I chanced upon a bingo game in progress in a three-year-old classroom today. I had to stifle some laughs as I watched the teacher gently introduce and then attempt to play the game with five little students. When play began, the children didn’t fully comprehend the goal of the game—to fill an entire card with pretty glass heart markers so you could then yell “bingo!” From their point of view, how was that any more desirable than simply amassing a large quantity of pretty hearts? Nor did they initially understand why, when the teacher held up a picture that matched one of the spaces on their card, they needed to cover that space with a marker. The pictures were simply interesting by themselves without doing anything more with them! Eventually, however, all the children caught on to the point of the game, and each of them seemed to enjoy having a chance to call out “bingo!” and receive a chocolate kiss. But witnessing this episode reminded me—once again—how wonderfully in-the-moment children are.

While it is indeed important for our children to learn to be goal-directed in order to make their way in the world, there is something to be said about embracing the moment that is right in front of us and seeing the gifts it offers. We adults often have an impaired ability to do that because we have so many things to accomplish, so many goals. But on the way to our goals we can take a cue from our kids who show us it is good to sometimes just enjoy the pretty glass hearts and the company of each other we encounter on the way.

Go to this link: http://www.theyearsareshort.com/ if you would like to enjoy a moment (60 seconds actually). Attitude makes all the difference, and an attitude of gratitude can reveal the fullness of life.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Linus Quilt Project Update

Just a reminder that parent volunteers will be assisting the children in sewing together their fabric pieces into quilts on Wednesday (Feb. 29) and Thursday (Mar. 1). Thank you to all who have offered to help in this worthwhile project. We could use a few more volunteers. If you can sew a straight seam or iron a flat piece of material, you are more than qualified to help. Please complete this response form to help out on either day or just let us know in the office.

After School Classes

If you signed your child up for one of the after-school classes, you have received a notice listing in which class(es) your child has been enrolled and the amount of the payment due by this Friday. We are sorry we were not able to accommodate all those interested in our Tae Kwon Do class. However, there are still three spaces open in Ms. Becki’s cooking class. Tae Kwon Do classes begin on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Cooking classes begin on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Healthy Smiles

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The children were fortunate to have had a visit from Joanne Rees, a dental health educator from Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, who talked with them about keeping their teeth healthy. Dr. Danielle Tart (dentist and Charlotte’s mom) also came in to speak with one of our Puppies classes about taking care of our smiles. Thank you to both of them for sharing their expertise with our students.

Visit Creative Movement Class with Ms. Sadler

Visit your child’s Creative Movement class at its regularly scheduled time:

Monday, February 27    
Yellow Puppies 9:15   
Cubs 9:35   
Frogs 10:10   
Otters 10:40   
Blue Ties 11:05   
Eagles 11:35

Tuesday, February 28
Red Puppies 9:15
Bunnies 9:35
Turtles 10:10
Pandas 10:40
Red Ties 11:05

Friday, March 2 
Spotted Puppies 9:15  

FREE Creative Movement for Younger Sibs

Ms. Sadler, our Creative Movement Teacher, has invited parents of children who are eligible for our 2-year-old class next year (2012-13 school year) to accompany their young children to a series of mini-Creative Movement classes. These will occur on Friday mornings from 9-9:15 in Room 34 (the Early Arrival classroom) beginning February 24 and running for 6 weeks. There is no cost for these sessions, but parents must be present.

Upcoming:

Feb. 20 – ECC closed for Presidents Day 
Feb. 21 – ECC closed for Teacher Workday 
Feb. 22 –Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins
Mar. 7, 8 & 9 – Class and Individual Spring Photos
There will be no memo next week.

First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Party

Get your tickets now for a traditional Irish dinner, live Irish music, entertainment, raffles, games and much more. It’s all taking place on Saturday, March 10 at 7 P.M. in Ignatius Hall. Tickets are $15 each or 2/$25, and will be available after all masses this weekend, at the parish office or on-line.  Click here for more information or here to buy tickets on-line.

10th Annual Ignited By Truth Conference

The 10th Annual Ignited By Truth Catholic Conference takes place Feb 24-25 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Register at http://ignitedbytruth.com/.

Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

It was his first day of preschool, and he started to miss his mom. Tears filled his eyes, his mouth got sad and his nose began to run. Before I could get up to get a Kleenex, not one, but two, little hands were handing me tissues. Two little girls, just three-years old, had empathized with his tears and spontaneously acted to make the situation better. Later, one of the little girls told me she wanted to invite the sad child to build a block tower with her and her friends. Next week we will celebrate “Love” with Valentine cards and chocolates and flowers, but I had just witnessed love in its purest form—an unselfconscious act of concern for another’s well-being.

Most acts of love are not very spectacular. Most occur simply in the midst of our everyday responsibilities willingly carried out. For parents, love often looks like reading a story, giving a bath or even enforcing a time-out. But if, in the midst of this ordinary activity we are able to recognize Christ in the faces of our children, it is Love himself we are inviting into our hearts and our homes.

When you do the duty of the moment, you do something for Christ. You make a home for him in the place where your family dwells. You feed him when you feed your family. You wash his clothes when you do their laundry. You help him in a hundred ways as a parent. Then, when the time comes and you appear before Christ to be judged, he will say to you, “I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was sick and you looked after me.” ~Catherine Doherty

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Make a Joyful Noise

Our No Fuss Fundraiser is long since past, but I wanted to let you know how much your children are enjoying the outdoor musical instruments we procured through your generosity. They are all installed on the playground now. I heard some “hoorays” as one class bounded out to the playground, running en masse to try out the new musical acquisitions. In another class a young fellow periodically looked out the window longingly, anticipating his chance to play the dragonfly chime. The instruments are a hit! Thank you for making them possible!

Parent Programs

Thank you to Maureen O’Connell (ECC parent and licensed counselor) for facilitating our most recent viewing of You’re a Better Parent Than You Think. Once again, it was clear that the attendees found the presentation very valuable. An evening showing of the video is planned for later in the Spring, but until then you may also check the video out from the ECC office for personal viewing at home. In March, Maureen will be offering a session on Parenthood: Taking Care of Yourself. More information will follow.

Linus Quilt Project Update

Thank you to all who sent in non-perishable food items in exchange for fabric as part of our Linus Quilt service project. The fabric was dedicated at the prayer service concluding Catholic Schools Week last Friday. Soon every one of our students will have the opportunity to help sew the material into quilts to be donated to Project Linus. Some of our own ECC children have been recipients of Linus Quilts when they were in the hospital. We have also received thank you notes from other families who were given one of the quilts our ECC children had made. If you would like to help the children with the sewing of the quilts here at the ECC, please return the response form found here.

