MCCHS FRIDAY FOCUS
148th EDITION: March 6, 2020
From the Desk of Ms. Debra Novy
I know that as Principal of our dear school I typically write a little something related to academics, but this week, there is no question in my mind the topic of this message… Marian Central Catholic’s first ever All School Retreat.
As you may or many not know, when our Catholic Identity Committee first thought of developing this type of retreat, one of the main reasons for doing so was to reduce the number of times that our students are pulled from their classes throughout the year for retreats, among other things. As stated in our graduation requirements, all students must attend at least one Marian sponsored retreat each year they attend Marian. In the past we had a few different retreats offered at each grade level, but because we are focused on building a cohesive culture within the walls of Marian, we thought… why not! As the retreat began to evolve, it became evident that this retreat could become so much more.
Over the past several months, Father Twenty and Miss Deitz worked with a handful of amazing senior retreat leaders as they planned this two-day event. This was no small feat! The logistics alone of trying to determine how to move over 600 individuals from location to location as well as how to feed them all made the many planners’ minds churn day and night! There were both large and small groups to devise, witness talks to write and practice, games to develop, and of course… all the religious events to plan out. By mid-February beautifully designed signs started popping up everywhere with one word… REVIVAL. Boy, did that get people talking… wondering…
Well, the mystery had finally been revealed this past Wednesday and Thursday and it was amazing, to say the least. Wednesday’s schedule started by letting our students sleep in (they seemed to appreciate that and the comfy clothes!) and included an opening Mass, student witness talks, games, small group discussion, Stations of the Cross, and a pep rally! Father’s homily helped us to realize that God’s love for us is immeasurable and unique to each of us. Thursday’s focus was on reconciliation and the revival of our positive relationship with God. More student witnessing, including one about how powerful confession can be in our lives, touched the hearts of many. Students and staff also had the opportunity to take confession throughout the day (thanks to the help of the many visiting priests of our Deanery), and we all participated in a Eucharistic Procession through the halls of Marian, ending with Benediction and Mass with Bishop Malloy. The Bishop’s message reminded our students that though this retreat is ending, it is up to each of them to follow through and continue to practice their faith through their lives in college and adult life… that a “retreat” can happen anywhere, at any time, as long as they continue to focus on their ever-growing relationship with God.
“Revival” has now ended. The decorations have been taken down, our students are back in their Marian uniforms, and it is school as usual… or is it? I pray that as our students and staff resume our regular routines that we do not forget what happened in these last 48 hours of our lives. Our little community came together as one to celebrate our love of God and each other. We set aside our busy schedules, let our guard down a little, allowed ourselves to be a little more vulnerable, connected with some people that we haven’t otherwise had a chance to, and grew… We grew spiritually and emotionally.
I thank God every day for the gift he gave me about four years ago when I accepted the job as Principal of Marian Central. I will conclude this with the following…
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that all things God made be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. (1 Pet 4:7-11)
Please enjoy a glimpse into our retreat experience by clicking here.
Thank you all for the gift of your children. God Bless…
Ms. Debra Novy
Health News
Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,
As you are aware, cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have been prominent in the
news over the last several weeks. In the most up to date information we have from
the McHenry County Department of Health, the risk continues to remain low for
COVID-19 in McHenry County. Marian Central would like to ensure our families that
we will keep in close contact with the McHenry County Department of Health, the
Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health (links to these
websites are below), and the Diocese of Rockford and follow any recommendations
they have regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
McHenry County Department of Health
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/home/showdocument?id=96707
Center for Disease Control
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Illinois Department of Public Health
http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-servies/kisease-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-
list/coronavirus
Additionally, the MCDH has asked all schools to follow their usual protocol for
parent’s notification of students who are ill and to make sure they describe the
illness and symptoms to the school office. We are also asked to reinforce with our
staff and students to stay home when ill, cover coughs, wash hand frequently and
disinfect high touch surfaces. We have asked our custodial crews to increase their
daily cleaning with an emphasis on regularly disinfecting commonly touched
surfaces. I have also sent out a school planning resource from the CDC entitled “Get
Your School Ready for Pandemic Flu” to all our faculty and staff.
Marian will continue to place a significant importance on prevention as described by
the Center for Disease Control. We encourage all individuals with cold-like
symptoms to be evaluated by medical personnel and we encourage everyone to click
on the links above for additional information on the coronavirus (COVID-19)
regarding preventative actions for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mike Shukis
Assistant Superintendent
Marian Central Theater Presents...
Annie
Friday, March 13th; 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 14th; 5:00 pm
Sunday, March 15th; 2:00 pm
Reserved seating tickets on sale now!
Call the Marian Central Office
815-338-4220 x109
Adults: $10 each
Students/Seniors: $5 each
Financial Assistance/Work Program
Financial Assistance and Work Program Applications are available now on the school website. https://www.marian.com/tuition-and-financial-aid/
The deadline to apply is May 1st. Award notifications will be sent in early June. If you currently receive Financial Assistance or are in the Work Program, you need to complete the application forms each year.
60th Anniversary Dinner Auction
College Check In Meetings
I’m inviting all students in the Class of 2021 to schedule individual “College Check In” meetings with me between Monday, February 17th and Friday, March 13th. In addition to touching base with each student about where she/he is at regarding her/his college search, I’ll also review each student’s course selections with them to discuss how those courses would impact admission to specific colleges and/or more selective academic programs, such as nursing, business majors, or engineering majors.
Each junior will be invited to schedule a meeting with me through Mrs. Diamond in the Guidance Office. Additionally, I’d be happy to schedule a meeting after school (2:30 PM) to accommodate those parents who’d like to join their students at this meeting. Any parents who’d like to schedule a joint student/parent meeting can do that online at: http://bit.ly/31ywpmw.
As always, please call or E-mail with any college-related questions you have! I look forward to working with each of the juniors as they embark on this exciting process!