St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 51

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me. 

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 

For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.” 

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me. 

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. 

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. 

R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

The fair preparation is in full swing. Much help is needed these last two evenings. Please come out and lend a hand. Also, it is most important that we receive complete support from everyone this weekend. Please cooperate with the Fair Chairs, cover your time in the booths, and support the school financially. Last year we lost Sunday because of the weather which hurt the proceeds. This year, the weather forecast is great for the weekend, so we have a chance to break all records. Come and be generous, and be assured that the funds raised will be spent for the benefit of the children in the school.

We have a special thanks to Mr. Jim Hatfield of Hat’s Rental for his help in clearing the property along Gabriel’s. He also arranged to have the containers moved onto our property and to a much more convenient location. We also thank George Waddell and his helpers for making all the arrangements and assisting in the cleanup. 

-- Gerard Toups

Current Calendar

Wednesday, March 16
* Report Cards

Thursday, March 17
* St. Patrick's Day
* Reconciliation - Fourth Grade

Friday, March 18
* Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
* Spirit Dress (optional fair t-shirt may be worn)
* Stations of the Cross @ 1:45
* Spring Fair Begins!

Saturday, March 19
* Spring Fair Continues!

Sunday, March 20
* Spring Fair Continues!
* Second Sunday of Lent 

Tuesday, March 22
* LEAP Grade 8
* Cheerleader Tryout Clinic @ 3:00-4:30

Wednesday, March 23
* 8th Grade Retreat

Thursday, March 24
* First Grade Field Trip
* Reconciliation (3rd Grade)

Friday, March 25
* Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend. 
* Advisory Board Nomintions Due
* Crusaders Announced
* Spirit Dress (optional fair t-shirt may be worn)
* Stations of the Cross @ 1:45
* Cheerleader Tryouts @ 3:1504:30

Sunday, March 27
* Third Sunday of Lent 

Monday, March 28
* Mardi Gras Parade (rescheduled) @ 1:00

Tuesday, March 29
* Spring Pictures 

Wednesday, March 30
* Girls' Basketball Pictures

Thursday, March 31
* Boys' Basketball Pictures

Friday, April 1
* Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited.
* Adopt-a-Child Collection
* Spirit Dress
* Stations of the Cross @ 1:45

Spring Fair News

RIDE BANDS

Pre-ordered ride bands have been sent home in today. Please look for them in your child's backpack.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Spring Fair work schedule was sent home last week. If you haven't confirmed with your room mother yet, please contact her as soon as possible. We need to make sure we have enough workers for each shift.

We could use a few more workers in all shifts, however, we especially need more help during the following:
Friday - 7:50 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday - 6:50 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

We need everyone's help to make our fair a success. 

SWEETS BOOTH

The Wild West Spring Fest Sweet Booth needs your favorite desserts, whether it's cookies, brownies, cupcakes, candy, rice crispy treats, or some treat that might be your special creation that everyone would like to try.

Donations for the Sweet Booth can be dropped off Friday, March 18, during morning or afternoon car pool, or donations can be dropped off at the Sweets Booth anytime during fair hours throughout the weekend.

Thank you for your support year after year. It is because of you that this booth is so successful!

Basketball Pictures

Basketball pictures for both varsity and junior varsity girls' teams will be taken on Wednesday, March 30. A form has been sent home today for ordering pictures. If you still have your uniforms at home, please bring them for the picture.

Basketball pictures for both varsity and junior varsity boys' teams will be taken on Thursday, March 31. A form has been sent hom today for ordering pictures. If you still have your uniforms at home, please bring them for the picture.

For 8th Grade Parents

SPORTS RECAP FORM
A sports recap form has been sent home with Eighth Grade students today. This form is used to make the traditional plaque presented to the students at their final sports awards day. 

Please make sure the form is correctly filled out and returned to the school office by Friday, March 18. This deadline is important so that awards can be made in time for presentation to your students.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22
Eighth grade students will be taken by Tangipahoa Parish Transportation to Ponchatoula High School to take the first part of the LEAP test. An information sheet regarding the test and logistics for the day has been sent home today. Please check with your student for the information.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
The Eighth Grade retreat will be held on Wednesday, March 23. A field trip form for this has been sent home today. Please sign and return it as soon as possible. There is no cost for this retreat. Students are to wear spirit dress and bring a bag lunch and drink.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25
Students will be measured for caps and gowns on Friday, March 25. Please be sure your student is at school on time in order to make this process run smoothly.

Advisory Board Nominations

A nomination form for Advisory Board members for the 2011-2012 school year has been sent home today. Please take a minute to read the form and contemplate eligible St. Joseph parents you think would make good members for guiding our school into the future. 

Nomination forms are due back to the school office by Friday, March 25. Thank you for your participation.

