The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School December 6, 2020
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,
Happy second Sunday of Advent and happy Feast Day of St. Nicholas!
Last Friday, we had our Faith Families (virtual) Assembly for the month of December. We discussed virtue of the month, Purity, and the saints who especially emulated this virtue. At the end of our all-school assembly, Fr. Jim was on hand to bless our Advent wreath and the beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the cafetorium. In their Faith Family homerooms, students heard the story, The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale, and made St. Nicholas ornaments. While they were busy making their ornaments, St. Nicholas himself visited the halls of SMGCS, filling shoes with treats of candy canes and oranges. Students loved this long-standing tradition and the special treats--a great way to end the week!
SMGCS is happy to be participating in the Junior League of Arlington's Festival of Trees this year! Please see details below in this newsletter and be sure to visit the Festival, either live or virtually, and vote for our tree! A special thank you to the McGuiness family for sponsoring SMGCS to participate in this event!
The Christmas Store opens this week! Another long-standing SMGCS tradition, set-up for tthe Christmas Store will take place on Tuesday and the store will be open for shopping on Wednesday and Thursday. We are unable to collect cash for purchases this year, so all purchases will be handled via FACTS. FACTS forms were sent home last Friday in Friday Folders (with the youngest or only child in each family), and parents are asked to complete and return one form per family before the store opens on Wednesday. Please see below for details, including a student shopping schedule and a link for the FACTS form in case yours didn't make it home or was misplaced.
Tuesday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (a Holy Day of Obligation). We will attend Mass at 9:30AM on Tuesday and again on Wednesday for our weekly school Mass. Students should wear their full-dress Mass uniform both days.
Finally, the University of Dallas's Classical Curriculum Team has put together a list of recommended Advent and Christmas Books to share. The list can be found at the link below.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/12/Advent%20and%20Christmas%20Books%20recommended%20by%20UD.pdf
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the halls of SMGCS! Thank you to our Home & School members, volunteers, faculty & staff members who have been preparing our halls for Christmas & Caroling Around the World. Students will begin "touring" and learning about Christmas traditions and carols from around the world beginning this week.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have a great week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
DECEMBER VIRTUE: Purity: Keeping your soul free of sin
The virtue of purity helps us to fight temptations and to avoid things that might turn us away from God. The virtues of charity and friendship remind us to help others to be pure too. If we truly love God, we will not let anything get in the way of our relationship with Him.
If a bag of sugar says “pure sugar” we know we will find nothing but sugar inside. When we speak of pure water, we expect the water to be free from chemicals, dirt, and disease. In the same way, God calls us to have pure hearts, hearts that are totally for God and for love, hearts that are free from sin and selfishness.
Saint Dominic Savio: Feast Day - March 9
On the day of his First Holy Communion, Dominic Savio told God that he would rather die than commit a sin, and this became his motto. He was very smart, athletic, and popular, and he used these talents to help lead all the rough boys at Don Bosco’s school to Jesus. He invited them to Confession, talked them out of fights, and changed the subject when they were being unkind.
Saint Agnes: Feast Day – January 2
Saint Agnes lived at a time when it was illegal to be a Christian. When she was about 12 years old, a wealthy young man fell in love with her and asked her to marry him. She told him that she had already given her heart to Jesus as His bride. The young man was upset and reported her to the government for being a Christian. Agnes was arrested, and everyone begged her to deny her faith and worship the Roman gods. She refused, and was sentenced to death. Saint Agnes went joyfully to martyrdom. Angus means “lamb”, and a spotless lamb is the symbol of her pure love for Christ.
Saint Maria Goretti: Feast Day - July 6
Maria Goretti was born to a very poor family. Her father and mother, unable to adequately support Maria and her three brothers and sisters, moved from their small farm in Corinaldo, Italy to become tenant farmers in the Pontine Marshes. They shared the rent with Mr. Serenelli and his son, Alessandro, because they could not afford their own home.
