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Weekly Highlights
Don't forget to donate a can of your favorite soup this week!  Each can will be your vote for who you think will win the 8th grade vs. staff volleyball game.  The soup will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry here at SJV.

On January 21st, seminarian Patrick Behling visited the second graders to thank them for their cards, letters, and prayers. He congratulated them on their first reconciliation. He was excited to share that in 87 days he will ordained a deacon.

Mrs. McRae's kindergarten class has been learning about the five senses. What better way to experience the five senses, but by popping our own popcorn and then getting to eat it!
The kindergarten students learned about snow in class.  They  did many projects with a snow theme. They even got to have some extra time playing in the snow!

The two SJV sixth grade girls' teams ended up playing each other in the consolation championship game of the SJV tournament last weekend. For the first time in tournament history, the game ended in a tie, so both teams shared the title and trophy! Congratulations to all!

January 27, 2015
Greetings!

Hooray! It's Catholic Schools Week!

 

Sunday was wonderful. It was a pleasure to see so many school families, parish members, and interested others at the 11:00am. Mass, the reception and Open House and the concerts. It was our privilege to Walk by Faith with the wider St. John Vianney Parish community.

 

On Monday, with the help of parent volunteers and teachers, students worked with their Buddies to make rosaries that will be given as gifts to the children of Prince of Peace School. We will give the rosaries to the 6th graders who will represent their school at the Living Rosary held at St. John Vianney during the month of May. On Monday we also began work with artist in residence, Carrie O'Malley.  Ms. O'Malley is working with the students on a series of mosaic panels representing the Mysteries of the Rosary. All students will contribute in some fashion throughout this week. The finished panels will be on permanent display outside of the school hallway.

 

This morning the school gathered together to say the Rosary. Father Philip Schumaker blessed the rosaries the children had made, engaged the children in a dialog about the Rosary and led us in prayer. We were fortunate to have family and community members join us in prayer.

 

Bishop Richard Sklba will preside at tomorrow's All- School Liturgy. Our own Father Ken Knippel and Father Philip Schumaker will concelebrate. The Mass begins at 8:05am. School families and parish members are encouraged to attend. To mark this special occasion our students may dress in their Sunday best. (Those students who feel more comfortable in their school uniform may choose not to dress up and can wear their uniform instead.)

 

Please continue to pray for our Catholic Schools. For more information regarding activities for the remainder of the week, please click here

Peace,
Do you have family or friends who would like to receive the Shamrock Weekly and electronic invitations to our school events?  Please click here to submit their email address. 
All School Liturgy
All are invited to pray with us at the next All-School Liturgy, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 28 at 8:05am.  We welcome Bishop Sklba to St. John Vianney as he presides for this special Mass celebrating Catholic Schools.
School News
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools are to be celebrated!  Please click here to read a column written by Archbishop Listecki, reflecting on Catholic Education.

Catholic Schools Week festivities began on Sunday, January 25. The week will feature daily Catholic faith trivia, a Mass with Bishop Sklba, students working with an artist in residence, making rosaries, learning about vocations, a soup can collection and other fun things. Here is a shortened list of highlights for the week.  Please click here for the complete Catholic Schools Week calendar.
  • Tuesday 1/27:  All School Rosary with Fr. Schumaker.  Dine out with SJV at Blaze Pizza.  Show the Blaze Pizza Flyer right from your smart phone.
  • Wednesday 1/28:  Dress Up Day- Wear your special dress up clothes for Mass with Bishop Sklba.  Today's Catholic Family Presentation by Fr. Schumaker at 6:30pm.
  • Thursday 1/29:  Primary students will see a magic show, intermediate students will have fun and movement and 5th-8th grade students will participate in a trivia contest.
  • Friday, 1/30:  School Spirit Day- Students should wear their SJV spirit wear or green and white.  The 100th day of school will be celebrated. The 8th grade students will take on the faculty in a volleyball match at 1:00pm.
Between our family life, work life, and whatever might be left over for our personal life and well-being, we are running thin. As we raise our children, nourish their minds and bodies, and serve as role models, tutors, and coaches, we have to ask ourselves as Catholic parents,
what are we doing to feed ourselves spiritually? 

