Our Cathedral theme for this Lent is “Stay Focused. Stay Faithful.” By setting less important things aside, and picking up the good, simple things that surround us and bring our minds to God, while also uniting our hearts to Jesus and to His goodness. One prayer we can all ask our Heavenly Father is, "What is one thing You want me to do this Lent so that I can grow closer to You?” Think about asking your family or friend what they may do over the next 40 days to grow closer to Christ.

As we look ahead to the first reading for Ash Wednesday tomorrow, God encourages us to return to Him. The creator of our universe desires a relationship with us. When we open our hearts and minds to God's grace at work within us, we experience His love, strength and peace in many ways. At this start of Lent, we are encouraged to turn to Jesus and leave behind any doubt or uncertainty we face. Let's turn to His love with humility and faith as we embark upon the season of Lent together towards the hope of Easter. Click here for the reflection video, which features author Jem Sullivan and her thoughts about the moving scripture below.

Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God.

For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.

Joel 2:12-13

Stay focused & faithful, Cardinals!

Mrs. Stoffel

2/14 - All School Mass @ 8:30 AM for Ash Wednesday

2/19 - No School for All

2/28 - Operetta Performance @ 1:30 PM

2/29 - Operetta Performance @ 7 PM

3/1 - Noon Dismissal; Grandfriends Mass @ 8:30 AM; Operetta Performance @ 10:30 AM

3/4 - Spring Break begins (return to school 3/11)

3/19 - End of Quarter 3

3/28 - Easter Break begins (return to school 4/2)

*Click here for the School Google Calendar*

• Operetta Items
• Only students expected to be at rehearsal will be allowed in the gym during rehearsals.
• Rehearsals end at 4:20 pm. Please park in the school parking lot or past the final crosswalk so childcare parents are able to park in front of the building on both sides of the street to pick up their young and infant children.
• Check the Google Classroom (LINK) for all schedules and updates using code eq7yqvn. Please note, Oompa Loompas do NOT need to be there for the Scene 1 days.
• All late lunches must be called into the school office and left in a voicemail prior to 8:30am to guarantee a school lunch.
  
• Dress code items to remember:
• Make Up is not allowed.
• Pants or leggings (black, grey, navy) must be worn if the high is less than 50 degrees.
• Earrings must be studs or very small hoops which hug the ear lobe.
• Hair cuts for male students must keep hair above their eyebrow.

We are looking for people who would like to advertise their business in our Operetta program. The Operetta is St. Cecilia School's spring musical that has been going on for over a century. Our Operetta this year is Roald Dahl's Wonka Jr, and it's sure to be a well attended event. We have over 800 people who attend the musical, and it's great exposure for your business. Please contact Christine Koehn at ckoehn@stcecilia.net if you are interested in placing an ad. All ads are in black and white. A full page is $200, half page is $100, and a business card size is $50. The deadline for ads and logo submission is Friday, February 16, 2024.

If you're available to help prepare lunches and serve our kids, please consider signing up to volunteer by clicking here! THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who have helped serve our students this year!

Contact Sheila Graham at sgraham@stceciliacathedral.org to sign up for a ministry at an upcoming Mass. Ministries include gift bearer, EMHC, greeter, usher, and server. We appreciate your family sharing of their time and talents!

We are so grateful for those who have supported our school families and Cathedral community for decades. Marletta McKercher, Jill Stoffel, Nancy Mulhal, Martha O'Connor, Elaine Pohren, Mary Kay Mans, and Jean Batenhorst-Smith kept this cherished tradition alive for so many years! After numerous years of dedicated service, the "Sisters of WE" are ready for the next generation to take the reins. There are multiple volunteer opportunities available in a variety of capacities:

• Core Group: commit to meeting once a month to organize and price donations
• Shed Clear-Out: check the donation shed and bring items downstairs on a week-to-week basis
• Pick-Up: use own truck to help pick up furniture donations and bring them to school as needed
• Pricing: assist at peak times of year during the monthly gathering
• Week Of: commit 7 days prior to the sale, helping where needed
• Day Of: commit minimum 2 hour shifts as a sales clerk
• After Sale: clear the cafeteria of any items at the conclusion of Cathedralfest

We appreciate any time you are willing to give! The task at hand is assembling the incoming Core Group. If you are interested in getting together each month to enjoy some lively camaraderie with other St. Cecilia parents, please text me at your earliest convenience at 402-319-7344 to join our crew as a year-round volunteer! We will begin meeting in February.

Thank you and God bless!

Michelle Sueck