Thank You

Thank you to all who brought their children to the Heritage Fest and allowed them to take to the stage to open the night’s entertainment. Though their numbers were small and the sound system left something to be desired that night, I was so proud of our ECC’ers spirit and poise.

Visit Creative Movement Class with Ms. Sadler

You’re invited to visit your child’s Creative Movement class at its regularly scheduled time on the following dates:

Monday, February 27   
Yellow Puppies 9:15   
Cubs 9:35   
Frogs 10:10   
Otters 10:40   
Blue Ties 11:05   
Eagles 11:35

Tuesday, February 28
Red Puppies 9:15
Bunnies 9:35
Turtles 10:10
Pandas 10:40
Red Ties 11:05

Friday, March 2 
Spotted Puppies 9:15  

Last Call!

Last call to sign up for one or both of the ECC’s new optional after-school activities. Beginning Feb. 28 and running for 6 consecutive Tuesdays, Master Bruce (from Black Belt World) will be teaching Tae Kwon Do classes. Beginning on Feb. 29 and running for 6 consecutive Wednesdays, Ms. Becki (our Otters teacher) will be offering cooking classes. Both classes will run from Noon—1:00 PM. The cost for each 6-week session is $60. A maximum of 18 children will be accepted into each class, with preference going to four-year-old students. The deadline for returning all sign-up sheets is Feb. 10.

FREE Creative Movement for Younger Sibs

Ms. Sadler, our Creative Movement Teacher, has invited parents of children who are eligible for our 2-year-old class next year (2012-13 school year) to accompany their young children to a series of mini-Creative Movement classes. These will occur on Friday mornings from 9-9:15 in Room 34 (the Early Arrival classroom) beginning February 24 and running for 6 weeks. There is no cost for these sessions, but parents must be present.

Upcoming:

Feb. 15 and 16 – Puppet Show performed by our own ECC Puppetry Committee 
Feb. 20 – ECC closed for Presidents Day 
Feb. 21 – ECC closed for Teacher Workday 
Feb. 22 –Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins

10th Annual Ignited By Truth Conference

The 10th Annual Ignited By Truth Catholic Conference takes place Feb 24-25 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Registration Discounts, for full Saturday program including lunch: Groups (5 or more) $25/adult, Individuals $45, Students (age 10+) $25. Gift Certificates available! Who will you invite? Questions: (919) 789-1IBT or IgnitedByTruth.com

The present moment is an ever freshly springing source of sanctity…The present moment is the manifestation of God. ~Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Fish the Magish had us rolling in the aisles on Tuesday. Like the warm, sunny weather outside, the shared laughter and silliness brought a spring-like lightness within the ECC. Laughter has that effect. When it is shared, it binds us together and makes us feel happy. Science informs us that laughter also boosts our immune system and our energy level, reduces the effects of stress and pain and encourages optimism, resilience and productivity. Mostly, though, we understand laughter is another of God’s gifts to us.

And our children are carriers. The average 5-year-old laughs more than 300 times a day (adults average only 17 chuckles in the same period). When we adults do laugh, we momentarily step away from our egos and our worries. We may even laugh at ourselves. We are very much in the moment—like children. G. K. Chesterton’s famous quote: “Angels fly because they take themselves lightly” illustrates the freedom that comes when we are able to escape the burden of our own self-importance. Yes, the God who loves us beyond all telling is in charge, and whether the skies are sunny or storm-filled, we know He is a Father who delights in us and in our laughter together.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

2012-13 ECC Registration

Our in-house registration is complete and class lists are posted. We’ll begin filling our remaining spaces with non-ECC families this week. If you know of anyone who is interested, tell them to get their registration forms in now. We will of course continue to run waiting lists once the classes are full.

Lunch Bunch for Fours

The Lunch Bunch volunteer helpers for the month of February are:
Jan. 30 Maria Fuchs
Feb. 2 Marianne Jurney
Feb. 6 Tina Ward
Feb. 9 Stephanie Williford
Feb. 13 Christine Burr
Feb. 16 Tammy Cunningham
Feb. 27 Eden Ng
Feb. 23 Silvia Bryant

Catholic Schools Week Continues

There are more fun-raising activities in store for Catholic Schools Week. Please refer to the information you have received and plan to participate. Remember, you are all invited to our ECC school-wide prayer service on Friday at 11:30 in the Church. Also, all this week ECC students can redeem a non-perishable food item as ‘payment’ for a piece of fabric that will eventually be sewn into quilts for our Linus Quilt service project.

Visit Creative Movement Class with Ms. Sadler

Do your children often talk about the fun things they do in Ms. Sadler’s Creative Movement class? Perhaps you have a child who, when you ask what they did in school, says, “Nothin.” Well, either way, you’re invited to visit your child’s Creative Movement class at its regularly scheduled time on the following dates:

Monday, February 27  
Yellow Puppies 9:15  
Cubs 9:35  
Frogs 10:10  
Otters 10:40  
Blue Ties 11:05  
Eagles 11:35

Tuesday, February 28
Red Puppies 9:15
Bunnies 9:35
Turtles 10:10
Pandas 10:40
Red Ties 11:05

Friday, March 2 
Spotted Puppies 9:15  

Two New After-School Offerings

The ECC will offer two new optional after-school activities. Beginning Feb. 28 and running for 6 consecutive Tuesdays, Master Bruce (from Black Belt World) will be teaching Tae Kwon Do classes. Beginning on Feb. 29 and running for 6 consecutive Wednesdays, Ms. Becki (our Otters teacher) will be offering cooking classes. Both classes will run from Noon—1:00 PM. The cost for each 6-week session is $60. A maximum of 18 children will be accepted into each class, with preference going to four-year-old students. The deadline for returning sign-up sheets is Feb. 10.

FREE Creative Movement for Younger Sibs

Ms. Sadler, our Creative Movement Teacher, has invited parents of children who are eligible for our 2-year-old class next year (2012-13 school year) to accompany their young children to a series of mini-Creative Movement classes. These will occur on Friday mornings from 9-9:15 in Room 34 (the Early Arrival classroom) beginning February 24 and running for 6 weeks. There is no cost for these sessions, but parents must be present.

Tuition Payments

Tuition payments must be up to date in order for students to remain on the roster for next year. We recognize that providing a Catholic education for your children often necessitates financial sacrifices. Applications for a limited amount of tuition assistance for the 2012-2013 school year are now available. Please see Ms. Carrie if you wish to receive an application. Please note, to qualify for the Stewardship Tuition Rate for next year, the Parish office must have approved your 2012-2013 Family Stewardship Form.

Don’t Forget!