You are invited to join us for a 3-part series presented by Fr. Philip Schumaker, where he will be discussing the following topics:
  • Faith and Family:  A Balancing Act?
  • Families at the Heart of the Church
  • Family:  Our Source of Dignity and Identity

Please click here to learn more about the Today's Catholic Family sessions. 

MAP Testing
Students have completed Map Testing and results will be sent home with your children tonight.  If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.  You may also contact or visit with Chris Gordon or Courtney Albright at conferences.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Monday, February 2:  Conferences for K4-8th grade families.  Students must attend conferences with their parent(s).  Parents of students in K4-5th grade need to sign-up for their conference on the Sign-Up Genius website.  Middle School Conferences will be held in  the cafeteria- no appointments are necessary.  All conferences will be held 7:30-11:30am and 4:00-8:00pm.

Tuesday, February 3:  Conferences for K4 families only from 7:30-11:30am and 4:00-8:00pm.  No School for K4 students only.  Grades K5-8 attend classes today.

LOST AND FOUND Tables will be set up outside the cafeteria during all conference times.  Stop by and see if any of your lost items have been found.  After February 3, any unclaimed items will be donated.
Activity Picture Day:  Tuesday, February 10
The school photographer will be here on February 10 to take pictures of our student clubs and capture photos of a day in the life at SJV. 
  • Band and Strings students should bring their instruments
  • Shamrock Choir students can bring their t-shirts
  • DARE students should bring their t-shirts
  • Boy Scouts can wear their uniforms
  • Girl Scouts can wear their sashes/vests

Parent volunteers are needed to help on this day.  If you are able to take a shift, please contact Janelle Peterson

Library Volunteers are Needed

All library volunteers support student use of this valuable resource.

  • Class volunteers read stories and run the circulation desk.
  • Lunchtime resource volunteers monitor computer use/quiet study for middle school students.
  • Additional volunteers are welcome for projects and resource management.

 Please click to sign up to be a library volunteer.  Your time will be appreciated by both the teachers and students! 

SJV Spelling Bee

Aidan Tegge is the 2015 St. John Vianney Spelling Bee Champion, and Chloe O'Connell is the runner-up. The winning words were aardvark and catalyst.

Aidan and Chloe will advance to the Regional Bee on Tuesday, February 17 at CESA 1.

Aidan Tegge-8th grade, Chloe O'Connell-7th grade, Grace Gatto-6th grade, and Julian Carvalho-5th grade will advance to the District 4 Catholic Spelling Bee. It will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at Catholic Memorial High School.  Good luck to our spellers! 

State of Wisconsin Private School Tuition Tax Deduction

As many of you are aware, private school tuition paid for grades K-12 may qualify for a deduction on Wisconsin state income taxes beginning January 1, 2014. To assist school families in documenting their tuition paid, we are preparing statements of K-8 tuition paid during the calendar year 2014. The statements should be mailed by the end of January.

 

For information on whether or not your tuition payments qualify for this deduction, please refer to Wisconsin Department of Revenue Schedule PS Instructions or consult your tax advisor. 

Home & School News
High Interest Day- Volunteers Needed

Do you have a special talent, hobby, or interest?  We'd love for you to share your passion at this year's High Interest Day.  We are looking for volunteers to teach classes to our students.  Parents, Grandparents and friends are welcome!  High Interest Day will be held on April 24th, from 12:20 until 2:40pm.  If interested, please contact Tina Lindner at 414-793-8513 or [email protected]. 

Tuesday Order Date for SCRIP

We will be processing SCRIP on Tuesday, February 3rd.  Please have your paper orders in the office by 8:30 am.  Cards will be sent home in backpacks on Friday.  If you have any questions, please talk to Martha Connelly, Amy Lodes or Janet Fisher.  Thanks!

 

You are invited!

