The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School December 4, 2022
Mission Statement
St. Maria Goretti is a living testament to our Lord's work in His youngest disciples, exemplified by academic excellence, spiritual formation, and compassionate service to others.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School aims to form what is True, Good, and Beautiful in the souls of our young disciples of Christ.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
Thank you for all of your donations to iGiveCatholic Giving Tuesday. We had so much fun at the talent show. We were able to raise $33,091! Giving is still open until midnight tonight!
https://fortworth.igivecatholic.org/organizations/st-maria-goretti-catholic-school
All the students and staff have earned a dress-down week! Monday, December 5-9 (EXCEPT Thursday, December 8th when we go to Mass).
Please see the following guidelines:
- Blue jeans (follow the SMGCS guides), an SMGCS spirit shirt, tennis shoes, and socks
- Uniform bottoms, an SMGCS spirit shirt, tennis shoes, and socks
- Uniform with tennis shoes and socks OR
- Regular school uniform
We are going to Mass on THURSDAY for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Students will attend Mass at 10:00 AM, parents are welcome to attend. STUDENTS MUST WEAR THEIR MASS UNIFORM ON THURSDAY, THEY MAY NOT DRESS DOWN ON THAT DAY!
The Christmas Store opens this week for students to shop. See the schedule below for your child's shopping times.
This week is Kindness Week at SMGCS. See the list of events below. I challenged the kids to perform acts of kindness during advent. They will write them on hay which we will put in the manger in the cafetorium. We are hoping to have a full manager for Jesus to lay his head on when he comes at Christmas.
SMGCS is hosting the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, December 11, 2022. Please consider attending Mass that day with your students wearing their Mass uniforms. We are still looking for readers and hospitality ministers. Students of any age can do these positions. Only students who are trained altar servers can sign up for this role. See the link to sign up in this edition of the Trojan Times. Come join us for Mass Sunday!
We are hosting an Open House for new families on Monday, December 12, 2022. Please invite any family or friends who may be interested in joining the SMGCS family. See the ad in this edition of the Trojan Times. Please contact the front office if you would like a hard copy to share.
We are looking for Christmas elves to help with the Christmas Store and Christmas Around the World. Use the sign-up genius to volunteer:
Please note that on Friday, December 16th we have a 12:10 PM dismissal. SMEED will not be available that day. Please make arrangements now for your child(ren) to be picked up early on that day. Thank you for your partnership.
Our last Trojan Times for 2022 will come out on December 18, 2022. The first edition of the Trojan Times for 2023 will be released on January 8, 2023.
Finally, please save the date for the Dinner Dance, Saturday, January 21, 2023!
Please pray for our students.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.
Principal
December Virtue: Patience
Paragraph 1832 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists patience as one of the twelve fruits, or perfections, that the Holy Spirit forms in us. If this fruit of patience is truly alive in us, we can control our emotions when something disagreeable happens and respond with calm instead of anger, dismay, or irritation. In times of great suffering, such as a serious illness or a loss of home or job, the virtue of patience can be a tremendous witness to the God Who always responds to our prayers: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).
Saint Monica: Feast Day August 27
Saint Monica grew up believing in Jesus. Her husband did not believe in Jesus, and that made her sad. Her son did not believe in Jesus either and lived a bad life. That made her even more sad, and she prayed every day that her husband and son would believe in God. Finally, they did believe in God, and Saint Monica’s son loved God so much that he became a saint too –Saint Augustine!
Saint Isaac Jogues: Feast Day October 19
Isaac Jogues was a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the first priest to go to present-day New York. He and his companions traveled from France to North America to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ of the Native Americans. Isaac knew and believed that Jesus died for all people and took to heart His words, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirt, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28: 19-20).
Once he arrived, Saint Isaac Jogues first had to learn to speak the language of the Mohawks, and since they did not use the same alphabet, it took a long time to be able to speak with them about Jesus. Since he knew he was doing what God sent him to do, he persevered patiently, and many people converted. In the end, however, the natives grew suspicious of the saint and captured, tortured, and killed him. Through all of this, Saint Isaac Jogues suffered without complaining, not growing angry with God or the people he evangelized. His patient endurance won him the martyr’s crown and life in heaven with Jesus Christ!