You’re a Better Parent Than You Think! Video Presentation — Feb. 2, 9 a.m.-noon

St. Raphael 2012 Heritage Festival — Feb. 3 in Ignatius Hall, 6-10 p.m. Don’t miss out on the food, entertainment and dancing. Our ECC 4- and 5-year-olds will open the evening’s entertainment at 7 pm. Please remember to send in your response form if your child will be participating in this performance. WE NEED MANY PARTICIPANTS TO FILL THAT GREAT BIG STAGE IN IGNATIUS HALL!

Upcoming:

Feb. 8, 9 and 17 – Dental Health presentations
Feb. 15 and 16 –Puppet Show performed by our own ECC Puppetry Committee
Feb. 20 – ECC closed for Presidents Day
Feb. 21 – ECC closed for Teacher Workday
Feb. 22 –Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins

Help SRCS Students Fight Hunger

Can you think of anything more satisfying and comforting than a hot bowl of soup enjoyed with family and friends? There are persons in our immediate community who go without this comfort every day. Join SRCS students in Ignatius Hall on Sunday, March 4 to help fill the “empty bowls” in our community. Students will be selling handcrafted bowls filled with hearty soup. Profits will go to local hunger-fighting organizations. If you know of a restaurant willing to donate soup/chili for this event, please contact Kim Simmons at KimRuffin@aol.com or 790-2489.

Jesuit Speaker Series

Fr. George Coyne’s presentation on “Planet Earth” has been rescheduled for March 3.

10th Annual Ignited By Truth Conference

The 10th Annual Ignited By Truth Catholic Conference takes place Feb 24-25 at the NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Speakers include Raymond Arroyo, Host of EWTN’s “The World Over Live;” Michael Barber, Ph.D. Professor of Theology, Scripture, & Catholic Thought; Dr. Philip Mango, Catholic Psychotherapist; Sister Miriam James Heidland, Former Volleyball Star; John W. Garcia, Founder of Sober for Christ; Mario St. Francis, Fashion Model on a Mission; Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Vigil Mass Celebrant and Homilist. FREE Friday Night program―Discover the Catholic Church― includes Praise & Worship Music and talks in English and Spanish. Early Registration Discounts, for full Saturday program including lunch: Groups (5 or more) $25/adult, Individuals $35, Students (age 10+) $20. After Feb 5, prices increase to $45/Adult, $25/Students. Gift Certificates available! Who will you invite? Questions: (919) 7891IBT. IgnitedByTruth.com

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~Milton Berle

St. Raphael’s ECC will join with the SRCS and thousands of other Catholic schools across the nation in celebrating Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 4. The week begins here at St. Raphael’s with the 9:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, followed by coffee and donuts in Ignatius Hall for our current families and an Open House at the ECC for parents of prospective students. There are plenty of other events scheduled for the week, so please plan on participating with us. If your child is not normally in school on Tuesdays, for example, you are still invited to bring him/her to a performance by Fish the Magish at 9:45 in the Lewis Room on Jan. 31. We also hope to see many of our parents at our Friday prayer service at 11:30 in the Church.

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” The theme focuses on three priorities that make Catholic schools stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught Faith—not just the basics of Christianity, but growing close to God and living out that friendship in all our relationships. Academics—high standards and a commitment to having each child reach his/her potential. Service—giving of ourselves for others as an expression of our faith and good citizenship. All three of these are summed up in our preschool’s motto: “nurturing young minds, hearts and spirits.”

Even though our children are little, they are taking early steps on their journeys toward growth in character, competence and compassion. We know, too, that God often uses the small and humble to do great things. This year, as in years past, our little ones will have the opportunity to be involved in a great service initiative—our annual Linus Project. With your assistance, our children will sew together quilts that will then be donated to Project Linus, an organization providing blankets to children traumatized by illness or other hardship. Even our youngest students understand the comfort brought by a soft, warm blanket.

To further assist our children in becoming truly invested in this undertaking, we ask each child to contribute one fabric square. We’ll have a selection of fabric pieces here at the ECC from which they can choose. We’re asking you to help by having your child bring in one non-perishable food item (no glass, please) which they will then “redeem” for a fabric of their choosing. In addition to helping feed the hungry, once our ECC students have had the opportunity to transform their donated material into finished quilts, they will see in a most tangible way how our combined efforts and unique contributions have created something warm and beautiful for those in need.

Faith, Academics, Service. Mind, heart, and spirit. As we salute our Catholics schools for their efforts to assist our children in becoming the whole, well-formed persons God intended for them to be, we simultaneously salute you, our school parents, for the sacrifices you have made to provide for your children a faith-filled education. May God bless you for all you are doing not just for your own children, but through them, for the future of our world.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

2012-13 ECC Registration

We will process parishioners’ registrations next Wednesday, Feb. 1 and non-parishioners’ on Feb. 3. In-house registration forms for current ECC students and their siblings should have already been returned to be eligible for priority registration. We can only guarantee a space for your child if you have returned a registration form before next Wednesday.

Open House at the ECC

Tell your neighbors and friends who may be interested in having their children attend the ECC: The preschool will hold an Open House for parents of prospective students after the 9:30 a.m. Mass this coming Sunday, January 29 from 10:30-12:00.

Parent Surveys

Completed survey forms will continue to be accepted in the ECC office through Friday, Jan. 27. Thank you for your input!

Lunch Bunch for Fours

Lunch Bunch payments will be accepted in the hallway before school this Friday, Jan. 27. Lunch Bunch begins the week of Jan. 30.

Back By Popular Demand!

Parents who attended one of our last video presentations of “You’re a Better Parent than You Think!” found it to be a great learning and sharing opportunity. We are therefore going to offer another viewing, again with free babysitting provided, for any parents who might like to attend. Past participants thought it would have been helpful to watch the video with their spouse, so feel free to invite yours to attend with you. Maureen O’Connell, an ECC parent and licensed counselor, will facilitate the discussion that follows the video. The viewing with take place on Feb. 2, 9am - noon. Please complete and return this sheet if you plan on attending and to indicate your need for childcare. 

Two New After-School Offerings

The ECC will offer two new optional after-school activities. Beginning Feb. 28 and running for 6 consecutive Tuesdays, Master Bruce (from Black Belt World) will be teaching Tae Kwon Do classes. Beginning on Feb. 29 and running for 6 consecutive Wednesdays, Ms. Becki (our Otters teacher) will be offering cooking classes. Both classes will run from Noon—1:00 PM. The cost for each 6-week session is $60. A maximum of 18 children will be accepted into each class, with preference going to four-year-old students. Complete and return the sign-up sheet by Feb. 10 if you are interested in enrolling your child in either class.