Much of the success in our school is due to our dedicated parent volunteers.  As parents graduate out of SJV, new volunteers need to come in.  It's time to think about succession as we have many gifted parents out there who have talents they can share.  For those of you that have been a member of a committee, now is the time to let your light shine.  Think about stepping up to the next level and volunteering for a Home and School officer position.  How much time is involved?  What do officers do?  Come to the Executive Board meeting, Tuesday, February 3rd at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room and see first-hand.  You are not committing yourself to a job!  Please let Janet Fisher know if you plan to attend.

 

Looking for you!

Do you like numbers?  Are you organized and pay attention to details?  Home and School is looking for a Treasurer for next year.  You don't have an accounting degree?  You don't need one!  All can be learned first-hand from current treasurer, Martha Connelly.  Come aboard now and see how it's done during a Bids year.   

 

Are you a planner and a communicator?  Do you like to organize and manage?  Consider Chairing or Co-Chairing Home and School next year!  Yes, even working parents can do this job!   Meeting times can be in the evenings so don't let that hold you back on offering your talents and service.  Thinking about it?  Talk to Clare Lange or Janet Fisher.

Bids for Kids Auction- Only 18 Days Away
 Saturday, February 14, 2015
Bids for Kids General Information
Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding Bids for Kids, please contact Kim Tallmadge by email at [email protected] or by phone at 262-789-9392.

Invitations

Under the Moroccan Moon is three weeks away and it only happens every two years.  Come be a part of this exciting evening!  you can gather a group of friends for a table of ten or less or ask to to be seated with others in a specific grade.  Please visit the Bids for Kids website through January 28 to register online.   

 

Schedule of Events:

4:30 pm Mass

5:30 pm Cocktails & Silent Auction

8:00 pm Dinner

9:00 pm Voice Auction

10:30 pm Rockin' the Casbah After-Party

 

All events, except for Mass, will be held in the Activity Center.  Dress is cocktail attire.

Bids for Kids Facebook Page

The Bids for Kids Auction has a temporary private Facebook page for auction updates and to highlight auction items.  Go to our Auction Facebook Page to check out photos of some of the fabulous auction items.  Some items include:
  • Two-night stay in a Luxury Solitaire Suite at the Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • LG washer & dryer set and pedestals in graphite
  • Maple Creek Farm 50-pound pig, which will serve about 40 of your closet friends
  • Four Green Bay Packers tickets during the 2015-2016 season

To join this page, just click on Join Group and the administrator will approve you, limited to SJV families only. 

Bidding
Mobile bidding will be on your own smartphone this year!  The Mobile Bidding page of the Bids website has a link to a short video explaining the basics.
  • Conveniently use your own smartphone to bid in the silent auction.  No extra gadgets needed! 
  • When registering, provide your smartphone number.
  • Bring your fully charged smartphone to Bids for Kids.
  • Upon check-in at Bids for Kids, you'll receive an automated welcome text message.  Click on the personal bidder link which will allow you to take part in bidding on silent auction items.
  • If you don't have a smartphone, let us know when registering.  We will provide you with an alternate means of bidding.

Drink Tickets  

Drink tickets can be charged to bidder accounts or purchased by cash or check the evening of Bids or at the pre-sale, beginning on February 3.  Drink tickets prices are:

Beer- $3

Wine/Cocktail by the Glass- $6

Wine by the Bottle (not the Wine Pull)- $15

Soda/Water- $1  

 

Bids After Party

After an exciting night of bidding, stay and relax with friends at Rockin' The Casbah.  Music, snacks, and beverages will be available in the Activity Center to top off the night.

 

Express Check-Out

Upon arrival at the registration table, guests will be offered the option of registering for Express Check-out.  Under this option, a guest pre-registers a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit card.  At the end of the evening, the accumulated balance on a guest's bidder account will automatically be charged to their pre-registered card.  An Express Checkout receipt will be hand-delivered to the guest's dining table after the conclusion of the silent auction.  This Express Checkout receipt can be used to claim silent auction items at the end of the evening.  A final receipt itemizing all silent auction packages, live auction packages, and special appeal donations will be emailed to Express Checkout guests after the event.

 

All items purchased at Bids will automatically be charged to bidder accounts with the exception of drink tickets.  Drink tickets can be charged to bidder accounts or purchased by cash or check.  The accumulated balance on a bidder account can be paid via Express Checkout (explained above) or by stopping at the bank at the end of the evening.

