Holy Cross Thunderbolt Newsletter
January 4, 2021
Chalking Your Door
Epiphany (also known as Twelfth Night or Three Kings Day) marks the occasion of a time-honored Christian tradition of “chalking the doors.” The formula for the ritual — adapted for 2021 — is simple: take chalk of any color and write the following above the entrance of your home: 20 + C + M + B + 21.
The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the 3 Magi — Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar — who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and the “21” at the end mark the year. Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.
The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice throughout the world, though it appears to be somewhat less well-known in the United States. It is, however, an easy tradition to adopt, and a great practice whereby we dedicate our year to God from its very outset, asking His blessing on our homes and on all who live, work, or visit them there.
Upcoming Dates
January 11 - Students Return to Classroom
January 13 - Crazy Coupon Day Make Up Day (Grades 7-8 ONLY)
January 18 - No School
January 21 - SAC Dress Down Day
January 29 - FAST Sledding Event (evening)
January 31 - February 6 - Catholic Schools Week
COVID Issues
In order to best manage the spread of the virus - we ask that you report any exposure and testing to school.
- How to prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Allergies, Cold, Flu, or COVID-19
- Decision Tree for People with COVID-19 Symptoms
For families who have questions relative to handling COVID matters, GRACE is partnering with Prevea Health and has a Nurse Help Line. Please call 920-272-3539 if you have any questions to your family's health and COVID.
HCS Weekly COVID Report 12/31/20
# Adults Positive = 0
Studies and learning from home this week will promote the best opportunities for minimized cases and contact as we look forward to coming together next week. See you Monday!
Celebrating The Christmas Season
Despite challenges our students, teachers and families faced in 2020 - we persevered and overcame. One example is that of the HCS Holiday Cheer CD created by our Middle School choir/band students under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Johnson and Mr. Sam Stranz. Many schools, like us, had to forgo the annual Christmas concert, but the foresight of these two teachers to create a timeless gift of music that could still be shared was the project that taught students to think outside the box. The work that was put into creating this gift to school families was incredible as students all recorded own their pieces/parts of the songs individually and with digital compilation and the technological expertise of their teachers - the students sound as though they are performing as one group! This is quite a feat as Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Stranz creatively found a way to offer this gift in a way that was meaningful, challenging and safe for our students here at Holy Cross.
Please enjoy this beautiful selection of "The Holly and the Ivy" by the HCS Middle School Choir Students that celebrates resilience, music, Jesus and the joy of the holiday season.
Football Mania Winners
Congratulations to the following winners:
Gwen Klass - $25
Mike Mickelson - $25
Week 17
Wayne Goral - $400
Paul Heim - $25
Harriet Ducat - $25
Julie Thiesen - $25
Contact Us
Email: kpeterson@gracesystem.org
Website: holycrossfamily.org
Location: 3002 Bay Settlement Road, Green Bay, WI, USA
Phone: 920-468-0625
Facebook: facebook.com/holycrossfamily