The Messenger
A Publication of St. Gabriel the Archangel School 11/17/2021
Dear Fabulous Families -
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! We are thankful for your ongoing support and prayers this year! Some well-known people remind us of the importance of being thankful.
"In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks." - St. Teresa of Avila
“Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.” - St. John Chrysostom
“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything.” - Thomas Merton
“Jesus does not demand great action from us but simply surrender and gratitude.” - St. Therèse of Lisieux
The end of the first trimester was last Friday. Accounts should be current for release of report cards and 8th grade transcripts. Please review your accounts to make sure that your tuition and fees are up-to-date. If you are on the one-payment plan, your 2021-2022 tuition should be paid in full. If you are on the two-payment plan, half of your 2021-2022 tuition should be paid. The technology fee should be paid in full, and one-third of your band fees should be paid. If you have questions about your account or your monthly statement or need to revise your payment plan, please call Joan Miller at the rectory office (314-353-6303) or e-mail Joan at millerj@stgabrielstl.org.
- The Archdiocese is in regular contact with the local health departments to ensure good communication and foster relationships in which there is listening and feedback provided. Please see the information below regarding a Town Hall meeting with the new St. Louis Health Director, Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis (Dr. Mati as she calls herself).
Peace and Joy -
Tonya McEnery
Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Dan Winkeler
Assistant Principal
St. Gabriel the Archangel
School Communities Invited to Town Hall Meeting with New St. Louis City Health Director
The City of St. Louis Department of Health invites you and your communities to join us for a town hall discussion next Monday, November 22, at 6 p.m. online via Zoom and YouTube. The meeting is part of an ongoing community approach to provide accurate information and answer questions from the St. Louis community regarding the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children 5-11 years old. This town hall discussion will help parents, caregivers, and families understand the data regarding the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine recommendations for this age group and navigate decisions.
Individuals may pre-register for the Zoom link and provide questions they currently have through our Eventbrite registration, covid-19-pediatric-vaccine.eventbrite.com.
The event will also be streamed live on the City of St. Louis YouTube channel, youtube.com/CityofStLouisMissouri.
Email Sent Earlier Today About Vaccine Clinic
- Thank you for filling out the survey last week regarding interest in a vaccination clinic. There was enough interest to determine that we would be a host site.
- Respondents asked about how receiving the vaccination affects quarantining. Students will not have to quarantine if fully vaccinated (2 weeks out from dose #2) and are not symptomatic.
- A separate email went out today to sign-up for the vaccination clinic if this opportunity is desired or needed by your family at this time. We respect that each family needs to do what is best for their particular situation. We are offering this as a convenience for our community.
- As a vaccination site, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish is solely providing the location for this clinic. St. Louis College of Pharmacy will be fully operating the clinic, providing medical professionals, distributing the vaccines and scheduling follow-up appointments.
- You and/or your child need to be registered, if you wish to receive the vaccination. Limited supplies will be brought to the school based on the number of people registered.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, November 19 -
Pfizer - Vaccination #1 given to students 5-11
Pfizer booster shot available to adults; Moderna booster shot is not available to adults on this day.
Friday, December 10 -
Pfizer - Vaccination #2 given to students 5-11
Moderna booster shot available to adults; Pfizer booster shot is not available to adults on this day.
Co-Curriculars Visit World's Fair
Christmas Poinsettia and Urban Candle Fundraisers - ORDERS DUE TODAY
This year there are two exciting Christmas fundraisers to support the 8th grade class; the annual poinsettia sale as well as a special Urban candle sale!
Order forms were sent home today in the yellow envelopes two weeks ago. Images of the order forms are shown below.
Uniform Approved Jackets Added for Cooler Weather Options
The Catholic Supply Store also offers sweaters, sweatshirts, and quarter zip choices.
Please review uniform guidance from the handbook.
- SWEATSHIRTS: Solid navy or red. It can be embellished with the approved St. Gabriel logo. No hoodies.
- SWEATERS: Solid navy or red. It can be embellished with the approved St. Gabriel logo. No hoods on sweaters.
The uniform unifies our student body, promotes school pride, and lessens economic disparities among students. Thank you for guiding your child as they make dress decisions. If any family needs financial support to purchase/obtain appropriate uniform items, please contact Mrs. McEnery.
Vaccine information
COVID - 19 Vaccine Information
The CDC expanded its COVID - 19 vaccine recommendations to children ages 5-11 years old. The Pfizer vaccine has been given emergency use authorization and providers have started vaccinating for that age group.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect children ages 5 years and older from getting COVID-19.
Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.
Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.
Vaccinating children ages 5 years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.
ADDED - Students who have been fully vaccinated (2 weeks out from the second vaccine) do not need to quarantine if they are a close contact as long as they are asymptomatic.
Dear Parents,
Last Wednesday at the 8 am Mass, our 8th grade class made a commitment to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. As Monsignor asked them questions about their willingness to participate and prepare for the sacrament, their resounding "I will" filled the church.
Our second graders received the sacrament of Reconciliation this past Thursday. We are so happy for them and their families! Check out their beautiful lamb pins by the Saint Joseph altar.
In November, we focus and learn about the Catholic Social Teaching of:
Dignity and Rights of Workers.
We are called to protect the basic rights of all workers: the right to engage in productive work, fair wages, private property, and the right to organize, join unions, and pursue economic opportunity.
Please pray for Pope Francis' intention for November:
We pray that people who suffer from depression and burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
One way our school cultivates leadership and service is through the Middle School Houses. Thanks to Joan House for coordinating the collection for activity duty service members this November. For December, John House is hosting a collection for Whole Kids Outreach. Items can be brought to school from November 29th through December 2nd. A speaker for Whole Kids will take the items after our all school Mass on December 2nd.
Here is a link for information on the organization:
https://www.wholekidsoutreach.org/
CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
to benefit
Whole Kids Outreach
Make Christmas Special for a child in need!
<November 29th-December 2nd>
Whole Kids Outreach serves rural Missouri children in need. In December, WKO hosts a Christmas Store so that kids can have a great Christmas morning!
SGA will be collecting new toys and other items (unwrapped) for children birth through young teens for the WKO Christmas Store. Every WKO child/teen receives a large, medium, and small gift , so all gifts are appreciated. In addition, cash donations and Amazon, Walmart and Target gift cards are welcome!
Please no items that suggest violence or war (e.g., Risk, Battleship, toy or Nerf guns, etc.). If possible, please mark out the UPC codes with a black marker—this helps us greatly!
Please drop off your toys at Saint Gabriel by
December 2nd
Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Important Dates for Sacraments:
First Communion Parent Meeting- Thursday, April 7th, at 6:30 pm in church
First Communion- Sunday, May 1st
Confirmation:
Tuesday, April 26- Confirmation Day of Prayer
Thursday, April 28- Confirmation at 7:00 pm Mass at SGA
We continue to celebrate our Thursday, All School Masses, on the school parking lot. It is our hope to hold our all school Masses outside as the weather permits so that we can gather in a safe way.
For our level Masses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we have changed from rotating two grade levels at a time to having one grade level attending at a time so students can be safely distanced. The grade level of the homeroom that is planning will be in attendance at the Mass. The schedule below is updated to reflect this new change. Parents are always welcome to join us for Mass.
Mass Days:
November
Thursday, 11/18 4S
Tuesday, 11/23 All School Mass Joan House- Items collected for active duty service members- We are grateful for all our blessings!
Tuesday, 11/30 4P
December
Wednesday, 12/1 5A
Thursday, 12/2 John House -Collection for Whole Kids Outreach
Tuesday, 12/7 2A
Wednesday, 12/8 No School- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Thursday, 12/9 6J
Tuesday, 12/14 1C
Wednesday, 12/15 7M
Thursday, 12/16 4P
Peace and blessings!
Deborah DaLay
Coordinator of Religious Education
PFA Parent Volunteer Opportunity: Christmas Party Coordinators
Community Outreach
PFA Community Outreach Committee has been working on providing community service opportunities for families to engage in together. While searching, we came across some that we would like to share. Below are some upcoming opportunities through St. Patrick Center that you and your family can get involved in. See details below:
Trevisano Teddy Bear Christmas Land
St. Patrick Center is recruiting volunteers for Trevisano Teddy Bear Christmas Land in November and December. The Trevisano family’s display in Crestwood includes thousands of lights, 100+ teddy bears, animations and, of course, Christmas music. St. Patrick’s Center needs volunteers to manage the St. Patrick Center donation box outside on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00pm or 6:30-8:30pm, from Thanksgiving until Christmas.
Dinner Preparation
St. Patrick Center needs volunteers to prepare a meal at their own expense for up to 30 clients in our Women's Night Program. This opportunity is available every day. Volunteers can choose to drop off the meal, or serve it themselves. Everyone on site must be 14 years of age or older, but this could be a good opportunity for a couple of families to divide and conquer a meal for this group.