When Maria was nine her father became sick and died. Maria now took up the cooking, housework, and care for her younger brothers and sisters so her mother could work in the fields. Her love overflowed in joyful care for them. She taught her siblings their prayers and the teachings of the Catholic faith she had learned from her mother. She generously put the rest of the family first, giving them larger portions of the food.
Maria’s one desire was to receive Holy Communion. She found a woman who could teach her Catechism classes, and would walk the two hours to town a few times a week until she was prepared. On the day of her First Holy Communion, Maria went around the house asking everyone’s forgiveness for any ways she had offended them. Because of her obvious love of Jesus in Holy Communion, the parish priest allowed her to receive Communion three times that month, which was a rare privilege in the days before frequent Holy Communion.
Alessandro Serenelli liked to read sensational newspapers. Perhaps this contributed to his restless heart. He saw how beautiful Maria was becoming, and he tried to approach her several times. Each time Maria rebuked him. She tried to stay near her mother and never to be alone with him. On July5, 1902, Maria's mother was working in a nearby field while Maria was near the house watching her young sister. Alessandro had been working in the field too, but he came alone back to the house. He called Maria inside, but she would not come. He then dragged her back into the building. As she fought him, she screamed, “No! No! No! What are you doing? Do not touch me! It is a sin – you will go to Hell!” Suddenly he pulled out a knife and began to stab Maria.
Maria survived the attach long enough to receive the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion for the last time. Before she died, her parish priest asked her if she forgave Alessandro. She responded, “Yes, I do, for the love of Jesus, forgive him, and I want him to be with me in Paradise.” She was only eleven years old.
Her attacker, Alessandro, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He did not repent for his crime until one night, after eight years, he dreamed that Maria came towards him in a field and offered him fourteen beautiful flowers, one for each time he had stabbed her. The next day he confessed his sins and began a life of penance. When he was released from prison he went first to Maria’s mother to ask her forgiveness. She forgave him, and they attended Christmas Midnight mass together. Both were still alive when Maria was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and proclaimed a martyr for holy purity.
Special Mass Schedule - Dec. 8th and 9th
Students will attend 9:30AM Mass on Tuesday, December 8th to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, in addition to Mass on Wednesday, December 9th. Mass uniform is required on both days.
Junior League of Arlington Festival of Trees
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School is participating in the Junior League of Arlington's Festival of Trees by sponsoring and decorating a tree with a Classic Christmas theme. Trees are adorned with decorations and fill the Junior League of Arlington Center at 4002 West Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, Texas.
The Festival of Trees opened to the public on Saturday, December 5th. Anyone can visit the JLA center during designated times to view the trees at no cost. The hours for the Festival of Trees is Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm, 6-8 pm; Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 12 pm-6 pm. Each tree will have a sign acknowledging the donor with a QR code to the voting link. For a $1 donation, visitors can cast their vote for their favorite decorated tree. The tree receiving the most votes will be eligible to receive a donation to that non-profit or a non-profit of the tree sponsor's choosing.
In addition to being able to view the trees in person, there will be a dedicated Instagram account and a special website through GiveSmart, so people will be able to view the trees (and vote for them) from all around the world (or even in Arlington from the comfort of their own home if adhering to shelter in place/quarantine protocols).
https://e.givesmart.com/events/jBY/i/_All/ctyD/?search=
SMGCS will be donating the decorated tree back to JLA for their auction that will take place later this month. This was a fun and festive way to support our school and local community. A very special thank you to the McGuinness family who paid our registration to participate. Please help SMGCS win by visiting (live or virtually) and voting!! Feel free to share the link with extended friends and family to vote as well!
How Are We Doing? Survey
Your opinion matters! Please take a minute to complete the brief survey by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your input!
SPIRIT Hours
Volunteer Hour Policy-
We will be continuing with our SPIRIT Hour policy from last year. In the absence of Kountry Karnival, we will be working to find other ways that families can earn hours. Opportunities will be communicated via emailed SPIRIT Updates, the Trojan Times, and on our website.
