Dear SPC Families,
We have had quite a busy week at SPC! Thank you to all the families who participated in our Day of Service in honor of our 100th anniversary. We certainly surpassed our goal of 100 hours of service for the day! Thank you to Mrs Donahue, who organized all the service options.
On Monday, the choir led by Ms Verdun led a beautiful Divine Mercy Chaplet in the church! It was a prayerful Lenten evening. Thank you to all who attended to support the choir and Ms Verdun.
Next week, a long-anticipated Spring break starts at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, April 16th. We will return from break on April 28th. There will be no Thursday mailing next week.
VIP DAY TOMORROW!
We are excited to welcome our VIPs (Very Important People) for a special morning at school! Each student (Preschool – 3rd Grade) may bring ONE (1) VIP to join them for this event.
RSVP REQUIRED! Click here to RSVP – A separate submission is needed for each child.VIP
Arrival & Classroom Activities
VIPs will go directly to the classrooms at their assigned time for 45 minutes of activities. We will have junior high students help navigate VIPs to our different buildings during transition times.
Preschool – 2nd Grade: Enter through the EGC Building (Door D5)
3rd Grade: Enter through the UGC Building (Door B1)
Accessibility Notice: The 2nd floor of the EGC is not handicap accessible, impacting Kindergarten – 2nd Grade classrooms.
VIP Day Schedule
8:15 – 9:00 AM
Preschool VIPs – Meet students in their classrooms
K – 3rd Grade VIPs – Enjoy refreshments in the School Gym (Enter Door B1 – UGC Building)
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Preschool VIPs – Enjoy refreshments in the School Gym (Enter Door B1 – UGC Building)
K – 3rd Grade VIPs – Meet students in their classrooms
10:00 AM – Mass in the Upper Church
*Preschool will not be attending Mass.
VIPs in grades K-3 are welcome to attend and sit with their SPC student.
Assigned seating will be posted by grade level. VIPs will walk to church with their student’s homeroom teacher.
VIP Day Parking
Our parking lots will be very full, so we appreciate your help!
- Drop-off is highly encouraged if possible.
- Main Parking Lot – Open, but note 8:30 AM Mass may limit spaces.
- Small Parking Lot off Ridge Terrace – Open (next to Kinane Center).
- Street Parking & Metered Railroad Track Parking – Available (metered spots may require payment to avoid a ticket).
- THANK YOU TO RYAN PARKE FUNERAL WHO IS ALLOWING US TO PARK IN THE LOT
- Do NOT park at FM Global across from UGC – their lot is reserved for their employees on weekdays.
Thank you for your cooperation! We can’t wait to celebrate with our PS-3rd graders VIPs!
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD THANK YOU!
We have had a wonderful week celebrating our youngest learners!
A special thank you to the committee and Home and School for planning and supporting this fun week!
Cathy Hart, Rose Nocita, Liz Rabinak, Nicole O’Connor, Susan Hader, Maddie Guerrero, Stephanie Galvin, Maya Vasilic, Peggy Godley, Megan Dietz, Monica Chaparro and Carrie Gornik
SAVE THE DATE: SPRING CONCERT GRADES 1-3
Date: May 8th 6:30 pm
Where: The Gym
Students in grades 1-3 have been busy preparing some wonderful songs for the spring show! We look forward to seeing you on May 8th!
Endowment Scholarships for the 2025-2026 School Year
I am excited to announce a new merit-based scholarship for current 5th and 6th grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. After 22 years of attending St. Paul of the Cross school, the O’Regan family created this scholarship in gratitude for the formation and education their six children received at St. Paul of the Cross while also honoring Mother Cabrini’s connection to the St. Paul of the Cross faith community.
The Mother Cabrini Legacy Scholarship
Mother Cabrini never took no for an answer; she trusted in God and was resourceful in her pursuit of equality in her community, establishing hospitals, orphanages, etc…in essence, she was a trailblazer. Mother Cabrini was a member of the St. Paul of the Cross faith community–this scholarship is to be a memorial to her legacy and relentless faith in Jesus.