Saint Rita of Cascia: Feast Day May 22
Born the only child to a mother and father known as the Peacemakers of Jesus in their small Italian town, Margherita (Rita) Lotti was drawn to religious life at an early age by the example of the Augustinian nuns who lived nearby. However, out of obedience to her parents’ desire for her security, Saint Rita married Paolo Mancini and became the mother of twin sons. Her husband was an angry and abusive man, and became involved in the political intrigues of the time. He was ambushed by enemies and murdered! Rita and Paolo’s sons swore revenge, but the anguished, continuous prayers of their mother won their conversion, and they forgave their father’s murderers.
Not long after, the sons themselves died, and Saint Rita asked to enter the Augustinian monastery, only to be denied because some of the nuns were related to the murderers of her husband, and it was feared Rita’s presence would cause upset. In response to this refusal of her request, Saint Rita turned her efforts to healing the division among the families involved in her husband’s death, and, once peace was secured, was able to finally enter the monastery and consecrate her life to God.
After many years as a faithful religious, Saint Rita spent the last four years of her life confined to bed by illness, where she nevertheless continued of give of herself by teaching the younger nuns in the community.
SMGCS Kindness Week: December 5-9
Christmas Around the World Volunteers Needed
Christmas Around the World is a wonderful tradition at SMGCS. We have some new ideas that will make it more meaningful for our students. Please see where we could use the help of time and talent.
- Friday, December 16, 2022- Students will visit classrooms highlighting traditions of Christmas around the world.
Room Coordinators will be in contact regarding how you can help with Christmas Around the World.
Please use the link to volunteer to help: Christmas at SMG
SMGCS Christmas Store Schedule: Dec. 6-8
We are looking for Christmas elves to help with the Christmas Store. Use the sign-up genius to volunteer: Christmas Store 2022.
Polar Express: December 7
Open House December 12th
Las Posadas - December 12th
Join Mrs. Zavala in the Las Posadas tradition Monday, December 12th. RSVP at the Sign Up Genius. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4BADA92EA0FC1-lasposadas
The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodgings” or “accommodations.”)
The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared.
Jr. High Mid Term Schedule: December 12-15
A Not So Silent Night - December 13
Band students in grades 4th-8th will be performing in the SMGCS gym at 6:30PM. Please join us for a night of music. Band students should arrive at 5:45PM.
Glory to God Christmas Program - December 15th
Dinner Dance - January 21, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities - Earn Spirit Hours
Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available right now! Earn your SPIRIT HOURS & hang out with fellow Trojan families, all while helping SMG. Middle School & Nolan students can earn Service Hours at many of these too!
- Lunch / Playground Helpers
Help the Christmas Store elves prepare!!
-Pick up a roll of gift wrap from the Front Office and cut small, medium, and large pieces! This helps make our gift-wrapping station more efficient!
-Donate new items for the Christmas Store! 1 Hour / $10 spent with the receipt
-Donate your time and talent by creating some handmade items for our Christmas Store! Please contact me if you feel you can help with this.
See Christmas Store Sign Up Genius and parent letter for more info
Sports Website
Visit the Catholic Dioses of Ft. Worth website for sports schedules. Please check the site before a game for any last-minute changes. Games start this Saturday!
SMGCS Hosts Weekend Masses
Please mark your calendars to attend and participate in the Masses this year! All students and their families should plan to attend in their Mass uniforms.
2022-2023 SMGCS Weekend Masses
- 9:00 AM Sunday, December 11, 2022
- Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CACA729AAFBC25-december
- ALL weekend Masses January 28-29, 2023
- 11:00 AM Sunday, March 5, 2023
- 1:00 PM Sunday, April 23, 2023
UTA Social Workers
Nolan Catholic Admission Events & Tours
Open House
- Sunday, December 4
Prospective Parent Coffee & Tour
- Friday, February 3
- Friday, March 31
Last Week at SMGCS
SMG Broadcast
Send pictures and information to broadcast@smgschool.org and we will do our best to feature the amazing things happening in our school.
View last week's SMG Broadcast at https://youtu.be/HtYiuQtQ8XY
Advent Prayer
I Give Catholic Giving Day & Talent Show
We had a blast at the iGiveCatholic Giving Night and Talent Show. Thanks to all who attended or watched the live stream from home. Through your generosity, $33,091 was raised to ensure SMGCS continues to thrive and offer a quality education. Funds were not only raised by donors, but also thanks to Turkey Bingo and the talent show concessions. A special thank you to Mrs. Richards for coordinating the talent show, Mrs. Perez for spearheading the fund raiser and to Mr. Jones for video taping the event. A BIG shout out to the 8th grade Performing Arts Class who were responsible for executing various theatre jobs: working with talent, stage managers, concession supervisors, curtain manager, audio technician, student photographer.