All SMG families must complete 40 hours (20 hours by December 18, 2020, and 20 hours by May 14, 2021). Please note that due to having fewer events and volunteer opportunities at which to earn SPIRIT hours right now, we will defer charges for incomplete SPIRIT hours for 1st Semester until the end of the 2nd semester, and will reevaluate at that time.
Current Volunteer/Donation Opportunities:
- Disposable Face Masks & Gloves-Donate boxes of disposable face masks and gloves of all sizes and earn one SPIRIT hour for each box donated. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
- Items for Christmas Store 2021-Purchase new items for next year's (2021) Christmas store and receive one SPIRIT Hour for every $10 spent. Needed items include small toys, small household items, trinkets, gift bags, and tissue paper. Receipts must be included when donation is dropped off in order to receive SPIRIT hour credit. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
- Christmas & Caroling Around the World: Volunteers are needed to help set up for Christmas Around the World. Set up will be Saturday, December 5th and possibly Sunday, December 6th as well. Please see the SignUpGenius at the following link to sign-up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-setup
SMGCS Christmas Store 2020: December 9th and 10th
Ready, set, shop! It’s time for the Christmas Store, and here is what you need to know to prepare your child for a fun day of shopping!
Your child’s money goes a long way at the SMGCS Christmas Store. Most of the items are priced from $ .25 to $10.
Please see the attached shopping schedule, and on the day that your child is
assigned to shop, please send the following with your child:
- An envelope, which on the outside should include your child’s name, the amount that may be spent, and a list of names that should be shopped for. Due to a limited number of items on hand, please try to keep your child’s shopping list to immediate family only (Mom, Dad, siblings, Grandma, Grandpa, etc...) We also have a few baby and pet gifts.
- Inside the envelope, place your FACTS authorization form and if possible, gift tags filled out with recipients’ names.
Other important information:
Students must pay with a FACTS authorization form: This year, the Christmas Store will ONLY accept payments through FACTS accounts: Please be sure to send completed authorization form with student. The form should be filled out for the spending limit, and the actual amount spent will be adjusted by the cashiers.
Multiple Children Shopping: Only one completed FACTS form needed per family. FACTS forms were sent home with the youngest or only child in each family last Friday in the Friday Folders, but can also be found at the link below:
Students will be permitted to shop during their scheduled time ONLY. There will be no after school shopping, and parents are not permitted to shop with their children.
Etc...: Helpers will be available to help all shoppers. Students will be asked to “look but not touch” until they find an item they are truly interested in. We will be making every effort to distance our shoppers and reduce the handling of items.
If you have any further questions, please contact Andrea Freeman (817) 721-8771
or Alex Massengale spirit@smgschool.org
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) Begins Nov. 2
- Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 14, Jan 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, alternating Mondays
· 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club (Richards)
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts (Daly) Begins 10/26
- Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison) Begins Nov. 9
Tuesday
-Rubik’s Cube Club (Utendorf)
- 12:09-12:39PM in Library: 6th-8th
- 12:29-12:49PM in Library: 4th–5th
- Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
- 6:00-7:00PM SMG Cafetorium, Begins 10/20
Wednesday
·12:08-12:48 Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine - working lunch - Begins Jan. 27
·3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) Begins Oct. 21
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens) Begins Oct. 28
- Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 CANCELLED
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump) Begins 10-28
· 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)
- Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 16, Feb. 3, 17, Mar. 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12
· 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
Thursday
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez)
- bi weekly: Oct 22, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 17
· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Oct. 29
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 10, Jan 21, Feb. 4, 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Chess Club (Nguyen) Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) Begins Oct. 29
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box
SMG provides students with multiple avenues for artistic expression. One of the newest outlets is our Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box! This will be an annual publication showcasing superior works of art, photography, and writing submitted by students of all ages as well as our faculty and staff.