Please click here to read about all of the Endowment scholarships available to our students!
Attention 8th Grade Girls and Boys – Please read about the amazing high school scholarships from the St. Paul of the Cross Parish Men’s Club and the Apostolate of Women! All of the information is in the Parish section of the Thursday Mailing.
THE RETURN OF SHORTS?
Just because you can wear them after April 15th might not always be a good idea given that it snowed yesterday! But the dress code states that shorts can be worn after April 15th!
DISSECTION CLUB–CALLING ALL 7th and 8th graders!
Dissection club by Mr. Galuska. The 7th and 8th graders will have the opportunity to dissect a mink, iguana, and quail. The students will be able to see, touch, and hold the organs of an animal.
Dates:
May 13th and May 14th and
May 20th and May 21st
Time: 3:00–4:00 pm.
Save the Dates! Alice in Wonderland Jr hits the SPC stage on May 21st and 22nd!
Shout Outs for the Playbill
Dear Family Members, Classmates, and SPC Community: We know you are just as excited as our young thespians about the upcoming Alice in Wonderland Jr production! You have the perfect opportunity to shout out your favorite actors in the playbill. You may buy multiple shout-outs; cheer on your family and friends.
There are three shout-out options available: by the line ($5), a half-page ($20/30), or a full-page ($40/50). Attached are examples of each type of shout-out for your reference. Click here Playbill Shout-outs for examples of full-page, half-page, and multiple-line sentence shout-outs previously sent in by parents, siblings, and cast member’s classmates.
When submitting a shout-out, please write exactly what you wish to be printed (case sensitive). Once you have designed your full/half-page shout-out, submit the final product to the playbill editors. Please provide all specifications with your submission.
You may send physical copies of your image and message via email to [email protected]. The last day to submit a shout-out is May 12th. For payment: CLICK HERE.
Pricing options:
$5 for a sentence, max 3 line message Shout Out – all text
$20 for a half page Shout Out – all text
$30 for a half page Shout Out w/ B/W image and text
$40 for a full page Shout Out – all text$50 for a full page Shout Out w/ B/W image and text
Thanks!
Alice in Wonderland Jr Cast and Crew
Lenten Almsgiving Envelopes Due 15th!
We are partnering with Catholic Extension again this year to provide resources to a mission parish that is in need of support. We are excited to support Mother of Mercy Parish in Mobile, Alabama! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE about the project. Your student brought home an envelope so that they may collect their donations. Parents, it is important that you do not give the money to the kids! They can make donations and earn money by helping around the house or giving up a treat in exchange for a donation. Teachers will discuss almsgiving during classes.
2024-2025 Family Masses: Save The Dates
This year, we have been hosting Family Masses at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. These Family Masses are an excellent opportunity for our school community to pray together! Our students do the readings, serve as ushers, and our alumni return to be Eucharistic Ministers.
- NO MASS in APRIL
- May 25th: Preschool & Kindergarten
While the school hosts the above Family Masses, Religious Education hosts Family Masses on the following Sundays at 10:30 AM, and school families are always invited!
May 11
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
2025-2026 New Family Mentors
We are looking for preschool/pre-k parent volunteers to mentor new families for the 2025-26 school year. We have over 40 new families joining SPC in the fall, and as current parents, you are a valuable part of helping new families feel integrated into our wonderful school community. Please complete the link below if you are interested. Please email Meghan Waldeck with any questions at [email protected].
SPC New Family Mentor Program Sign Up
2025 SPC Olympics Sponsorship Information
We are excited for the 2025 SPC Olympics; mark your calendars for Friday, May 30th!
The planning is well underway, and we’re excited to present the opportunity to be one of our SPC Olympics T-shirt sponsors!
$1,500 Family or Business Sponsorship – Only Six Available Deadline TOMORROW, April 11th
These colorful SPC Olympics T-shirts will go to all SPC students in grades K-7, faculty, and parent volunteers.