FREE Creative Movement for Younger Sibs

Ms. Sadler, our Creative Movement Teacher, has invited parents of children who are eligible for our 2-year-old class next year (2012-13 school year) to accompany their young children to a series of mini-Creative Movement classes. These will occur on Friday mornings from 9-9:15 in Room 34 (the Early Arrival classroom) beginning February 24 and running for 6 weeks. There is no cost for these sessions, but parents must be present.

Tuition Payments

Tuition payments must be up to date in order for students to remain on the roster for next year. We recognize that providing a Catholic education for your children often necessitates financial sacrifices. Applications for a limited amount of tuition assistance for the 2012-2013 school year are now available. Please see Ms. Carrie if you wish to receive an application. Please note, to qualify for the Stewardship Tuition Rate for next year, the Parish office must have approved your 2012-2013 Family Stewardship Form.

Don’t Forget!

• Catholic Schools Week — Jan. 29 - Feb. 4

  Plan to attend the 9:30 am Mass on Sunday then stop by for coffee and donuts in Ignatius Hall. ECC children’s artwork will be on display in the Atrium. Participate in the week’s events including a performance by Fish the Magish on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 9:45 in the Lewis Room and our ECC school-wide prayer service on Friday, Feb. 3 at 11:30 in the Chapel.

• St. Raphael 2012 Heritage Festival — Feb. 3 in Ignatius Hall, 6-10 p.m.

  Don’t miss out on the food, entertainment and dancing. Our ECC 4- and 5-year-olds will open the evening’s entertainment at 7 pm. Please remember to send in your response form if your child will be participating in this performance. WE NEED MANY PARTICIPANTS TO FILL THAT GREAT BIG STAGE IN IGNATIUS HALL!

Upcoming:

Feb. 8, 9 and 10 – Dental Health presentations
Feb. 15 and 16 – Puppet Show performed by our own ECC Puppetry Committee
Feb. 20 – ECC closed for Presidents Day
Feb. 21 – ECC closed for Teacher Workday
Feb. 22 – Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins

SRCS Open House

Saint Raphael Catholic School will be hosting a series of Open Houses: on Sunday, January 29 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon and again on Wednesday, February 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon and 6:30-8:00 p.m. All ECC families are invited to attend on any of these dates/times. You will have an opportunity to meet faculty and staff while learning about the school’s academic and extracurricular programs. All ECC families that attend will be entered into a drawing to win a Family Fun Basket (on display at the ECC)!

Jesuit Speaker Series

Jesuit Fr. George Coyne, an accomplished astronomer and Emeritus Director and President of the Vatican Observatory, will be speaking on “Planet Earth” on February 4 in the Lewis Room after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. All are invited.

If we want to have a good society, we must concentrate all our forces on the Christian education of the young. Experience has taught me that if we wish to sustain civil society then we should take good care of the young. ~Don Bosco

I walked in as the Pandas were discussing some science investigations they had conducted at their individual homes. In school, they had measured how long it took for an ice cube to melt when it was left on a tray. The task the children were given was to try to melt an ice cube more quickly at home. I was amazed by the number of clever ways they had discovered to speed the melting of an ice cube—placing it in hot chocolate, under hot running water, in the bathtub; exposing it to heat vents, hair dryers, and sunshine… One student tried wrapping the ice in his blanket. (Though his blanket got very wet, he discovered it did not speed melting.) This learning activity would not have been nearly as fun, interesting and valuable were it not for the sharing of so many different perspectives and experiences.

Just as our children’s learning is enhanced by dialogue, I must commend you, our parents, for your willingness to share your insights and concerns about your children and to work together with us here at the ECC. From the feedback I received from our teachers, it appears many fruitful discussions occurred during our recently held Parent/Teacher conferences. Throughout this school year, constructive communication between parents and faculty has promoted not only improved developmental progress for individual students but also significant positive changes within individual classrooms as well. Together we have come up with helpful responses to what could have been problematic situations. As I walked through the Center today and witnessed the joyful, productive learning that was occurring in each and every classroom, I was filled with gratitude for each child, teacher and parent who makes up this loving extended family of the ECC.

Thank you for sharing your cherished children with us. Thank you for sharing yourselves with such candor and good will.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Parent Surveys

Thank you to all who have filled out and returned parent surveys. We truly value each of your comments. Blank survey forms are still available, and completed surveys will continue to be accepted in the ECC office through Jan. 27.

Lunch Bunch for Fours

Lunch Bunch forms are due back this Friday, and payments will be accepted in the hallway before school next Friday, Jan. 27. Lunch Bunch begins the week of Jan. 30.

Open House at the ECC

Tell everyone you know who might be interested in having their children attend the ECC that the preschool will hold an Open House for parents of prospective students after the 9:30 am Mass on January 29 from 10:30-12:00.

2012-13 ECC Registration

In-house registration for current ECC students and their siblings will take place at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Please make sure you have returned your registration form by then in order to have first priority in choosing classes for next year. Include your first, second and third choice of class. We guarantee a placement for next year to every child currently in the program and will attempt to honor your preferences. However, we cannot promise a particular class or a certain number of days per week. Please let your friends and neighbors know that registration for parishioners will occur on Feb. 1 and for non-parishioners on Feb. 3.

Catholic Schools Week — Jan. 29 - Feb. 4

Catholic Schools Week will be officially kicked off at the 9:30 am Mass on Sunday, January 29. We hope all our children and their families will be in attendance, wearing their ECC apparel if possible. If you have volunteered in our school in any capacity, you’ll be asked to stand to be recognized at the end of Mass. After Mass, stop by for coffee and donuts in Ignatius Hall. More events will follow each day of Catholic Schools Week. Click here for more information about these activities.

Back By Popular Demand!

Parents who attended one of our last video presentations of “You’re a Better Parent than You Think!” found it to be a great learning and sharing opportunity. We are therefore going to offer another viewing, again with free babysitting provided, for any parents who might like to attend. Past participants thought it would have been helpful to watch the video with their spouse, so feel free to invite yours to attend with you. Maureen O’Connell, an ECC parent and licensed counselor, will facilitate the discussion that follows the video. Please RSVP if you plan on attending.

St. Raphael 2012 Heritage Festival

Come to Ignatius Hall on Friday, Feb. 3, 6-10 pm, for food, entertainment and dancing. Our ECC 4- and 5-year-olds will open the evening’s entertainment at 7 pm. Please return the response form if you would like your child to participate.

Name Our Newest Pets

As part of or continuing focus on Science and the study of Living/Nonliving things here at the ECC, we have once again acquired two new tadpoles. You may know that we tend to get rather attached to any little creatures that come under our roof, so you will understand why we feel our two new friends certainly need names. Would you like to help us by suggesting a name or two for them? There is a sheet for suggestions at the entrance to the ECC Office. We will hold a school-wide election so the children can have a say in choosing the final names.