Mardi Gras Parade

The Mardi Gras parade has been rescheduled for Monday, March 28, beginning at 1:00. See you at the parade!

Community News

1 MILE FUN RUN/WALK AND 5K RACE
Child Advocacy Services will sponsor a 1 mile fun run/walk and 5K race on Saturday, April 2, beginning at Cate Street Square Park in Hammond.
Registration may be completed online, in person, or by mail.
More information can be obtained by clicking on the Blue Ribbon tab at www.childadv.net or by calling 985-902-9586. 

ARE YOU READY TO "BE THE DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE"?
The next CASA volunteer training for Tangipahoa parish begins April 26, 2011. Currently we have in 14 children Tangipahoa parish waiting for someone to be their voice.
I hope that you will take the next step and be the difference in a child’s life. You will find that being the voice for an abused and/or neglected child brings immeasurable rewards! For more information please contact Connie Stein at (985) 902-9583 or go to www.childadv.net. 

Child Advocacy Services (CAS) is a private, non-profit umbrella agency providing services
through the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, Children’s Advocacy
Center (CAC) Program, and other services supporting our mission to give Voice, Healing,
and Security to children. CAS offers advocacy, clinical services, and prevention education for
children and families in 10 parishes including Ascension, Assumption, East and West Feliciana,
Livingston, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, and Tangipahoa Parishes. CAS is one of
only of 57 non-profits accredited through LANO, meeting the highest standards in
management of finances and services. 

Children's Advocacy Center
“Powerful Voices for Children!”
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers who serve as powerful voices for abused and neglected children. A CASA stands beside a child with the primary goal of helping them reach a safe and permanent home. The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) conducts forensic interviews for children in a safe environment who have disclosed sexual or severe physical abuse. Additional advocacy, clinical services, and prevention are offered.

ROCK 'N' ROAR
The Rock 'n' Roar camp for art, dance, and baseball will be held on the Southeastern Louisiana University's campus on Saturday, March 19. The costs, times, and age groups vary by camps. Please contact the school office for a registration form which contains all information. Applications must be received by Thursday, March 17.

TANGI HUMANE SOCIETY
The Third Annual Pet Expo will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 10-4 at Ponchatoula Recreation Park on North Hoover Road. Games, vendors, raffles, a pet fashion show, and pet contests will be held throughout the day. More information can be obtained by visiting www.tangihumanesociety.org.

NORTH OAKS JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Each summer North Oaks Health System in Hammond offers young people (ages 14-17, the opportunity to become part of its team of health care professionals through the Junior Volunteer program. Applicants will be placed on a first come, first served basis and positions are limited. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of 50 hours during the summer. Please contact North Oaks at 985-230-6811 for an application and to larn more about this exciting opportunity.

HOOPSTERS BASKETBALL CAMP

The Hoopsters Basketball Camp will be held June 13-16, from 9:00-12:00, at St. Joseph Gym. Girls and boys ages 5-10 are invited to participate. Early registration (deadline May 27) is $55. Late registration is $65.

Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and basketball.  Refreshments will be sold throughout the week.

Registration forms are available in the school office.

For more information, please contact Kristi Gill at 985-507-4778 or hoopstersbasketballcamp@gmail.com.

St. Joseph Parish

Personnel
Rev. John Dominic Sims, O.P. - Pastor
Larry J. Melcanon - Deacon

Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass - 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information
Address - 255 North 8th Street (P.O. Box 368), Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone - 985.386.3749
Website -www.stjosephsonline.com 

ST. JOSEPH ALTAR

St. Joseph Altar Committee will sponsor its annual St. Joseph Altar, the weekend of March 26 & 27. Traditionally, all items used for the altar are donated and all proceeds collected from the altar are distributed to the poor of the parish through our St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The members of the St. Joseph Altar coordinating committee requests donations of goods, services and money towards the preparation for the altar. The following items are needed for cookies: all purpose flour, sugar, 3lb cans of Crisco shortening, powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and dried figs. If you can donate any of these items, please bring the items to church and place them in the box marked St. Joseph Altar. .

CALLING ALL STUDENTS GRADES 3RD-12TH 

We are looking for children to play the role of saints for the St. Joseph Altar. The St. Joseph Altar will be on March 27. The children will be asked to participate in the rosary procession, Mass, and feeding of the saints. The children will have to furnish their own costume. There will be a short practice on Monday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. If you are interested in participating, please call Fay Murray at 386-8151 or the church office at 386-3749.

COOKIES

We will bake cookies on Saturday, March 5th at 8:30 a.m. at Ponchatoula High School cafeteria. Bring a rolling pin and a small knife.

We will frost cookies on Monday, March 7th at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph School cafeteria.

NEEDED: 3 gallons grape juice, fresh shrimp, and 8 chocolate bunnies that sit up.


Please call Fay Murray at 985-386-8151.