Dear Parents/Guardians,
4.3.2012
Holy Week
This week and the coming Triduum are the high point in the Catholic Christian year. The core of the
Catholic faith is centered upon Jesus’ death and resurrection, which we acknowledge and celebrate this week and
weekend. In that vein, our 7th grade class led us today in a portrayal of the Stations of the Cross. Thank you to Mr.
Smolen and the 7th graders whose acting helped lead the rest of the student body in prayer and reflection.
Tomorrow we celebrate an all-school Mass.
We have challenged students to truly make it a holy week through their actions, reflections, and prayer. We
encourage you at home to continue the emphasis that we have placed here in school upon the Holy Week, the
Triduum, and Easter Sunday. If you are looking for ways to observe the Triduum at home, look to attend Holy
Thursday services featuring the traditional washing of the feet. There will be Good Friday observations in all
churches and the in-depth Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. On the back of today’s letter please see a listing of the
services available at St. Sylvester Church this Holy Week and during the Triduum.
High School Acceptances
We are proud to continue sharing our 8th graders high school acceptances here. Congratulations to…
Jonathan Garcia – Accepted to Guerin Prep High School
Anny Solano – Accepted to Gordon Tech High School
3rd and 4th Grade Play
We are so proud of our 3rd and 4th graders and their teachers Ms. Jones and Mrs. Lindo for their tremendous
performance in last week’s play Give Thanks America. It was the first time that we have featured a 3rd and 4th grade
play so the stellar performances, beautiful costumes, and spectacular set decorations are all the more remarkable.
If you have pictures or videos of the play that you would like to share please send them to Mr. Bennett at
stsylvesterschool@gmail.com. We will be making an album that will be uploaded to our website.
Spring Sports: Volleyball, Softball, and Girls Soccer
We are excited to have our spring sports seasons underway. We have received word that the volleyball
league will begin its games after the Easter break; all interested students should see Mr. Hurley or Ms. Jones.
Volleyball games will take place on weekends, the team is open to boys and girls in grades 4-8. The first practice for
volleyball will be tomorrow (Wed.) from 3:00-4:30 in the parish gym. Players will meet in the front lobby by 3:00.
Soccer players: recall that the game scheduled for April 11 will not be played. Please remove it from your
schedule.
2012 Summer Program
I’d like to again share some of the known details of our summer program. The program will be six weeks
long, running from June 25 through August 3. It will be a full day program, 9:00-3:00, five days a week (except for
the 4th of July). Our extended day care will run from 6:30-9:00 in the morning and then from 3:00-6:00 in the
afternoon. The classes are focused on math and reading. The general pace is more relaxed than a normal school
day though as we feature weekly field trips, Friday games and movies, and a great deal of time outside.
We are looking to have the registration start the week of April 23, though it could be pushed to the
following week. At that point, the prices, theme, and classroom arrangements would all be set. Our summer
program classes always fill up fairly quickly so we will certainly advertise that registration process in advance so
that all interested parties will be able to sign up and reserve a spot.
Junior High Needs…
If you or someone you know is able to serve as a DJ for a junior high dance on Friday, April 27 please
contact Mr. Bennett. We would need the DJ to be here from 7:00 to 9:15. This could count towards a family’s
volunteer hours obligation.
Dates/Information to be aware of…
~ Our last day of classes before the Easter break is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 4. Classes will resume on Monday,
April 16.
~ Tuition for April is due Friday, April 20.
~ Much more information either has or soon will be coming out from your child’s teacher, but so you know in
advance: the Science Discovery Fair will take place the week of May 14. Thursday evening that week will feature
an open house visiting period for all families.
~ Invoices for extended day are not being sent home today. Extended day invoices for last week and this week will
both be included in the Tuesday folders when we return to school.
Holy Week Schedule 2012
April 4
Wednesday
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Confessions (English and Spanish) and Adoration
Easter Triduum
April 5
Holy Thursday
There is no 8:30 a.m. daily mass
7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Bilingual)
8:30 p.m. to Midnight - Silent Adoration
April 6
Good Friday
This is a day of fasting and abstinence. All Catholics must abstain from
eating meat. All Catholics age 18-58 must fast: you can eat one full meal, and
two smaller meals that together do not equal one full meal.
Retreat in Schwinn Hall – Begins in the Church at 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Spanish)
There is no 8:30 a.m. daily mass
4:00 p.m. Living Stations of the Cross (Bilingual)
7:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (bilingual)
April 7
Holy Saturday
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Easter Vigil (Bilingual)
April 8
Easter Sunday
Sun 8:00 a.m. Mass (English)
Sun 9:30 a.m. Mass (Spanish)
Sun 11:30 a.m. Mass (English)
Sun 1:00 p.m. Mass (Spanish)