It’s Going to be a Busy February!

In upcoming memos you will be receiving information on several events that are taking place at the ECC next month. In addition to Valentine’s Day and the beginning of Lent, there will be special in-school activities for the children, including a puppet show and a dental health presentation. There will be opportunities for you to come in and observe Creative Movement class and to enroll your 4-year-old student in a 6-week after-school (n00n-1pm) cooking and/or Tae Kwon Do class. Parents with rising two-year-old students can join in a FREE 6-week Mommy and Me movement class. Please be sure to read your weekly memos and calendars carefully so you don’t miss out!

You Made it Happen!

Melissa Matthews won the Ikea Life Improvement Contest thanks to your willingness to vote for her project each day! She wanted to thank you all:

“At the Frankie Lemmon School Christmas party this year, I got to sit on the floor next to Santa. It was moving to watch each child shyly sign “thank you” as they slipped off Santa’s lap—a simple gesture that told of the gift of communication that the children had received this year from the school & of the children’s unprompted appreciation for the gifts they’ve been given. Today, Ikea announced that it’s Christmas morning all over again! At the end of February, big boxes will arrive at FLS, filled with ipads for every student, smart boards for every class. And that is only the beginning of the gifts that the children will receive this year because you gave them 50,000 votes and a lot of love! One thing is for sure—Raleigh can rally! WE did it. YOU did it. And I’m signing “thank you”!”

SRCS Registration for Rising Kindergartners

Application for the 2012-2013 school year at St. Raphael Catholic School is available online at http://www.saintraphaelschool.org. Click on ONLINE APPLICATION and follow instructions for creating an account and applying. Once your completed application and the required $125 fee are received, your rising kindergartner will be scheduled to participate in a developmental assessment. The SRCS is able to offer a limited amount of tuition assistance, so do not let finances be your only reason for not considering a Catholic education for your child. For questions, please call Krista Ashe, vice principal, at 865-5756.

Life Events in Our Nation’s Capitol

The Annual Prayer Vigil for Life will take place at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on January 22 with Mass beginning at 6:30 pm.

Bishop Burbidge (Raleigh Diocese) and Bishop Jugis (Charlotte Diocese) will celebrate an 11:30 am Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, January 23. The Rally and National March for Life follows at the Capitol.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

How good it is to have the children return from our Christmas break! I detected some sleepy eyes and barely stifled yawns the first morning back. Over the holiday, many of us got used to leisurely starts to the day, and the cold weather doesn’t make getting back on schedule any easier. One dear mom, little ones in tow, breathlessly threw up her arms and asked good-naturedly, “Do you know how hard it is to get out of the house with three little kids in winter coats and mittens and hats and scarfs…?!?”

Unhurried pajama days may have passed for now, but a Christmas perspective can linger on in the hearts of even hard-working moms and dads.

Though the fate of the entire human race hung on the “yes” of a young girl consenting to be the Mother of God, she was not asked to do anything out of the ordinary. She wasn’t asked to join a convent or lead a life of extreme penance. “She was simply to remain in the world, to go forward with her marriage to Joseph, to live the life of an artisan’s wife, just what she had planned to do when she had no idea that anything out of the ordinary would ever happen to her.”

How inconspicuous God can be. He hid himself in the unpretentious everydayness of Mary and Joseph’s family life, and he hides himself in the small details and sacrifices of our families, too.

“We shall not be asked to do more than the Mother of God; we shall not be asked to become extraordinary or set apart or to make a hard and fast rule of life or to compile a manual of mortifications or heroic resolutions; we shall not be asked to cultivate our souls like rare hothouse flowers; we shall not, most of us, even be allowed to do that. What we shall be asked to give is our flesh and blood, our daily life—our thoughts, our service to one another, our affections and loves, our words, our intellect, our waking, working, and sleeping, our ordinary human joys and sorrows—to God. To surrender all that we are, as we are, to the Spirit of Love in order that our lives may bear Christ into the world—that is what we shall be asked.” (Caryll Houselander)

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Thank You for Your Christmas Kindness

Ms. Nancy and I would like to thank you for all the kindness you showered us with this holiday season through your gifts, your words, and your actions. You are consistently a source of joy in our lives, and we deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and support. Thank you!

Lunch Bunch for Fours

Lunch Bunch registration forms are due back Friday, Jan. 20. Payments will be accepted in the hallway before school on Friday, January 27. Lunch Bunch begins the week of Jan. 30.

ECC Registration

Registration forms for the 2012-2013 school year are due back by Jan. 25. Current ECC students and their siblings will have first priority for choosing classes for next year. Though your child is guaranteed a space for next year, we cannot guarantee a specific class or teacher. You must indicate a first, second and third choice.

The Saint Raphael Family Stewardship Form must be completed and approved by the pastor on a yearly basis to receive the Stewardship Tuition rate. This rate is offered to families who have chosen to do their best at being stewards of St. Raphael Parish (i.e., being a registered member of the parish, participating in Mass here weekly, and sharing one’s time, talent, and treasure identifiably with the parish). If you have children attending the ECC as well as the SRCS and/or Cardinal Gibbons, only one Family Stewardship Form needs to be returned, though all children must be listed.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Schedules for Parent-Teacher conferences have been posted. Please call the office if you are not able to keep your assigned time. Also, please refrain from bringing children to your parent/teacher conference. Babysitting is available at the ECC for a small fee ($3 for one child, $5 for 2 children, $6 for 3 children), but we ask that you let the Office know if you will be needing this service.

Parent Surveys

Though we are just beginning the second half of the current school year, we are already planning for next year. Your input is extremely valuable to us as we do so. When you are here for your child’s Parent-Teacher conference next week, your child’s teacher will give you a brief Parent Survey to fill out. We ask you to please complete and return your survey before leaving the building that day. We really want to hear from each and every family and greatly appreciate you taking a few moments to offer us your feedback.

SRCS Registration for Rising Kindergartners

Application for the 2012-2013 school year at St. Raphael Catholic School is available online at http://www.saintraphaelschool.org. Click on ONLINE APPLICATION and follow instructions for creating an account and applying. Once your completed application and the required $125 fee are received, your rising kindergartner will be scheduled to participate in a developmental assessment. The SRCS is able to offer a limited amount of tuition assistance, so do not let finances be your only reason for not considering a Catholic education for your child. For questions, please call Krista Ashe, vice principal, at 865-5756.

Reminder/Upcoming

The ECC will be closed for students on Thursday and Friday of next week due to Parent/Teacher conferences which are being held on those days. There will be no memo next week.