Bids for Kids Auction- Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed for Auction 

Bids for Kids 2015 is under a month away!  We would love (and need) your help.  There are many ways to volunteer before, during and the day after Bids for Kids.  Please go to our Volunteer Page on Sign Up Genius to donate your time.  Don't worry- even with your volunteer shifts, there will still be plenty of time to enjoy the auction!

Teen Volunteers  

30 High School Students are needed to assist the caterer, work the coat check and various other jobs the evening of the auction.  Dinner, snacks, and training are provided that evening.  You will receive service hours for your school or Confirmation.  Contact Suzy Windsor at [email protected] to sign up or for more information. 

Pre-Event Item Pick-Up  

If you can give any time over the coming weeks to help with the pick-up of auction items from donors please email Liz Doherty. All assistance offered would be greatly appreciated. 

Display Supplies Needed for Silent Auction 

Display is in need of small to medium boxes to help prop items. The boxes will be covered; they do not need to look nice. They are also in need of large baskets. Please drop them off in the school office. Contact Katie Gilson if you have any questions.

Bids for Kids Auction- Ways to Support

Acquisitions  

This is a final call you you to make a donation to Bids for Kids. You can make your donation right on the Donation Page of the Bids for Kids website or print the form and send to the school office.  Contact Karen Parks by email or call 262-649-3745.  

Cash Purse Raffle 

The Cash Purse Raffle

has limited tickets only available on the night of Bids.  Only 100 tickets will be sold for $25 each. The lucky winner will receive a designer bag filled with cash and gift cards!  The drawing will be held at the auction at 8:15pm. 

Masters Golf Raffle

Did you know the average number of attempts at the Masters before a first victory is six attempts?  Such perseverance!  Witness that intensity at the Masters on April 8-10, 2015 if you are the lucky winner of the Masters Raffle!  Only 150 tickets are available- get yours today.  

 

One Grand Prize: 2 one-day badges to the 2016 Masters Golf Tournament (April 8-10, 2016).  Full tournament hospitality access with open bar and meals included.  One night hotel accommodations in Augusta, Geogia.

Five - 2nd Prize Winners: $75 gift certificate toward a private golf lesson with Paul Mindel of the National Golf Center

Five - 3rd Prize Winners: $50 Gift Certificate toward a private golf lesson with Paul Mindel of the National Golf Center

 

The Masters raffle tickets are $100 each with only 150 available.  They are available for purchase during regular business hours at the St. John Vianney School Office (by cash or check), the St. John Vianney Parish Office (by cash, check or charge) and in the Narthex after all masses the weekend of and February 7th & 8th.  Any questions, please contact Beth Dobrzynski  or Tracy DiPiazza. 

Sponsorships

Successful auctions rely on the generosity of many individuals and businesses.  There are several levels of Sponsorship opportunities:

Sponsorship Levels

Coriander, Paprika, and Saffron Sponsorships from $500 to $2000, include several benefits.  Full details can be found on the donation form.   

 

Sugar and Spice Sponsorship is for the amount of your choosing.  Financial contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated.  Please consider sponsoring our auction to benefit the long term success of St. John Vianney School.  Contact Amy Lodes at 414-333-9963 with any sponsorship questions.  

Class Projects
The students of St. John Vianney School were very busy last week creating glass masterpieces for the Silent Auction.  Each classroom has created a beautiful glass cross similar to the one pictured here.  All crosses will be available to bid on at the auction.

Puppy Love

This adorable female cockapoo was born December 5th- she is about four weeks old in this photo. She is buff color with a white diamond on her head. You will be able to bid on her during the live auction.

A cockapoo is a mix of a cocker spaniel and a poodle resulting in a small, low to non-shedding, hypoallergenic puppy that is highly intelligent with an excellent personality. Cockapoos are very mild mannered, easy to train, excellent family pets that love kids and are great for families with allergies!  She will be at a home in Brookfield for three weeks before the auction. We can set up a time for you and your kids to meet her if you'd like. She will be perfect for any loving home!  Contact Angela Niemann at 262-347-7988 or [email protected].  