Please click here to become a 2025 SPC Olympics Sponsor!
SPC Athletics
More SPC Updates
New Concert Event for Grades 1-3 Added!
We’re excited to announce a new addition to the concert lineup for Grades 1–3!
Spring Show in the Gym
Thursday, May 8
6:30 PM
School Gymnasium
This fun, high-energy show will be under an hour—perfect for a weeknight!
Come ready to cheer, clap, and celebrate our talented students!
Chess Ed Summer Enrichment Program!
Please click here for all the details.
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
Attention All 8th Grade Male Parishioners – SPC Men’s Club Rising Star Scholarship Application
In an effort to promote and encourage Catholic Education, the SPMC will award a $5,000 scholarship to be utilized at any approved Catholic High School Institution in the Chicagoland area. This scholarship opportunity is open to any 8th Grade male parishioner of St. Paul of the Cross. The Rising Star Scholarship will be awarded to the deserving individual who demonstrates these key requirements.
- Demonstrates aptitude for extracurricular activities and has contributed to his community through philanthropic opportunities.
- Completes an essay of 500 words or less titled, “What I will gain from a Catholic Education.”
- Provides a letter or recommendation from a current 8th grade SPC teacher
- All applicants will interview with SPC Men’s Club Board Members (evening of May 13,14th and/or 15th) at SPC.
All entries are due no later than Saturday, May 10th and must be submitted to [email protected]
Please download the form here.
Any questions please email SPC Men’s Club board member, Steven Bachert at [email protected] or you can reach him via 312.399.9531.
Good Luck & God Bless,
SPC Men’s Club Rising Star Committee
Sunday, April 13, 2025
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Holy Family Guild of St. Paul of the Cross Church annual Blood Drive will be held on Palm Sunday April 13 from 8:00 am -2:00 pm in the Morello Parish Life Center. Appointments are highly recommended, walk-ins are welcome but may have to wait.
Come in and be a hero and help us save lives! We want to get back to pre-covid donors!
If you would like to make an appointment, or have any questions, please contact Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 or visit https://www.vitalant.org/ and use code ORD0RG08 for St. Paul of the Cross. encouraged!
From our Parish Social Service Ministry
It’s Time to Tend the Garden! Earn Service Hours!
Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry!
Please click here for all the details!
Friday Night Fish Fry Events
Help support SPC Fish Fry events!
Our SPC Fish Fry events are a highlight of the Lenten season—a time to come together as a parish community, enjoy delicious food, and strengthen our bonds of fellowship. Mark your calendars for Friday, April 11.
These events are only possible with the help of volunteers like you! The SPC Women’s Group partners with the Knights of Columbus for these events. We have many opportunities for you to help make these welcoming and successful events for our parish.
Volunteer: All members of the parish are welcome to volunteer. This is also a great opportunity for students to earn service hours. Volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ADA829AAFAC43-55171549-spclenten
Donate: Help offset the cost of beer, wine and other beverages by donating what you are able. Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8R4UM7ZNACDUY
Contribute desserts and/or raffle baskets: Contribute to the dessert table with homemade or store-bought desserts and/or contribute to the raffle by providing a raffle basket (minimum $50 value). Drop off the day of the fish fry or coordinate drop-off on an earlier date. Please email us at [email protected] if you plan to contribute.
St. Paul Women’s Group Merit Scholarships for Current 8th Grade Female Students Attending ANY Catholic High School in the Fall of 2025
Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025
Please click here to read more.
From the Community
Our Area Catholic High Schools
Saint Viator High School Service & Song – Attention all Rising 6th-9th Graders!
Please click here for details on this June 23-27 Summer Program!
Spring Clubs Sign Up Time! 
Our amazing staff has put together a fantastic lineup of fun, engaging, and unique after-school clubs starting the week of March 31. Each club has its own schedule, so be sure to double-check the dates for the ones your child is interested in. Click 