The ECC will be closed for the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, January 16.

Moms & Dads are invited!

The SRCC Mother’s Group is hosting a special gathering for all parents. This will be a great opportunity to meet and network with other parents. Please join us for food and fellowship Thurs., Jan. 19 from 9:30am to 11:30am in room 112 of the Parish Center. Nursery care will be provided for the little ones while parents socialize. R.S.V.P. by Jan. 17 to B.J. Cady 571-9116 or mcady@nc.rr.com

Life Events Around the Diocese

The NC Rally and March for Life will take place at Nash Square in Raleigh on Saturday, January 14 at 1:00 pm. Earlier that day, Bishop Burbidge will celebrate the annual Mass for Life which takes place at 8:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Raleigh.

The “Love My Life” (LML) pro-life rally for high school students will also be held on Saturday, January 14 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral parking lot from 11:00-12:45. This high energy, spirit-filled event will include special guest Bishop Burbidge, Fr. DeCandia as keynote speaker, music and food.

Life Events in Our Nation’s Capitol

The Annual Prayer Vigil for Life will take place at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on January 22 with Mass beginning at 6:30 pm.

Bishop Burbidge (Raleigh Diocese) and Bishop Jugis (Charlotte Diocese) will celebrate an 11:30 am Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, January 23. The Rally and National March for Life follows at the Capitol.

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

I must commend the dozens of parents—both moms and dads—who attended one of the video presentations of “You’re a Better Parent than You Think” that was offered at the ECC. I think everyone left the session confirmed in the importance of guiding our children with confidence and authority if we are to raise great kids. It is when we second-guess ourselves or let anger, ambivalence or anxiety take over, that we exhibit less-than-effective parenting. (If you missed the presentation, we will likely offer it again after the holidays.)

The video presentation certainly acknowledged just how much stamina it takes for parents to follow through with behavioral consequences when their child misbehaves. Though some children are easier to discipline than others, all require a parent’s energy and involvement. You’ve heard it before—parenthood is not for sissies.

Where do we find the confidence and strength we need to fulfill this tremendously important vocation God has given us as parents? What do we do when we feel burdened by fatigue, frustration and impatience? As with everything we do in our lives, when we rely solely on our own resources, we may end up feeling depleted and empty. Our good God has an ample supply of grace for each of us. He wants to flood our souls with His grace, but we must first be empty enough to allow Him to fill us. So we lay our burdens and imperfections at the foot of His cross, emptying ourselves of ourselves, ready to receive the fresh, sweet flow of His hope and love.

We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, and He packs our life with surprises all the time…. Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. ~Oswald Chambers 

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Holiday Gift Bag Outreach

Please return your filled, unwrapped gift bags this week. Thank you to all who have participated in helping to make Christmas a little brighter for less fortunate children. May God bless our St. Raphael community for all your loving efforts to spread Christmas joy in the world. A very special thanks goes to Marcie Graf for so ably coordinating our Gift Bag Outreach.

Advent Family Breakfast

You should have already received your admission tickets for the Advent Family Breakfast being held this Saturday. It promises to be a well-attended, fun event. Thanks to chairperson Joni Perry, all of her helpers and the Knights for making this annual parish event possible. Our special thanks go out to Laura Ziobro who handled the registration process and who acted as ECC liaison. She did a tremendous job for us.

Thank you to Santa’s Elves

Each child will be receiving an ornament from the ECC. These ornaments were assembled by Amy Knodell and her many talented helpers. We had a tremendous response from parents offering to help—more than we had ornaments to assemble. Thank you for your willingness to give of your time and for this labor of love for our ECC children.

You’re Invited

The Four- and Five-Year-Olds’ Musical Christmas Program will be held this Friday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 am in Ignatius Hall. All are invited to attend.

Looking Ahead

Registration forms for the 2012-2013 school year will be sent out the first week in January. Current ECC students and their siblings will have first priority for choosing classes for next year.

SCRIP

Hurry! Get your Holiday SCRIP orders into the ECC office by this Thursday! Orders will be placed first thing on Friday morning to ensure delivery before Christmas break. Don’t forget extra gas and fast food cards for traveling, extra grocery cards to feed your visiting relatives, etc. Simply download an order form, select the store cards you would like, attach payment and return it to the ECC office. Orders will be delivered to you as soon as they are received.

Scholarship Fund

Times are tough, but if anyone is fortunate enough to be looking for a charity to receive your end-of-year donation, please consider our ECC Scholarship Fund. The Fund began some years ago with a generous donation, and it has since made a real difference in allowing some deserving children to be included in our ECC family.

Don’t Forget!

Remember that Melissa Matthews, our Eagles mom, needs your vote in order to take the $100,000 prize to benefit children with special needs at the Frankie Lemmon School. Her project is currently in first place! Because the winner is being determined by a public online vote that is open from now until Dec. 23, it’s important to vote once each day on Ikea’s contest website: www.thelifeimprovementproject.com. Please spread the word!

Got Prayer?

The SRCS CarPool Rosary (CPR) group meets every Monday morning at 8:30 in the Mary Chapel. You are welcome to join us as your schedule allows (feel free to bring your pre-schooler). We pray for our own intentions and those of the school and parish community here at St. Raphael. It’s a wonderful way to start your week! If you can’t join us, but still need prayers (who doesn’t?), please access the CPR prayer hotline link: http://www.saintraphaelschool.org/?page_id=944. If you would like more information, email kellyobrien@nc.rr.com.

Reminder

Thursday, December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—a Holy Day. Mass times are 7am, 9am, 12:10am, 6pm, Spanish 7:30pm

Advent Opportunities

Prepare your hearts for the Lord. A Communal Reconciliation Service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 pm in the church.

Upcoming

The ECC will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Dec. 19-Jan. 2. There will be no memo next week.

Do you really know the living Jesus - not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?… The devil may try to use the hurts of life, and sometimes our own mistakes - to make you feel it is impossible that Jesus really loves you, is really cleaving to you. This is a danger for all of us. And so sad, because it is completely the opposite of what Jesus is really wanting, waiting to tell you. Not only that He loves you, but even more - He longs for you. ~ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Advent is here. Our children have been singing about how “Advent is a time to wait, not quite time to celebrate…” It is the beginning of a new year in the Church. Of course, we might never know this season as a beginning if we spent very much time in department stores. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, we are tempted to embark on that mad dash toward what seems like the “finish line” of Christmas. The message seems to be “Hurry, hurry, or you’ll fall behind.” There is a figurative—and literal!—risk of getting trampled in a secular frenzy of acquisition.

