Spring is Here!
. . . and it's time to take a break!
We know it's been a crazy, stressful, busy, ever-evolving and changing week in our lives. So as we start Spring Break on this first day of Spring, it's time to explore new opportunities to explore during your ''STAYCATION'!
What to do?
The 'Greater Freeport Partnership' has put together a great local guide for us. The e-pages are filled with links for services in the community and activities to do at home.
- Local COVID-19 Information
- Stephenson County Pick-Up and Delivery Dining
- Family Activities
- Stephenson County Local Shopping Online
- Adult Indoor Retreats
Click here for all of these great resources. Thank you 'Greater Freeport Partnership'!
Travel Down Memory Lane
With the 'Spring Break' sale on Smugmug, now is the perfect time to collect those Aquin memories for scrapbooks, ebooks and more. Our galleries date back to 2004, so there are soooo many Bulldog and Blue Jay memories waiting for you. Scrolling through a gallery of game pics will put you right back in the bleachers holding your breath until that last shot, pitch, throw or spike. Find your favorites, put them in your cart and checkout. Then download immediately, or have prints delivered to your door.
10 Ways to Fill Your Days
Dynamic Catholic has a great list of activities for you and your family to enjoy during this 'slow down'. Because when this is all over, we want you to be a-better-version-of-yourself. Here are some ideas to stay focused on what matters most:
- For Families: Help Your Kids Get to Know Jesus: Their entire BLESSED series is available online for free! Video episodes will engage your children’s sense of wonder and take them on an unforgettable adventure into the story of Jesus and the life-giving truths of his Church.
- For Spouses: Take Your Marriage to the Next Level: You have extra time together with your spouse, take advantage of it! There are over 72 video segments with tips, encouragement and wisdom from a panel of incredible speakers.
- For Parents: Start Dreaming for Your Family: Whether your family is just starting out or you’ve been a parent for 15 years, the STARTING POINT Parenting Preparation Inventory is the best online tool to get parents talking about their dreams for their families!
- Receive Daily Lenten Reflections from Matthew Kelly: You can start from the beginning and watch a few episodes per day until you’re caught up, or join with today’s reflection. Lent isn’t about what you give up; it’s about who you become!
- Rediscover the Genius of Catholicism: Originally created as a Confirmation program, 'Decision Point' is actually great for anyone and everyone. With 72 free streaming video segments, you’ll find tons of practical and inspiring messages from Matthew Kelly as he talks about the best way to live.
- Start a New Daily Reflection Program: Hundreds of archived reflections from past programs are waiting for you to go through as a family, with a group of friends, or by yourself.
- Learn How Pray the Rosary: The rosary is a powerful prayer. It settles our hearts and minds. It puts things in perspective and allows us to see things as they really are. To put it simply: It just works. And, right now, the world needs some prayers!
- Go Deeper with Excellent Study Guides: Experience your favorite Dynamic Catholic books at a whole new level. Download a study guide for yourself, for your family, or organize a study group with your favorite video conferencing software.
- Enjoy Everyday Encouragement and Inspiration: Dozens of articles written just for you and your family, broken down into helpful categories (including work and career, marriage and sexuality, and money matters!). Find advice, encouragement and inspiration designed to help you live your best life.
- Dive Into a Great Catholic Book: Browse their robust category of some of the world’s best (and best-selling) Catholic books. With a wide variety of titles in both hardcover and paperback (you just pay shipping for most paperbacks!), there is something for everyone. Or use an Ebook or Audiobook: Find your favorite Matthew Kelly title on Audible and listen to it with your whole family, or find a new life-changing Dynamic Catholic ebook or audiobook and enjoy it on your own terms!
Enjoy your 'Staycation'!
Love, Aquin Faculty & Staff!
(pictured above at last year's NCEA Convention in Chicago)