Catholic Schools Week Essays \\ Libby Magones

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What St. Francis Has Made Me by Libby Magones

Hello my name is Libby and I am a student at St. Francis de Sales. I'm an 8th grader and this week is Catholic School’s Week and I wanted to talk about how special St. Francis de Sales is and what St. Francis de Sales has made me.

When we have each other, we are everything. The people atSt. Francis de Sales has made my 12 years of school everything I could have imagined. St Francis has made me the best version of myself. It has given me confidence and knowledge to share and to use. I grew in faith, I made a family, achieved excellence and soon, I'll have to move on

A Catholic School, you would expect to learn about face and of course, the Catholic religion. While at Saint Francis, only are we informed about our religion, we grow in it. Andn on the way we have grown as a family. I have practically lived with the same people since what, Pre-3?  it's been awhile. We became family. Bus rides begin to feel like a family road trip. the picture on the bus, we joke, we laugh, we even sleep sometimes. We are so comfortable with one another but I consider these people I have grown up with more than just friends. We have grown over the years because of one another. Greta Roscoe,  in particular,  who is one of my closest classmates,  helped me grow in my faith. She guided me towards Christ, she lifted me up And honestly is one of the best people I've ever met. this is what you get at Saint Francis. the most well-rounded and kind-hearted people you will ever meet. like words to my classmates was one of my teachers,Mrs. Jeske. My brother had her for homeroom in 7th grade. I was so excited to be in her class. and I'll tell you what, it did not disappoint. I learned about her,  our class made jokes with her, We were comfortable with one another. We even threw her a birthday party once. Point being, even if we aren't all in the same “friends groups”,  we all know and love each other and care for one another even if we don't know it. The connection is greater than our minds can comprehend.

 Faith and family is what takes Saint Francis the extra mile. But what all schools have is education. This school achieves excellence in that field too. We are a 2-time Blue Ribbon School! Since we are such a small school, I have had the same 8 people in my class for 6 years. We are one competitive class. But, instead of bringing us down, it lifts us up! And encourages us and it strengthens us. Now, one thing absolutely every kid is not a fan of at St. Francis is the grading scale. But this grading scale pushes us 2 be our most prepared selves.

The end of the quarter and throughout the whole quarter really, I would stress about my grades. still do. teachers like Mrs. Keller, our principal, Remind me that the exorbitant amount of pressure that I put on myself is it not worth it. These teachers truly care about their students,  every single one. 

Excellence is shown in another way. Since we are a small school, we are forced out of our comfort zone in different scenarios to meet new people. We are told to care for others that we don't know. We have service projects with Heifer International, and so much more. Students are constantly making fundraisers to help learn about others. Another extracurricular activity is the speech contest. At the moment, learning the speech, having it memorized, performing it, it can all be a bit (more than a bit) stressful. It can be dreaded. But as I head into the speech contest this year, I look back. It has helped me as a speaker, it has helped me with confidence and calmness. Even the things we don't love to do, it is all worth it. A matter of tough love. 

I'm in 8th grade, it didn't really hit me until the second quarter ended thatI have to move on. The school has made me who I am. I wouldn't be the same without it. I will leave Saint Francis. I will go into High School. it will be different. I am scared. add red leaving and being in the situation of having to make new friends. I realize that Saint Francis has prepared me for just that. I have served as a Catholic, learned as the student. I am ready, no matter how much I want to deny it, for my next step. Having somewhere to go home. Having something to love is family. Having both is a blessing. St Francis is a blessing. My happiness and memories and heart will stay at Saint Francis no matter how many miles I travel. At Carmel, there will be no Christmas Concert for each student to participate. There will be no religion class with Mrs. Nigro or office with Marion, I have to learn to take risks. It will be different. It is a pain to leave, but instead of worrying about leaving, I move into the new mindset of being glad it happened.

In a word, St. Francis has given me confidence, knowledge and people with great hearts and minds. They give me intelligence in guiding me as a Catholic and as a person. This school is so great. I wrote this essay to remind you to always keep that in mind and to appreciate where you are. Don’t waste your time at St. Francis, don't complain about school, live it up, because I realize now that it is the best thing that ever happened to me. 

