Holy Cross Thunderbolt Newsletter

December 8, 2021

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Holy Cross Catholic School guides each student in developing academic, emotional and physical excellence while spreading the Gospel message as Jesus did, since 1868.

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Before the need for perfect, there was simple.
Oh, so completely simple.

A stable.
Wooden manger.
An exhausted new mother.
A terrified first-time father,
unsure of his fresh role.

Before the quest for the perfect holiday,
there was a journey.

A faithfully fearful passage.
Full of eager anticipation.
Following the guidance of an angel.
By the light of an unmistakable star.
Straight toward prophesied uncertainty.

Before the craziness and chaos of the holidays, there was undeniable peace.
Amidst the quiet darkness of a wooden
building meant for animals, not a King.
A baby's bed made of hay.
Respectful visitors, in awe of new life.
Rest, tranquility and anxious-filled quiet.

Before chasing the mirage of perfection crept into our lives...

...a grand tree
...an expensively prepared holiday meal
...hundreds-upon-thousands of dollars spent on gifts
...rushing from event-to-event; from obligation-to-obligation
...working overtime to ensure a faultless experience...

...there was imperfect.

Gorgeously uncertain and incredibly simple; imperfect.

An imperfectly beautiful night that
granted each and every one of us
the greatest, most undeserving
Gift of all.

Unconditional.
Ever-forgiving.
All-encompassing.
Unlimited.
Life-everlasting.
Grace.

A lifetime of the most unmerited gift. Made possible by the sacrifice of a newborn baby. In the quiet stillness of a livestock stable. Under the majestic light of the North Star.

So humble.
So fearful.
So anticipated.
So serene.
So still.
So often forgotten.
So easy to remember.

Such a powerfully tranquil celebration.
Before the need for perfect, there was simple.

Oh, so completely...
...beautifully...
...magnificently...
...sovereignly...
...intensely...
...redeeming-ly...
...simple.


Gracefully Woven by Elizabeth Spenner

On The Calendar

12/9 - SAC Dress Down Day

12/10 - Packer Dress Day

12/10 - HC Cookie Walk - Parish Center - Doors open @ 12:30

12/10 - NDA Middle School Dance for 7th and 8th Grade Students 6:30-9:00

12/11 - Polar Express 8th Grade Fundraiser

12/13-12/14 - FAST Sponsored Gingerbread House

12/16 - HCS Christmas Concert

12/17 - Adoration Following Mass

12/23 - Early Dismissal (11:30)

12/24 to 1/2/22 - Christmas Break

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2022 Catholic Schools Week TShirts Available

This T-shirt was designed by an 8th-grade student and is available for purchase to spread our Catholic School pride. Purchasing this shirt allows students/staff to wear it any time during Catholic Schools Week (January 31-February 4) and on Spirit Day Tuesdays throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, every t-shirt purchased includes 2 Choice Dress Passes that can be used through June 2, 2022.
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Concert Details

We are looking forward to celebrating the season together next week at our all-school Christmas Concert! Seating is limited; two or three guests along with each school family is typical. We are also offering a live-stream option this year, for those who would like to hear and see our concert, but cannot get to our location. https://www.facebook.com/holycrossparishfamily


The concert begins at 6:00 pm in the church. Students are asked to arrive at 5:45 pm and meet their classroom teachers in the church gathering space. If students are arriving earlier, they are asked to stay with their parents until the 5:45 "call time."


All students are asked to dress nicely.

FAST SPONSORED GINGERBREAD HOUSE - HELPING HANDS NEEDED!

2021 Gingerbread House

December 13, 14, &15


A LOT of help is needed by parent volunteers:

  • We will need help setting up on the weekend before the GBH opens

  • Shopping and wrapping with the children in the Gingerbread House

  • Takedown on December 15 at shop closing time

  • Sign up to help can be found on our Signup genius at:


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A44ACA62AA7FE3-gingerbread


Please consider helping this year. It is a lot of fun. Reach out to Betha Mackey, FAST President, at bethabeeg@gmail.com or via text at (920)634-6889.

GRACE Calendar Raffles Due By End of Day December 17

SAC is asking that any GRACE Calendar Raffles be turned in by the end of the day on Friday, December 17th. Please sell your remaining tickets and return the stubs to the school office by next week Friday.

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Holy Cross Walk-A-Thon For Sudan

Keeping Us Safe Together And Reducing The Spread - Please Note Changes To HCS COVID Site Plan:

Please remember that if your child is exhibiting any symptoms related to COVID-19, including sniffles, cough, stomach ache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. he/she should stay home. We ask that those who are ill with any COVID symptoms consider testing by a recognized medical provider regardless of the individual's vaccine status prior to his/her return. This has helped us to minimize the spread of the virus here at Holy Cross. Short-term quarantines are proving effective in reducing the spread as well. Frequent reviews and updates to our Holy Cross COVID Site Plan are monitored and provided as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and diligence!