Our first submission deadline is January 25, 2020. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information. Additionally, Out of the Box is looking for six to eight, 7th and 8th grade student editors. We will meet Wednesdays over a working lunch from 12:08 -12:48 p.m. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information.
Please contact Mrs. Jamison (ajamison@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
Ballet Folklorico Meets Tuesday Evenings
Mrs. Zavala sponsors the Ballet Folklorico Club which meets each Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the SMG cafetorium. It is open to students in second through eighth grade. Folklórico refers to many traditional dances from Mexico's different regions and states, rather than one single style. Folklórico is most famous for its promotion of regional dance and incorporation of traditional Mexican dress and Mexican folk music into its routines. The women wear a ranchero designed dress with unmistakable Indian influenced bright colored ribbons. Contact Mrs. Zavala (mzavala@smgschool.org) to join Ballet Folklorico and learn the many regional folk dances of Mexico.
4-H Club Now at SMGCS!
We are excited to be announce that SMGCS has joined the Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County 4-H Club! Membership is open to all 3rd - 8th Grade students. For more information or questions, contact Mrs. Pick at apick@smgschool.org. As well, see the information below and at the following link with details on how to register! Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer!
More info here: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/4H%20Flier%20for%20families.pdf
Joining information:
go to https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
(if that link doesn’t work, go to https://agrilife.org/urbantarrant4h/join/, scroll down, and click on 4-H online)
Create new account as a new member
Choose "Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County" for your club
Pay the $30 registration fee
Parents, if you are interested in helping as project leaders, you can register the same way. You should have one account per family, and then click “add family member” to the first account. Parent volunteers must be current on their VIRTUS training, and the membership fee is $10.
You can learn more about the Texas 4-H projects here:
Garden Club: 3rd - 8th Grade
The SMGCS Gardening Club meets on Wednesdays after school. All 3rd - 8th Grade students are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Please complete and return the permission slip (link below) to register, and contact Mrs. Pick (apick@smgschool.org) for with questions or for more information.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/SMG%20Gardening%20Club%20Acknowledgement.pdf
Running Club - Still Time to Join Us!
The SMGCS Run Club meets approximately twice a month on Wednesdays after school. Please visit the links below for more information and to register!
Info: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20Flyer.pdf
Registration: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20sign-up%20form.pdf
Miscellaneous Information
NEW: Lunch Orders Must be Placed Sunday for the Entire Week
Lunch orders must be placed for the entire week (Monday through Friday) by Sunday at 3:00pm. We cannot accept orders placed after the Sunday deadline.
We will continue to text families on Friday morning each week, which will allow parents/students to place lunch orders for the upcoming week. The link is also available on the school website and will continue in the weekly Trojan Times. The form has a link with the menu attached as well.
Click below for the order form:
Healthy Together App
By now, most have downloaded the free Healthy Together app (found in the App Store). Please continue to complete the app before arriving in carline and be ready to show the completed screening to a faculty/staff member on duty in carline each morning. Multiple students can conveniently be added to one app. Please call the front office if you have any questions about how to install the app.
Student Email Accounts and Google Classroom
All students, whether learning On-Campus or via Distance Learning, have school email accounts that they generally access during computer class, and will also need to access Google Classroom. Parents of students in Grades 4th - 8th who are attending classes On-Campus were sent information and instructions for their student(s) to access their email accounts, log-in to Google Classroom, and create a bookmark on their home devices. Students have also be given this information during computer class, as many 4th-8th Grade teachers provide feedback on assignments, etc. to students via Google Classroom. As well, being familiar with logging in to Google Classroom will be helpful should we ever need to move to distance learning during the school year. If you did not receive your student's log-in information or have questions, please contact Mrs. Daly (jdaly@smgschool.org).
As well, please check out the following tutorial for detailed instructions on signing into Google Classroom.
2020-2021 Academic Calendar
Please click on the following link to view the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar. It can also be found on the school website at smgschool.org.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/5/SMG%202020-2021%20Academic%20Calendar%202.pdf
COVID-19: Safety Procedures and Protocols
Please see the SMG Safe Return to School plan that was sent to all school families last week, by clicking the following link.
