Marian Central Friday Focus

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

As National Catholic Schools Week (January 28 to February 3) approaches, we have the opportunity to celebrate the unique value of a Catholic education in McHenry County and throughout the United States. For those who may not know, National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education and is now entering its 50th anniversary year. Catholic schools throughout the country will observe the week with Masses, assemblies, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members to celebrate what makes Catholic schools great. This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. Thanks to the kindness and support of people like you, supporters of Marian Central, teachers, parents, and our students we have the opportunity and freedom to know that a Catholic education is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ.

At the heart of the life of Jesus and his message is one of love. Not the “fuzzy” or Hollywood type of love but rather something more toward the love of a parent for a child. This love creates a profound connection between people. It is thoughtful and attentive to the needs of others. It is generous and instinctively gives of itself for the good of the others. It nurtures and enhances the lives of all involved and ultimately makes the world a better place. In theory, and one that I firmly believe in, enrolling in a Catholic school is enrolling in a school of love. A goal for Marian Central is to be a place where relationships are modelled on the selfless love portrayed in the life of Jesus. Where students and staff care for and look out for each other. Where students respect and value each other. Where parents, school administration and the wider community give of themselves for the good of each member of the school’s community.

At this time, let’s thank all those in our deanery schools, the principals, teachers, school staff, pupils, parents, parent associations, priests, and all those who involved in the noble vocation that is Catholic Education throughout our diocese.

Mike Shukis

Superintendent

It is with a heavy heart that we share that Rev. Jonathan Bakkelund passed away yesterday morning. There will be a Holy Hour for the repose of the soul of Fr. Bakkelund at St. Thomas (Oak Street Church) tonight, Friday, January 26th, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

Fr. Bakkelund was most recently the pastor at St. Peter in Geneva, has been on staff at many parishes within the Diocese of Rockford, including teaching at Marian Central, and also mentored Fr. Warren as his first pastor.

Our prayers are with Fr. Bakkelund and his family.

The Curriculum Guide presents the academic program offered here at Marian Central Catholic High School. Working together, parents, students, and counselors can use this guide to look for required courses, check for prerequisites, and help plan course selections for the school year.

Please click here to view the 2024-25 Curriculum Guide

For additional information on the course selection process for students please click here.

It's time to dust off your boots, break out your bling!

Join us for Marian Central's premier fundraising event, where you will enjoy a western-themed night complete with dinner, drinks, live music, casino games and live & silent auctions. For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsor the event, visit marianauction.givesmart.com.

Class Auction Baskets - Donations Needed

For Marian Central's Gala we are asking you to consider supporting our event, as each class is creating two themed baskets for the silent auction.

Freshmen: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Sophomores: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Juniors: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

Seniors: Click here to view and sign up for requested items.

It’s time to make your 2024-2025 Registration Fee payment.

The non-refundable registration fee is $300. However, if you submit payment before February 15, 2024, you receive a $75 discount making the amount due $225. Payment can be made by clicking here (a 4% fee will be applied) or by sending to the office. All returning students will register for courses online.

Incoming Freshmen will be receiving a registration packet in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact our Business Office.

Tuition Tax Credit Statements were mailed Wednesday, January 24th. If you have not received it yet, you should be receiving it very soon.

Our Outdoor Club has been on two trips to Alpine Valley for some amazing skiing and snowboarding. Anyone associated with Marian is welcome to join us on our upcoming trips on Jan 26th, Feb. 6, Feb 9th and Feb 16th.

Lift tickets are $30 (originally $66) and rentals are also $30 (originally $47). These can be purchased at the school office the week of the trip. These will also be available for purchase from Mr. Mack at Alpine, on the night of the trip in the North Lodge. All are welcome to take advantage of this great deal. Hope to see you there!

Every year, Marian Central Catholic High School serves as a test center for the ACT in April. This year, the test date will be Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Also know that while we serve as a test center, we are not able to reserve seats for our Marian Central Catholic students. If you are interested in signing up for the April 13th ACT (or the February 10th, June 8th or July 13th at other locations), please register on the ACT Registration website. For the April 13th test here, be sure to use our test center code: 174990.

We will be providing a free practice ACT here at Marian Central Catholic on Wednesday, March 6th after school from 3:00pm - 7:00pm in the library. Space is limited to the first 30 students who sign up. Students can sign up the Practice ACT through the Revolution Prep website. The Revolution Prep website will have links to additional free practice tests as well as some group test prep sessions, which come with a fee.