For more information and or to sign up for these opportunities, contact:
Katie Joseph, Senior Manger of Development Operations at St. Patrick Center at kjoseph@stpatrickcenter.org or at 314-802-1976.
If you have ideas on how to engage families in community service or have an opportunity you would like to see St. Gabe’s families engage in please contact:
Erin Backes
PFA Community Outreach Chair
Year at a Glance
November 24- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
November 25- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
November 26- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
November 28 - St. Louis Hills Annual Tree Lighting, Francis Park, 7 pm
December 8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day - NO SCHOOL
December 15- Virtual Vocal Concert - A link will be sent out to families
December 16- Band Concert for band families (See email from Sr. Gail)
December 20- January 2- NO SCHOOL- Christmas Break
January 3- School Resumes
January 14- Teacher Planning and Collaboration - NOON DISMISSAL
January 17- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- NO SCHOOL
January 30-February 5 - Catholic Schools Week
January 30- Catholic Schools Week - Prospective Student Open House
January 31- Catholic Schools Week - Writing Celebrations, 7:30 am - 8:30 am
February 4- Catholic Schools Week- NOON DISMISSAL
February 14- Valentine's Day- Valentine Parties @ 2:05
February 18- Teacher Planning and Collaboration - NOON DISMISSAL
February 21- Presidents' Day- NO SCHOOL
February 25- End of 2nd Trimester
March 5 - Auction
March 13- March 19- NO SCHOOL- Spring Break
March 30 - Student-led Conferences
April 7- First Communion Parent Meeting at 6:30 pm in church
April 14- Holy Thursday- NO SCHOOL
April 15- Good Friday- NO SCHOOL
April 18- Easter Monday- NO SCHOOL
April 28- 8th Grade Confirmation 7pm
May 1- First Communion- 2nd Grade
May 7- 8th Grade Follies 7pm
May 10- Vocal Concert 7pm
May 11- Band Concert 7pm
May 13- Field Day- NOON DISMISSAL
May 20- 7th Grade Leadership Day and 8th Grade Mystery Day
May 24- 8th Grade Graduation 6:30pm
May 27- Last Day of School- NOON DISMISSAL
Calling All High School Teens of the Parish:
SGYG Calendar of Events
Nov. 17th (Tonight!) - Part 3 of “The Work at Hand” Social Justice and the Beatitudes: This night will include making "Blessing Bags" for the homeless.
Nov. 24th - NO YOUTH NIGHT ~ Happy Thanksgiving! ~
Dec. 1st - Part 4 of “The Work at Hand” Social Justice and the Beatitudes
~ Teens will begin the night at 7pm in Gabriel House, but at 8pm we will move over to church for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Families are invited to attend Adoration and Reconciliation in church with their high schooler(s).
Dec. 8th - Immaculate Conception Mass @6pm.
~ Following Mass, we will enjoy a pizza dinner and tie-dye t-shirts.
~ Please rsvp to Sarah by Dec. 3rd. hendersons@stgabrielstl.org
Dec. 15th - Tacky Christmas Sweater Party
~ This will be our Christmas Party and the last meeting of 2021.
Dec. 22nd & 29th - NO YOUTH NIGHTS ~ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~
Jan. 5th - First Youth Night of 2022!
Connect with SGYG!
Instagram @stgabesyg
Facebook Private Group: St. Gabriel Youth Group (SGYG)
Flocknote: Youth Ministry
Gift cards for the holidays
Purchase gift cards through ShopwithScrip.com for your holiday shopping and gift giving.
Check out this link to the holiday gift guide for gift giving inspiration! ShopWithScrip/GiftGuide
Ways to place an order
- Already have an account? Sign in at shopwithscrip.com or use the RaiseRight app to place and pay for your order.
- Don’t have a ShopWithScrip account yet? Follow the easy steps to get started at shopwithscrip.com/startearninguse Enrollment Code C2238B8617489
- Prefer to place an order without setting up an account? Check out the gift guide along with the retailer list then send me an email with your order - retailer card type, denomination and quantity. Drop your payment at the rectory or send it through school with your student and I’ll take care of the rest.
Order Release Scheduled - We will process online orders twice leading up to the Christmas break.
- Orders place by Monday, November 29 will be sent home in your child’s backpack or can be picked at the rectory on Friday, December 3.
- Orders placed by Monday, December 13 will be sent home in your child’s backpack or can be picked at the rectory on Friday, December 17.
For any questions, please contact Margie Uxa @ uxam@stgabrielstl.org