Box Tops - Earn Money for SMG!
Box Tops makes it easy for families to earn cash for schools and help teachers get the supplies they need. Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store. Although you may still clip coupons, there is a NEW and EASY method:
- Create a Box Tops for Education account via the Box Tops app or website - View the video: How it Works, Join For Free
- Buy Box Top Products
- Use your app to scan the store receipt within 14 days of purchase -View the video: How to Scan
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year can be found on our school website. There are still spots available at most grade-levels. As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and we are committed to making a Catholic education a reality for any family who wishes one for their child(ren). Please contact Mrs. Behee (lbehee@smgschool) or our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) with any questions or concerns.
Nolan Catholic High School: 6th-8th Grade Family Information
Nolan Catholic is excited to announce that the application process for the 2021-2022 school year has already begun. Our goal is to continue to allow for as many admissions opportunities as possible for our prospective families to learn more about Nolan Catholic High School.
As a quick highlight, the admissions department is offering informational sessions, one-on-one meetings, virtual or on-campus tours, and an open house this fall.
For more information, visit http://www.nolancatholic.org/events-and-tours
Upcoming NCHS events:
- Monday Morning Coffee with President Rios. Please see flyer below with upcoming dates for this virtual event! https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/Monday%20Morning%20Coffee.pdf
Last Week at SMG.....
St. Nicholas Visited SMGCS!
We had a special visitor at SMGCS last Friday! St. Nicholas left some treats for all of our sweet students after our Faith Families Assembly!
#IGiveCatholic - Thank You!
A huge thank you to all who contributed to SMGCS and supported the promise of catholic education. With your help, we were able to raise over $2400 for our tuition assistance fund! https://fortworth.igivecatholic.org/organizations/st-maria-goretti-catholic-school
Eighth Grade Volleyball Champs
Our 8th grade volleyball team defeated St. Andrew's on Thursday night. This was a very special win as it meant they completed their streak of 3 undefeated seasons in a row! We are so proud of our Trojans and thank them for all their hard work and dedication over the past 3 seasons. A special thanks also to Miss Seyer, SMG Sports Coordinator, for setting up and attending all the games!
Garden Club News
The SMGCS Garden Club recently acquired two large compost bins that were graciously donated by the Salcedo family. Garden Club members had a great time adding to the bins this week, which included food scraps, leaves, and pumpkins!
Distance Learning
A lot goes on behind the scenes to accommodate distance learning. A huge thank you to Mrs. Malloy for coordinating the pickup of books and computers for SMG students! Her desk has become a shipping and receiving station.
Safety First
All Saints Day: Saints Museum
Our 7th and 8th grade students spent much of October learning about their chosen saint. Through researching the saint's life, creating a tri-fold tribute and a gilded icon, writing a hymn or litany in honor of that saint, and performing a costumed narrative as the saint, students have grown closer to their saint and the Church Triumphant. Following are this week's recordings created by our SMG students.
St. Christopher (Jacob Garcia)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR_gxGaGiDU&feature=em-share_video_user
St. Vincent de Paul (Xaviar Berecin)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wwuE5lYtIAod7NRf8YyA7vyam3zS8vAz/view?usp=sharing
St. Lazarus (Ayden Garcia)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/151AzLyY18SFGRwl2fVZnrPUUssXGM7GY/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13rpGHUOUG3CGf-8CiO8O0eBX5zxD9FVI/view?usp=sharing
St. Bernadette (Jocelyn Geller)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKk2aSrJdsWK9sa9J3BqtHf6ypeabbf7/view?usp=sharing
Confessions
PreK: Van Gogh Paintings
PreK: Meet My Reindeer
PreK: Counting to the 40s!