Non-Auction Items Available at Bids
Besides the Raffles, there are several items you can purchase without bidding, which will support St. John Vianney School. 
  • Champagne Toast- For $35 you can purchase a glass of champagne in a decorated keepsake flute.  This purchase will give you a chance to win a gorgeous piece of David Yurman diamond jewelry.  This is a limited offering- only 100 glasses will be sold.
  • Souk Marrakesh Restaurant Gift Cards- For $25 you can choose a numbered spice jar that corresponds to a restaurant gift card valued between $20 and $100.
  • Swag Bags (formally known as Gift Bags)- 
    Stop by the Swag Bag table to purchase your $25 bag (grab-bag style).  What exactly is in each bag is a mystery.  But we can tell you this, each bag will be filled with an item(s) that is valued at a minimum of $15.00. There are many bags that range from $20-$30. But most exciting is that there are even a few bags that will have gifts valued from $50-$150.  So please stop by and grab your swag and see what surprise your bag holds. We guarantee you will head home with something fabulous and/or fun!
  • Junior Swag Bags- So, every year when you arrive home from the auction do your kids ask what you got for them?  Well ours do. So to help make it easier on the parents... new this year... we are having Jr. Swag Bags. When you stop by to buy your swag bag, you can now buy a little swag bag for your child for $10 each.  Most of the bags will be filled with the same fun treats and surprises. However, like the adult bags, some lucky kids might just open their bags to find something extra special inside.
  • Wine Pull- For $20 you can purchase a bottle of wine.  You can choose either red or white, but the bottle you purchase will be a surprise.  All wines are valued over $15, with some valued between $75 and $100.
  • Henna Artist- Sit down and relax for a few minutes and enjoy getting a henna tattoo from Hands of Henna by Anita.  Henna tattoos can last from one to three weeks. They are available from 5:30- 8:00pm for $10.
Child Ministry

First Communion Preparation

Parents of second grade children receiving their First Communion in May are asked to attend a second parent/child session on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30pm in the Church. 

Reminder, your Mass preference is due on Monday, February 2nd. 

 

Children's Liturgy of the Word

A year round ministry for all parish children offered every Saturday at the 4:30pm Mass and every Sunday at the 11:00am Mass.  Children K4-4th grade are invited to participate and no registration is needed.  Parents are welcome to visit anytime and we especially encourage you to bring your young child the first time, so that they feel more comfortable.  Come hear the Word of God! 

 

Summer Vacation Bible School

Mark your calendars!  Summer Vacation Bible School is June 22-26, 2015.  Plan to join us for a week long adventure at EVEREST where kids conquer challenges with God's Mighty Power and Love!  Watch for more details to come.  

Parish News

New Server Training

Any student currently in 5th, 6th or 7th grade or any server who wants a review, is invited to attend one of our upcoming training sessions to be held in the church. If you have any questions, call the Office for Liturgy and Music, 262-796-3946 or the server coordinator, Mr. Bill Beres, 262-349-9152  (email [email protected]). We will be holding additional training sessions in May.  Any student trained at either of the sessions will be able to serve at Mass right away.

 

Attend one (1) of the following:

Sunday, February 22 after 11 am Mass

Wednesday, February 25, 6 pm

 

Please RSVP which training session you are planning to attend so that adequate training materials can be available (RSVP to [email protected]).

From Archbishop Listecki
Please click to read this week's edition of Archbishop Listecki's column, Love One Another.
Community
Waukesha School District- High School Open House
The Waukesha School District invites you to come to their High School Open Houses.  Please click here for the informational flyer.

CMH Social for 5th and 6th Graders
Friday, February 6 from 6:30-9:30pm
Fifth and sixth graders are invited to come to CMH to meet and socialize with future Crusaders.  Come for a pizza party followed by a varsity boys basketball game...all for free!  Please RSVP at www.catholicmemorial.net and click on CMH Social.  If you have questions, call Krissy Hartung at 262-542-7101 ext. 552.
 (262) 796-3942 | [email protected] | http://www.stjohnv.org
17500 W. Gebhardt Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045