinely interested in working collaboratively to advance the Catholic and academic education at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School.
If you are interested in learning more about serving on the school board, please contact Siobhán Haugh (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./773.791.0570).
Save the Date! Spring Art Show April 14, 2024!
Webinar: Helping Your Child Face Their Fears February 29th
Spring Session Information. Please click here.
Chess Ed Kumbaya Presidents Day Workshop on February 19th.
Click here for details.
Deadline to order a 2023-2024 SPC Yearbook is Monday, April 1st 2024
If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before ordering. Tree Ring does send a confirmation email when you order.
Please click here to download all the details about ordering your yearbooks.
FROM THE PARISH
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
FROM THE COMMUNITY
From the Community
Park Ridge Baseball and Softball Registration Now Open
Age 5 (by August 31st) and Up