The Defender
October 28, 2022
Important Upcoming Dates
- October 31- Black and Orange Day (guidelines below)
- October 31-Fall Parties 2:45 PM
- November 7th NO SCHOOL (Professional Development)
- November 23-25 Thanksgiving Break
A Message from Mrs. Tate
Dear SMA families,
Short weeks always seem to be the busiest weeks! The highlight of my week was watching Fr. Brian share his Jesus action figure with the kids during K-4 Mass on Wednesday. The first reading on Wednesday was Ephesians 6:1-9. Fr. Brian mentioned that it was probably a favorite of the parents because it starts with, “Children obey your parents in the Lord.” He asked the kids what that meant and connected our daily tasks and expectations to the scripture.
His action figure “talked” to us with the press of a button, and even though we all giggled a little bit, the message was clear: We should talk to and listen to Jesus always in all ways. As I reflected on this over the past couple of days, I’m reminded of one of my favorite rosary meditations from School of Faith. The meditation is about meditation and prayer. How do we pray? When do we pray? Why do we pray? Are we just talking or are we really listening to God’s answers?
I can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of home and work and tell myself I’m listening to Jesus throughout my day, but am I really listening? When I slow down and feel the moments of each day – out in the courtyard with the kids, during lunch, in the hallways, at recess – I can really see, feel, and hear Jesus speaking to me, and I rejoice.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
November is next week, and that means the holiday season is upon us. As I head into this busy season of Thanksgiving, I will keep Philippians tacked on my bulletin board and refrigerator to remind me to slow down, talk to Jesus, and listen to Jesus. Let the peace of God keep all our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
And let us smile and enjoy the joy in our lives, especially when a talking Jesus action figure high-fives us after Mass. I couldn’t help but include the picture below to share the joy on the faces of the kids AND Fr. Brian! Enjoy!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Diana Tate
Monday, October 31 – Fall Parties and Orange and Black Day
On Monday, October 31, we will hold our fall parties at the end of the day. Students are allowed to be out of uniform on this day. Please check the out of uniform guidelines in the student/parent handbook. This day will be deemed “black and orange” day. No costumes are allowed. No face paint allowed.
Faith Family Thanksgiving Feast Questionnaire
On Tuesday, November 22, we will have our very first Faith Family Thanksgiving Feast. We will all be eating lunch together at the same time. The feast will take place at 11:00am and will be in the cafeteria/gym. The menu includes: turkey, mashed potatoes w/gravy, corn, a Hawaiian roll, a pumpkin spice muffin and a small bottle of water. The meal is being sponsored by the Parish at no cost to you. This will be the only lunch served for the day. Your child(ren) can bring their own lunch if they do not want to eat the turkey dinner. Please indicate on this Google Form whether or not your student(s) will be eating the Faith Family Thanksgiving Feast. https://forms.gle/2V7N8ZhpfixNHEEt7
Catholic Identifying Characteristics in Our School
SMA Catholic School wants feedback from our parent community regarding our Catholic Identifying Characteristics! Parish members and school parents can go to www.smore.com/em8hx to fill out a survey regarding our Catholic Identity Defining Characteristics. The survey will be open until Monday, October 31 at 8:00 a.m. Thank you!
Parking guidelines for tonight’s Trunk or Treat
Purchase a 2022 SMA ornament
The 8th graders are selling ornaments this year to help raise money for a class gift and a donation to charity. For a $20 donation, you will receive a hand-drawn ornament of the SMA church, gift wrapped and ready to give the first week of December. Orders are due to the school office by Monday, October 31.
St. Thomas Aquinas Presents Freaky Friday
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School students will present the musical “Freaky Friday” November 3,4, 5, and 6 at our school Theater. Please join us for this family-friendly version of “Freaky Friday” that all will enjoy! Thursday-Saturday performances will be at 7pm and the Sunday performance is at 5pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door or please visit our website at www.stasaints.net
SMA Social needs your photos
As we get further into the school year and begin to have projects and parties at school, snap some pictures and send to VSL so we can post on Facebook and Instagram. We would love to feature more of our kids smiling faces to help tell our SMA story!
CYO Basketball Registration
CYO online registration is open! St. Michael will have teams for 3rd grade through 8th grade girls and boys. To register, go to www.cyojwa.org. Please register by Saturday, October 29. For more information about tryouts, go to stmichaelcp.org/cyo.
Tryouts will be held the week of October 31. Practices will start the week of November 8 and games will start the first weekend in December.
If you are interested in coaching a team, please send an email to Scott Hardgree at shardgree@hotmail.com.
CYO Help Needed
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Dennis Uniform
SMA School Activities
Parish Activities
Serve Saturday-November 12th
Volunteer at ScrapsKC, please click here for more information:
Companions in Faith Volunteer Opportunity at OLU School
Have some free time during the school day? We are looking for volunteers to work with teachers and students at Our Lady of Unity School for the 2022-2023 school year. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. but we can accommodate almost any schedule. The day of the week is flexible and as well as the frequency of your volunteer visits. You must be VIRTUS trained to volunteer but no teaching expertise is needed, just a willing heart to work with students.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please visit http://companionsinfaith.weebly.com/volunteer-at-our-lady-of-unity-school.html or e-mail Ann Ekis at ann.ekis@yahoo.com