Italian Dinner Rescheduled
February 2
Due to the predictions for snow and consequent slick roads, the Italian Dinner was rescheduled for February 2nd. This fundraiser event hosted by the 8th grade students and many of their parents as volunteers is an entertaining event for the entire community. The funds provide for the various 8th grade events including retreat, field trips, and graduation gift to the school.
Lenten Fasting and Abstinence
February 13 - March 30th
During the season of Lent the Church requires particular fasting and abstinence for those who are physically able, and of age, to participate. Many families practice these fasts each year so many of our students participate in these fasts even from a young age. While mortification and fasting is an important part of the Christian life, we do emphasize that children need to eat enough food for their growing bodies. The Church Fasts are as follows:
1. Abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. This includes the use of meat, but does not exclude eggs or milk products. This includes persons aged 14 and older.
2. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday - the only required fast days in the entire year. The "Church Fast" consists in limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals, the sum of the two not quite equal to the full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted - this can be a difficulty for the American lifestyle, but there is something deeper going on here than a challenge. This includes persons who are 18-59 years old.
3. All are obliged to do some penance during the entire season of Lent. In addition to the fasts, this can take on the practice of prayer, good works, almsgiving, self-denial, or other acts of charity.
Ash Wednesday
February 13
Each year the liturgical season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. One major aspect of formation for the students and families at Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the deep living of the faith through the liturgical year. Therefore an all school Mass is held and all students and faculty attend on Ash Wednesday. This will be very similar to the Friday Masses inasmuch as it is a parish Mass and all are welcome. We will also attend Mass two days later at the normal Friday school Mass.
Stations of the Cross
February 15th and Fridays in Lent
A common way to enter into the season of Lent is to pray the Stations of the Cross. In previous years the students went to the church during the week as individual classes to pray the Stations. This year, the pk-5th grade classes will pray together on Fridays in Lent beginning at 2:15. The Stations are optional for middle school classes this year. Families are welcome to attend the Stations with the school and are also encouraged to attend as a family on Friday evenings at the parish.
February 15 - Inductions for National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
One of the middle school leadership clubs is the NJHS. This club inducts new members from eligible 7th and 8th grade classes. Students in the NJHS lead the school with service projects and are expected to have excellent moral and academic records. This year the NJHS will offer tutoring to younger students on Wednesday mornings prior to the beginning of school. The induction ceremony follows the all school Mass and takes place in the school gym.
Presidents Day
February 18 - No School
Typically, OLMC School is closed on Presidents Day as it is this year. (FYI - in the past, when snow days have accumulated, this has been used as a make up day. This is not necessary this year, but it is good to be familiar with this practice.)
March 1
New and returning families who apply for financial aid have a deadline of March 1st. All applications must be completed online at FACTS Grant and Aid. For more information and/or guidance please contact Joyce Kiser in the Business Office. We are unable to grant extensions to this deadline as financial aid is allocated and distributed in view of all families applying for aid.
March 1st also marks the end of trimester #2.
Home and School Chili & Cake Cook-Off
March 2
On the first Saturday of March the Home and School hosts a chili and cake cook off in the school cafeteria. It is conveniently scheduled to begin at 6:00, following the 5:00 vigil Mass at the parish. Crock pots and cakes can be dropped off prior to Mass. All who have secret family recipes or just like to cook are invited to bring a crock or container of chili for many to sample and vote. A cake contest takes place simultaneously. Board games are typically set out on cafeteria tables for children and families. There is no supervision for children other than their parents so we ask that they not go into the gym or outside without a designated parent supervisor who will remain with the children at all times. All are invited to make or taste chili, bake or sample cakes! A cake raffle allows the lucky winner to take home winning cakes.