Watch the evening's festivities at this link: https://youtu.be/F1C33v2ANW8
Christmas Movie Night
Home & School sponsored a fun Christmas movie night Friday evening. Families arrived in holiday gear and bundled up to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. Hot chocolate and popcorn was served by NJHS and STUCO members. Sock and glove donations were accepted for the Padre Pio House.
Safe Sitter Babysitting Class
Nurse Beth Arseneau would like to recognize and congratulate the following students for spending 7 hours on a Saturday to complete a Safe Sitter Babysitting Class with CPR and Choking rescue: Kaitlyn Mendez, Valeria Leal, Alison McBee, Ellen Secka, Catie Schmidt, and Maddy Lester They all worked very hard and did an outstanding job!
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
Christmas Around the World
Many thanks to the SMG elves who decorated the halls during Thanksgiving break. Twinkling lights, ornaments and festive decorations adorn the ceilings. Walking down the hallways is a delightful holiday experience. We are all looking forward to December 16th when we will learn how others around the world celebrate.
Pre-K
Kindergarten
Students worked with partners to discuss different ways to sort a group of objects and identify different attributes in the items.
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendar!
* * * PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR CLUB SPONSOR * * *
MOST AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS ARE CANCELLED DURING THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 12-16 DUE TO JUNIOR HIGH MID-TERMS.
Monday
- 12:09-12:49 Out of the Box (Richards)
- 3:10-4:30 PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club 3rd - 8th (Richards)
Dec. 5, 12 NO CLUB, 13 During School, 15 Program at 6:30 PM
- 3:30-4:15 Spanish Club (Zavala)
Dec. 5, 12
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Spelling (Bara)
- 3:30-4:15 PSIA 6th-8th Mathematics (Tran) every 1st/3rd Monday
- 4:00-5:30 Boys' Basketball Practice
- 6:00-8:00 PM FIRST Lego League Robotics (Morales)
Dec. 5, 10 (8 AM-5 PM)
Tuesday
- 12:10-12:50 NJHS (Jones) bi-weekly, Begins TBD
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Maps/Graphs/Charts (Daly)
- 3:30-5:00 PM Cheer Practice (Richards)
- 5:00-6:30 Girls' Basketball Practice
- 6:00-7:30 PM Folklorico Club (Zavala)
Wednesday
- 12:09-12:49 STUCO (Daly)
- 3:30-4:30 Garden Club (Risinger/Cruz)
- 3:30-4:15 Rubik Cube Club (Tran/Utendorf)
Jan 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8 , 22, April 12, 26, May 3, 17
- 3:30-4:15 PSIA 2-3rd Mathematics (Tran) every 1st/3rd Wednesday
- 3:30-4:15 Run Club (Gutierrez/Schump)
Dec. 14, Feb. 1, 15, Mar. 1, 29, April 19, May 10
Thursday
- 12:09-12:49 Library Leaders (Richards)
- 3:10-4:30 PM 5th-8th Trojan Troupe Drama Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15 PSIA 4th-5th Mathematics (Tran) every 1st/3rd Thursday
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Ready Write (Jones)
- 5:00-6:30 Girls' Basketball Practice
- 4:00-5:30 Boys' Basketball Practice
Calendar Notes
December 6-8, Tuesday-Thursday: SMGCS Christmas Store
December 7, Wednesday: Polar Express PreK-1st
December 8, Thursday: 10:00 Immaculate Conception Mass
December 9, Friday: RaiseRight (Scrip) Delivery
December 11, Sunday: 9:00AM SMGCS Hosts Weekend Mass
December 12, Monday: 9:00-11:00 Open House
December 12-15: Jr. High Midterms
December 13, Tuesday: 6:30PM Band Christmas Concert - Holy Life Center
December 14, Wednesday: 3:30-4:30 Tamale pick up Saint Maria Center
December 15, Thursday: 6:30PM Christmas Program in the Church
December 16, Friday: Christmas Around the World, 2nd Quarter Ends, 12:10 Dismissal
December 19-Jan. 2: Christmas Break
January 3, Tuesday: School Resumes
Need Prayers?
We all do!! The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Community would love to pray for you and your intentions. Please send all prayer requests to: smgprays4u@smgschool.org.
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMariaGorettiArlington/