The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

What an amazing last week of school before Christmas break. Today, we had a joyful and spirited Advent Mass before we began Christmas break. Just start singing, “Go Tell it On the Mountain” with your kids and see how excited they get!

Last night, we had two beautiful Christmas concerts being performed in front of a packed gym. We appreciate everyone coming out last night. The kids did such a great job. These concerts could not be possible without the skill and vision of our music faculty - Mrs. Hannah Thompson, Mrs. Agata Ballenger, Ms. Maryanne Johnson and Dr. Kai-Yi Zhang. We hope the concerts got your hearts into the Christmas vibe! If you’d like to watch the concert again, the links are listed below for your convenience.

Thank you to all the families who supported our Middle School Student Council new toy drive. We delivered a bus load of donations this afternoon as school let out for the holiday. Thank you to Ms. Koerner and the middle school student council for helping out with this endeavor.

On a personal note, I just wanted to thank all the families for their support and patience this year. 2025 has had some tragic, sad times starting with the loss of Father Steve, as well as many joyous and blessed times such as today. The St. Benedict Family is strong and, while we aren’t perfect, there is something special about our community that I treasure very much. As we close out this calendar year, please know that the St. Ben’s community has a special place in my heart and I pray for you all on a daily basis. I’m particularly grateful for your patience with me and the faculty as we implement new strategies this year. Your trust and confidence in us is remarkable. Please know that we work hard to offer the best Catholic education possible and we are honored to work alongside parents to form your sons and daughters spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally. Thank you for trusting us and being patient. I am truly humbled and grateful, especially during this Christmas season.

We also invite our families to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve or Christmas. Please see the Mass times listed below. Father Ryan has also shared a heartfelt Christmas message with all of you. Please take the time to read it when you can.

Lastly, for those of you staying in and around Chicago for Christmas, please consider supporting the parish community Christmas Dinner held in the gym on Christmas Day. The dinner is in need of volunteers as well as food donations. If you can cook a turkey or ham for the dinner, that is greatly appreciated. See the sign up and information below. It’s a wonderful way to allow community members a place to enjoy Christmas food and fellowship who wouldn’t otherwise have it.

I’ll send out another mini-BUZZ before we return to school on Tuesday, Jan 6th. For now, please have a Merry Christmas!

Wishing you peace and hope as we continue to prepare for the coming of Christ.

There’s a lot more important information below. Be sure to check out the following:

• Livestream Links for the Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5 Christmas Concert - you can watch the joy all over again!

• Holiday BBall Camps and Summer Sport Camp Registration Available

• Bengal Bash Athletic Fundraiser - Save the Date and Buy Tickets today

Please find listed below important dates:

• December 22, 23, 29, 30 and January 5 - Holiday Sports Camps for Students grades 1-8 - Registration Information below

• December 20-January 5, 2026 - Christmas break

• January 5, 2026 - Teacher Professional Development Day

• January, 6, 2026 - School Resumes

Wishing you a blessed Advent season filled with hope and joy!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Advent Prayer - For Fourth Week of Advent

All-powerful God,

your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan.

Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory

and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We also pray for all the families and staff who are traveling this Christmas vacation - that they have safe travels and come back to us in 2026 rested and healthy.

For everyone staying in town, we hope you have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!

God Bless!