The Church and our Faith counter this temptation by instructing us to “Be watchful!” The new translation of the Mass we heard this past Sunday offered an insightful perspective on this need for watchfulness. In the Mass prayers we asked God to grant us “the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming…” Our watchfulness and waiting are not passive activities. We are to run, not towards some thing or some endpoint, but rather to embrace a Person. We must watch the way the wise virgins did—with our lamps filled, ready to meet the Bridegroom with our gifts, gifts that can’t be purchased, gifts of our hearts flowing with love, trust and obedience to Him and charity and forgiveness to others.

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

Holiday Gift Bags

Thank you to all who have already returned filled Holiday Gift Bags. They are due back no later than Dec. 9. To help your children begin to understand the joy and sacrifice of giving to others, you are encouraged to allow them to actually shop for the items that will fill the bags. You can also help your child to remember the intended recipient during bedtime prayers.

SCRIP Program to Earn ECC Tuition Credit

Using SCRIP cards can earn you tuition credit, and they make GREAT GIFTS for relatives, babysitters, coworkers, and teachers. As you do your holiday food shopping think about using SCRIP. Double the benefit—Present your Grocery Card that has been linked to our ECC number to earn funds for the ECC as you use your SCRIP card to earn next year tuition credit for yourself.  Simply download an order form, select the store cards you would like, attach payment and return it to the ECC office. Orders will be delivered to you as soon as they are received.

Advent Family Breakfast

The Advent Family Breakfast is coming up on Dec. 10. If you have registered for this event, you will be receiving your admission tickets this week.

Don’t Forget!

Remember that Melissa Matthews, our Eagles mom, needs your vote in order to take the $100,000 prize to benefit children with special needs at the Frankie Lemmon School. This is one case where it is perfectly legitimate to “Vote Early and Vote Often”. Because the winner will be determined by a public online vote that is open from now until Dec. 23, it’s important for you to vote once each day on Ikea’s contest website: www.thelifeimprovementproject.com. Please spread the word!

Lifetouch Studio Retakes

If you missed the in-school opportunities to have your child’s photo taken/retaken by Lifetouch Photography, you may have a retake done at the studio on Dec. 8 anytime between 5-7 pm. The Lifetouch Studio is located at 5801 Oak Park Rd in Raleigh (phone: 881-8361).

Kindergarten registration for WCPSS

Kindergarten registration for Wake County Public Schools began on Monday, Nov. 28. Since the application period for magnet schools is December 5-19, it is important to register early if you are interested in applying for a magnet school for your child. The WCPSS website http://assignment.wcpss.net has information about the registration process. For more information you can also contact any Wake County elementary school or the Office of Student Assignment at (919) 431-7333.

Got Prayer?

The SRCS CarPool Rosary (CPR) group meets every Monday morning at 8:30 in the Mary Chapel. You are welcome to join us as your schedule allows (feel free to bring your pre-schooler). We pray for our own intentions and those of the school and parish community here at St. Raphael. It’s a wonderful way to start your week! If you can’t join us, but still need prayers (who doesn’t?), please access the CPR prayer hotline link: http://www.saintraphaelschool.org/?page_id=944. If you would like more information, email kellyobrien@nc.rr.com.

Reminder

Thursday, December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—a Holy Day. Mass times are 7am, 9am, 12:10am, 6pm, Spanish 7:30pm

Advent Opportunities

• Join the Ignatian Prayer group every Thursday during Advent for an evening of Scripture reflection and prayer focusing on the Sunday Gospel readings. The first gathering is Dec. 1 from 7-8 pm in Room 103. Attend one—or every—Thursday. Contact Lou Clark at 389-2931 or lclark0434@att.net if you would like to participate.

• Fr. Proterra will lead an Advent Retreat on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9:45 in the Lewis Room.

• Attend a wonderful evening of Advent Lessons and Carols presented by the St Raphael Mass Choir, the Handbell Choir and other musicians and readers on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm.

• Prepare your hearts for the Lord. A Communal Reconciliation Service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 pm in the church.

Upcoming

The Four- and Five-Year-Olds’ Musical Christmas Program will be held on Friday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 am in Ignatius Hall.

We are on our way to an encounter, an encounter with Him who created us and loves us more than mother and father. ~Father Cantalamessa

Our ECC students did a marvelous job singing for the Senior Citizens Luncheon this past Monday. I overheard one of the regular attendees of the luncheon saying that, in her opinion, the children’s performance is always the high point of the event. Nevertheless, the entire luncheon was a wonderful affair. The diversity of our parish community was represented so beautifully. The enthusiastic songs and hand-made centerpieces contributed by our preschoolers; the equally-spirited singing, piano accompaniment, decorations and table service of our SRCS students; the delicious food and generous time donations of our ECC and SRCS parents; the merriment and gratitude of our seasoned parishioners—all were woven together to create a lively tapestry of joyful fellowship.

Kim Simmons, our Senior Luncheon Chair for the past 9 years, noted how hundreds of individuals of all ages were instrumental in bringing about this annual event. Without Kim’s generous dedication and quiet competence in pulling together the efforts of all of you, we doubt the Senior Luncheon would have continued with such spirit year after year, now into its 30+ year. We are so grateful to her for keeping this beautiful tradition alive.

Traditions have been referred to as “people glue.” They form memories and help define who we are. Like families, communities are strengthened when they hold onto traditions that bring their members together. The banner the kindergarteners provided for the luncheon noted that “Real abundance is found when we join hands with those we love.” As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are filled with gratitude for the presence of each of you as together we create this family of faith and love that is known as St. Raphael ECC. Thank you!

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

No Fuss

You did it!!! We superseded our goal of $5,000 in addition to receiving an extra $1,000 from a very generous benefactor! Thank you, thank you for all your sacrifices! We have placed the order for all three of our outdoor musical instruments in addition to a cover for the steel drum and some extra mallets. We don’t need the Thanksgiving holiday for our hearts to be overflowing with gratitude for your generosity.

Holiday Gift Bags

The Holiday Gift Bag Outreach offers our children the opportunity to provide Christmas bags filled with small toys to less fortunate children. To help our children begin to understand what giving is all about, you’re encouraged to allow them to shop in order to actually select the toys to fill the bags. Families who would like to participate can pick up empty Gift Bags in the ECC hallway this week and return them filled with unwrapped gifts no later than Dec. 9.

You’re a Better Parent Than You Think

The ECC is hosting a showing of a video on parenting and discipline that we hope all of our parents will be able to attend on either Nov. 30 or Dec. 1. To make attendance easy, we are offering the presentation during ECC hours (9-noon), providing babysitting for younger siblings, supplying coffee and donuts, and even offering a $25 Target gift card to one lucky winner! The video is produced by Dr. Ray Guarendi, a child psychologist with 10 children of his own. It is funny and fast-paced and will offer you the confidence you need to raise happy children exhibiting confidence and self-control. In order to plan for snacks and babysitting, we are asking you to fill out the attached sheet. Don’t miss this opportunity to join with other ECC parents for a fun and edifying gathering.

