The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

Next week is the third week of Advent, the Week of Joy! The week is considered the "week of joy" because we focus on the story of the shepherds in the Bible, who were the first people to be told by angels that a Savior had been born, bringing "good news of great joy for all people," signifying the joyful anticipation of Christmas nearing. When you attend Mass, you’ll see the the church is decorated in rose colors, taking a break from the purple decorations and vestments. I can assure you all that the students are exhibiting joy and excitement as we head into our last week of school before Christmas break. There are so many opportunities to celebrate the season.

Please pray for our 8th grade Confirmation Candidates and their sponsors as they engage in their Confirmation retreat on Saturday. We are also hosting Alderman Martin’s Senior Holiday Luncheon in the gym. Thank you to the students who are serving at this luncheon as well.

On Thursday evening, our K-5 students will treat us to a wonderful evening of song and music at our annual Christmas concerts in the gym. Please find more information below, including the livestream links to share with loved ones who are not able to attend in person.

If you are looking for ways to be generous to those in need this Christmas, there are a couple of opportunities listed below. Consider supporting our Student Council Toy Drive for Lurie’s Children’s Hospital or baking cookies for our parish Christmas dinner. Again, you can find more information below.

On Friday, the last day before Christmas break, we will have a K-8 Mass in the gym. We will start with caroling at 10AM before we begin Mass. All families are welcome to attend with the students. Please remember that we have an 11:30AM dismissal and there is no extended care on Friday after school.

Please also find the Christmas Mass Schedule for St. Benedict Church. We certainly invite you and your family to worship with us and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus.

There won’t be another BUZZ next Thursday because we’ll be getting ready for our Christmas concerts. I plan to send a brief one in January 2025 in preparation for students returning on Tuesday, January 7.

If your children need something to do over the Christmas break, check out the holiday sports camp options posted below.

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

• Holiday Day Off Sports Camps here at SBPS

• Christmas Mass Schedule at St. Benedict

• Live Stream Links for Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5 Christmas concerts

• Ways to be generous this Christmas - Student Council Toy Drive, Cookie Baking or Parish Christmas Dinner Volunteer/Donations

Please find listed below important dates:

• December 13, 2024 - Merit Based Scholarship Applications Due today - see below for more details

• December 19, 2024 - Grades K-2 Christmas Concert in GYM at 5:30PM

• December 19, 2024 - Grades 3-5 Christmas Concert in GYM at 7PM

• December 20, 2024 - 10AM Advent Mass for Grades K-8 in Church - feel free to join us

• December 20, 2024 - 11:30AM Dismissal - NO EXTENDED CARE - Christmas Vacation Begins

• December 24 and 25, 2024 - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses

• December 30, 2024 and January 2 and 3, 2025 - Day Off Sports Camps - see registration below

• January 7, 2024 - School Resumes

• January, 11, 2024 - 2025 Bengal Bash Live Band Karaoke Athletic Fundraiser - see below for more information

May God be with us and protect us!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent - Sunday of Joy

Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Please also keep in your prayers Mrs. Dawn O’Farrell who started a medical leave this next week. She is donated part of her liver to her sister, Anne, who is currently battling cancer. So far, both surgeries were successful and both Mrs. O’Farrell and her sister are progressing well.

Meal Train for O’Farrell Family

As you have read, Dawn O’Farrell will be having surgery this week to donate a portion of her liver to her sister. Her sister is currently battling cancer and we pray that this shared liver will bring the gift of continued life and health for Dawn’s sister, Anne. You may have a desire to assist the O’Farrell Family during this time. Her daughter, Erin, (and ES alum) emailed us a link to sign up for a meal train. If you’d like to prepare a meal for the O’Farrell family, please sign up. Here’s the link: https://mealtrain.com/ql965r