Newsletter (Archived): Newsletter 1021 - Dec 4, 2013 - Dec 11, 2013 [Archive]
Psalm 23
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
From the Principal
Dear Parents,I remind you to be attentive to your child's studies during these weeks before Christmas. There are only two weeks and two days left in the second nine weeks. It is tempting to get into the spirit of Christmas too early. These days are important for schoolwork.
On Tuesday of this week, St. Joseph School welcomed Bishop Muench for a visit. The Bishop met with students by grade levels and answered questions the students had regarding the priesthood and other matters that interested them. The main purpose of the visit was to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Sister Rene from St. Albert’s; Deacon Josh, who is to be ordained to the priesthood in May for the Baton Rouge Diocese; and Father McDuffie our pastor, also answered student questions. The bishop ate lunch with the third graders and let some of them hold his pectoral cross. As all of you know Bishop Muench is a warm and caring man and I believe that came over to the students in a very personal way.
We have been asked to inform you of the following.
2014-15 Freshman Application deadline for St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17th. You may request information AND apply online at www.stafalcons.org. Please contact the school with any questions at 985-542-7662.
This is the time of year that we recognize those who serve us and we are asking each child for a donation for a gift for Father McDuffie. He has served us alone since school began. He says Mass for the children and always has an excellent message. He arranges for reconciliation for the children. He oversees the school and supports our efforts to provide a faith filled experience for the children. We will also present Deacon Larry with a gift. We will be collecting for a gift for Father and the Deacon over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for your generosity.
May all of you be aware of this season of Advent as we anticipate the birth of Jesus our Savior.
-- Dr. Gerard Toups
Principal
Calendar-at-a-Glance
Thursday, December 5 Field Trip - 6th Grade
Friday, December 6
Spirit Dress
St. Nicholas Day
Sunday, December 8
Second Sunday of Advent
Tuesday, December 10
December Birthdays
Wednesday, December 11
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Bring Bagged, Boxed, or Canned Good
Thursday, December 12
Guest Speaker - 7th Grade
Friday, December 13
Accelerated Reader Deadline
Spirit Dress
Father/Daughter Dance
Sunday, December 15
Third Sunday of Advent
Monday-Friday, December 16-20
Library Closed
Monday, December 16
Exams - Grades 6-8 - English/Science
Tuesday, December 17
Exams - Grades 6-8 - Reading/SS
Wednesday, December 18
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Bring Bagged, Boxed, or Canned Good
Thursday, December 19
Exams - Grades 6-8 - Math
Kindergarten Polar Express Day
PreK Christmas Fun Day
Friday, December 20
Spirit Dress
Last Day of Second Quarter/First Semester
Christmas Program/Parties
11:15 Dismissal
December 23-January 3
Christmas/New Years Holidays
Monday, January 6
Classes Resume
No Buses
A Visit from the Bishop
Students at SJS were blessed with a visit from our Bishop today. Bishop Muench spoke with each class of students and even had lunch in the cafeteria! To see more pictures of the Bishop and his visit with the children, visit BISHOP.
December Birthdays - Tuesday, December 10
All students at St. Joseph who have a birthday in December may come out of uniform on Tuesday, December 10. This is the only day students with December birthdays may come out of uniform. There is no make-up day.
Out of uniform guidelines can be found on the WEBSITE.
A/R Deadline - Friday, December 13
The last day to take an Accelerated Reader test for the second quarter is Friday, December 13. The library will be open until 2:50 on that day.
Father/Daughter Dance - Firday, December 13
It's Totally Awesome 80's at the annual Father/Daughter Dance. The theme is 80's wear. An award will be given out for the best dressed couple!
All grades are invited.
All dads are welcome to come and enjoy a night out with their little girl(s).
There will be music, dancing, food, drinks, and pictures available.
Friday, December 13, from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
The early bird price is $20. This admits one dad and one daughter. It's only $5.00 extra for each additional dad or daughter.
At the door, the price increases to $30 per dad/daughter with an extra $5.00 for each additional dad/daughter.
We know special circumstances permit another male figure in the student's life. This may include grandfather, uncle, etc.
Sign up on EDLINE specifying the gir(s) who will be attending and who will be their escort. Sendyour check to the office.
Exam Schedule - December 16-19
The exam schedule for students in grades 6-8 is as follows:Monday, December 16 - English & Science
Tuesday, December 17 - Reading & Social Studies
Thursday, December 19 - Math
Book Fair Success!
The SJS Book Fair was a huge success! The fair made $12,000 and the library received about $4000 in cash, books, and other incentives. Mrs. Carroll wishes to thank all of the students, parents, and grandparents who bought books and helped out with the book fair. We couldn't have done it without you!Community News
PONCHATOULA CHRISTMAS LIGHTING EVANGELIZATION/OUTREACHWe are looking for volunteers to come help share our Catholic faith with the people in our community at the Ponchatoula Christmas Lighting on Friday, December 6, at 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall (old church).
Donations Needed:
cookies
hot chocolate powder
cups, plates, and napkins
marshmellows
Christmas decorations
arts and crafts supplies
Behind the Scenes Volunteers:
set up 5:00 p.m.
clean up 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Carolers and Greeters
children, teens, and adults
We will be passing out cookies and hot chocolate, doing a craft with the children, and singing carols. Adults will also be passing out books and media about Jesus and Catholicism.
It's very important that we Catholics be out in the community doing various types of evangelization/outreach. Plese come help us shar the Spirit fo Christmas with our community.
If you are interested in helping out, please contact Rachel Rojo at 504-432-3360.
Parish News
PersonnelFr. Paul A. McDuffie, Pastor
Larry J. Melancon - Deacon
Mike Agnello - Deacon
Dr. M.J. "Dutch" Schanzbach - Deacon
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass - 8:00 a.m., 11:00 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
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES
All Penance Services/Confessions will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9 - St. Helena, Amite
Tuesday, December 10 - St. Joseph, Ponchatoula
Wednedsay, December 11 - St. Stephen, Maurepas
Tuesday, December 17 - St. Margaret, Albany
Wednesday, December 18 - Mater Dolorosa, Independence
Thursday, December 19 - Holy Ghost, Hammond
NEW WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE
Effective Monday, December 2, our week day Mass schedule will change. The week day Masses on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will be at 8:30 a.m. Reconciliation (Confessions) will be available before all week day Masses at 8:00 a.m. in addition to Confessions on Saturday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
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