Kindergarten: Santa's Vacation
Kindergarten: Shape Hunt
First Grade: Author Study
Mrs. Girton introduced first grade to author Jan Brett who has sold more than 42 million books where hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, polar bears and other critters are the stars. The students watched a video of Mrs. Brett who spoke about hedgehogs and provided a hedgehog drawing tutorial.
Second Grade Science: Earth Materials
Second Grade: Creative Writing
After reading Night Tree by Eve Bunting, second grade completed a creative writing activity and made bird seed ornaments.
In the story, Night Tree, a classic nuclear family shares their own Christmas Eve tradition, leaving their conventionally decorated ranch house in Dad's pickup to deck a live tree in the woods with popcorn and fruit for the forest creatures. It's all deliberately cozy—the constant smiles; the hot chocolate and songs (the boy, who narrates, chooses a carol but little Nina wants "Old MacDonald"); the boy tucked in at the end under a Christmas quilt that echoes the forest scene. A warm Christmas card of a book, in the best sense; Rand's moonlit watercolors are sure to be as popular as the conventional but warmhearted story. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/eve-bunting/night-tree/
Fourth Grade: The Magician's Nephew
Fourth Grade: Science
As a culmination of the unit on natural resources, Ms. Schump's science students made concrete stepping stones by mixing concrete and water with colored pebbles. A natural resource comes from the earth (made by nature) (example: tree, soil, water, plants, animals, sun) and helps support life on earth.
Eighth Grade: History Projects
Eighth grade SMG students selected the topic of their choice for the annual History Fair. Next, they researched the topic and created a display. The top ten entries have been sent to Nolan Catholic School where the History Fair entries will be judged this weekend.
Spanish: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Kindergarten through fifth grade discussed Our Lady of Guadalupe's application to Juan Diego.
According to tradition, Mary appeared to Juan Diego, who was an Aztec convert to Christianity, on December 9 and again on December 12, 1531. During her first apparition she requested that a shrine to her be built on the spot where she appeared, Tepeyac Hill (now in a suburb of Mexico City). The bishop demanded a sign before he would approve construction of a church, however. Mary then appeared a second time to Juan Diego and ordered him to collect roses. In a second audience with the bishop, Juan Diego opened his cloak, letting dozens of roses fall to the floor and revealing the image of Mary imprinted on the inside of the cloak—the image that is now venerated in the Basilica of Guadalupe. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe-patron-saint-of-Mexico
Religion Advent Calendar
The Prepare the Way Advent calendar contains scriptures which relate to the 26 days of Advent. Each day, students pull the scripture and have a class discussion.
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 12/7: 3:30-4:30PM, Drama Club; 3:30-4:15PM, PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts, PSIA On-Site Drawing, 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing
- Tuesday, 12/8: 9:30AM Mass (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Day of Obligation), Rubik's Club during lunch; 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico
- Wednesday, 12/9: 9:30AM Mass; SMGCS Christmas Store (see schedule), 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing, 4th-5th PSIA Math; 3:30-4:30PM Garden Club
- Thursday, 12/10: SMGCS Christmas Store (see schedule); 2:20PM Pep Rally, 3:30-4:15PM, Cecilian Singers Club, 2nd PSIA Math, 6th-8th PSIA Math, 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling, Chess Club
- Thursday, 12/17: 1:30PM SMGCS Spelling Bee (Live streamed to classrooms via SMGCS School Google Classroom)
- Friday, 12/18: 2nd Quarter Ends; 12:10PM Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Break - No School
- Tuesday, 1/5: Classes resume Online-All Students Distance Learning through Friday, January 15, 2021
- Friday, 1/8: 1st Semester Report Cards emailed
- Monday, 1/18: MLK, Jr. Day Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, 1/19: Students, Faculty, and Staff return to campus; On-campus learning 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/
Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R.
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
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.
Like Us on Face Book!
We are hoping to update our official Facebook page with some more recent, positive reviews, likes, and shares. Please visit our official Facebook page (Facebook@StMariaGorettiArlington) and help us spread the word about our great Catholic school!
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/