Advent Family Breakfast

Registration forms for the Advent Family Breakfast are due back by Monday, Nov. 21. We hope to see many of you on Dec. 10 for this fun event open to the entire parish community.

62 VIC Cards are Linked So Far

That’s almost double the number reported last month! Thank you! Link your Harris Teeter VIC card to the ECC number (3865) and the preschool will receive a percentage of your purchases. Register your VIC card online at www.HarrisTeeter.com. Ask your relatives and friends to link their cards, too! And don’t forget to scan the ECC’s bar code at Kroger to earn reward points for our school. 

SCRIP Program to Earn ECC Tuition Credit

Great News! From now until Christmas, SCRIP orders will be filled each week. This is a great opportunity to accumulate tuition credit—at no cost to you—just by doing your normal shopping. Simply download an order form, select the store cards you would like, attach payment and return it to the ECC office. Orders will be delivered to you as soon as they are received.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

St. Raphael Church will host an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 22 at 7:00 pm. Join together with other faith communities (St. Raphael Catholic, St. Philip Lutheran, St. Andrews Presbyterian, Beth Meyer Synagogue, Millbrook Baptist, Millbrook Methodist, and members of the Muslim community) in prayer, meditation, and song. A reception in Ignatius Hall will follow the service.

Advent Reconciliation Service

Prepare for Christmas. An Advent Daytime Reconciliation service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 11 am followed by soup/salad luncheon in the Lewis Room.

Reminder

The ECC will be closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 23-25. There will be no memo next week.

Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

Many of our classes have begun preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday by thinking of the things for which they are thankful. Moms and Dads are high on the list as are siblings, pets and friends. Favorite toys are often mentioned. And then there are those super positive children who declare they are thankful for “everything” or the “whole wide world”!

In my position at the ECC, I have plenty of opportunities to experience gratitude of my own. After all, I get to work with teachers who pour themselves out for their students and with parents who love until it hurts. I have 182 children who bring me laughter and wonder (and whom I don’t have to put to bed at night!)

Gratitude brings happiness. When children are young, the days are so full that one rarely has a moment to oneself. Certainly the struggles and worries of parenthood can wear one down at times. Who has time to feel anything but busy? Yet, it is good to remember you have been especially chosen by God to guide and raise the children He has given to you. In God’s plan, no one else would do. Pope John Paul II has said, “The history of mankind, the history of salvation, passes by way of the family…The family is placed at the center of the great struggle between good and evil, between life and death, between love and all that is opposed to love.” Yours is a noble vocation, important like no other, and, yes, you have been chosen.

Don’t be surprised to blink your eyes and find your children all grown. You’ll wonder where the time went. Until then, there is time to tiptoe into their room after they are asleep, kiss them on their dreaming heads and whisper a quiet, “Thank you, God!”

Yours in Christ,

Carrie Griffith

No Fuss

With our No Fuss Fundraiser is in its final days, we have raised almost $4000! Thank you to all who have generously contributed. We are so grateful for your gifts and the sacrifices they represent. Together they will get us closer to our goal of $5000 and 100% participation. Each class that reaches full participation will be treated to an ice cream party. Can you help your child’s class do it? Remember, a donation of any size is welcome and fully tax-deductible.

Advent Family Breakfast

Registration forms for the Advent Family Breakfast are due back on Friday, Nov. 18. We hope to see many of you on Dec. 10 for this fun event open to the entire parish community.

Holiday Gift Bags

The Holiday Gift Bag Outreach offers our children the opportunity to provide Christmas bags filled with small toys to less fortunate children. To help our children begin to understand what giving is all about, you’re encouraged to allow them to shop in order to actually select the toys to fill the bags. Families who would like to participate can pick up empty Gift Bags in the ECC hallway beginning next week and return them filled with unwrapped gifts no later than Dec. 9.

Senior Luncheon

Our annual luncheon for the Senior Citizens Club will take place this coming Monday, Nov. 14. All food donations may be brought to the kitchen on Monday morning by 11:00 a.m. If possible, use disposable containers or clearly labeled returnable ones and please include serving utensils. For their convenience, SRCS parents may drop off their food donations as they drive through the carpool line (near the fountain). A Senior Luncheon volunteer will be waiting to receive your food items. If you are placing your children in the nursery while you work the luncheon, please remember to bring a lunch for them.

Picture Retakes/Make Ups

Picture Retake/Make Up Day is Nov. 17, beginning at 9 am. For retakes, you will need to return your first set of photos to the office. That way, we will know to get your child from the classroom to be photographed. Children who were absent on the original Picture Day will also have their pictures taken. If your child is not normally in school on Thursday mornings, please come to the office to schedule a specific time for your child’s photo.

Parking Lot Safety

Please practice diligence and care when driving or walking in our parking lot. Children will be kept safe if they walk with their grown-up while traversing the lot. When driving, please be aware that there is always the possibility that a little person not easily seen in a rear-view mirror may be crossing behind your vehicle.

Thanks, Mr. Jim

If you happened to notice the building signs around campus, credit goes to Jim Mulik who repainted all the gold letters white so they would be more visible. Thanks, Mr. Jim! Eventually we will also be getting large signage on each of the buildings on our campus.

SCRIP Program to Earn ECC Tuition Credit

Great News! From now until Christmas, SCRIP orders will be filled each week. This is a great opportunity to accumulate tuition credit—at no cost to you—just by doing your normal shopping. Simply download an order form, select the store cards you would like, attach payment and return it to the ECC office. Orders will be delivered to you as soon as they are received.

SRCS Open House

All are invited to attend the 2011 St. Raphael Catholic School Open House taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 9am-noon & 6:30-8pm.

WCPSS Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for Wake County Public Schools begins on Nov. 28 this year. This is an earlier date than has been used in the past. To view your public school choices under the new assignment plan, visit the Wake County website at wcpss.net.

Workshop on the Revised Roman Missal

The Revised Roman Missal will begin to be used at all masses on the first weekend of Advent. Gerard Hall, Diocesan Director of the Office of Divine Worship, will be here to explain the changes this Friday, Nov. 11, 10 am-noon in the Lewis Room.

Reminder

There is no Lunch Bunch on Monday, Nov. 14 due to the Senior Luncheon.

Upcoming

The ECC will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 23-25.

Gratitude, peace, and joy are ways God communicates with us.
~James Martin, S.J.