Catholic Schools Week Essays \\ Lauren Laning

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Strength for the Journey by Lauren Laning

Before I switched to St Francis de Sales School, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know what the teachers would be like, or if I would get lost in the school. I was mostly worried about the people I'd be with for the rest of the school year, even in high school. I asked myself “what if they judge me?” or “ what if they don't talk to me?”  But on the first day of school, I was proved wrong. I found out Saint Francis has an amazing community, they do wonderful service projects, and push their students to excel.

One of the most important things at St Francis de Sales School is the community. I would not be in the spot I am today without the people around me and encouraging and supporting me along my way.  My volleyball team is an amazing example of this. I was new this year, and  I also tried a new sport, which was volleyball.  My team always knows how to include me in games and practices even when I wasn't having the best day, or when I wasn't playing the best. Because of our amazing team work, we were able to win Conference Champions. Not only am I constantly improving with the help of others around me, but I also encourage others, like my second-grade buddy, Eva. I encourage her and even she encourages me to do better. I also love to work together with my classmates. Working with others around me helps me have a better understanding of their point of view, which I always enjoy learning about.

St Francis de Sales School also does an incredible job at encouraging students to participate and doing service projects. My Religion teacher, Mrs. Nigro, recently arranged a service project where we could help raise money for Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that gives farm animals to families and people in poverty. Also, every student has a chance to participate in School Mass, whether it's reading the petitions or participating in the choir. Another form of  service is NJHS. We have fundraisers like a School Supply Drive, Toy Drives, etc.

Ever since I switched to St Francis de Sales School, I've noticed that I've been putting more time and effort into the school work. My teachers are constantly supporting me and giving me advice to make my products better. I feel like I can ask any question without feeling judged or overwhelmed. But teachers also have a very high expectation which pushes me to do my best. Also, whatever class, we learn about God, and every student at St Francis de Sales School takes a Religion Class. so St Francis de Sales School not only pushes me to do my best but also helps me grow my faith and also makes me a better person.

St Francis de Sales School has honestly become like home for me, and I have never felt so welcomed by the people around me at a new school. My teacher's really pushed me to be a better person everyday. I couldn't have asked for a better school. If I had never switched schools I would not be at the level of success I am today.

Catholic Schools Week Essays \\ Olympia Pissios

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Written by Olympia Pissios

St Francis de Sales  once  said, “ Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections.”  St Francis has taught me so many things like how to love myself and others. My St Francis experience has been amazing, I've been taught how to use my face, come together as a community, and excellence.

Community means a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. St Francis is very familiar with the word community, as we practice it everyday.  For example, during covid in the tough times we still gathered every Wednesday for online Mass. We also had Second Grade Buddies that we help throughout the year and get to know.  In my personal experience throughout the years I have formed a community with volleyball and basketball teammates. I have gotten to know my best friends here at St Francis.  We don't just practice community, we also help serve others. Things I do to show my services are being in NJHS and president of the student council, I have learned so much from Mr. Walker, Mrs. Guduto, Mrs. Salt, Mrs. Sprinkle. The school also comes together and holds fundraisers and drives. For example, the toy drive that gives toys to people who don't have as much as us, food drive where we can food donations to different organizations, Glove and Supply Drive where we donate gloves for the winter and supplies to other schools that need it, Heifer Intl Services project to help people be free from hunger and poverty, and so much more.

Another factor that makes St Francis very special and unique is that I can talk about my faith in every class. It doesn't matter if I'm in language arts or history class, I am able to make connections with my faith whenever and wherever.  I can also talk to my classmates about my faith and how strongly I believe in it. I don't have to hide my face or be ashamed about it because St Francis has made a safe place to talk about how I feel and to spread the good news. St Francis also has prayer services and we pray together in the morning which also makes my day better knowing that I have prayed with my classmates in the school. 

St Francis does not only help us with community and our face, it also helps us academically.  I have never been so confident of my grades because of how my teachers have prepared me for every test, homework, and even lessons I'll be seeing in the future. The grading scale might be challenging and hard to achieve at times, but I feel very prepared for high school and what is yet to come knowing I've gone through school getting good grades at a hard grade Level. St Francis has also won 2 Blue Ribbon Awards. This shows the teachers help us academically and push us to try to to be our best!

St Francis has played a really big role in my life. I have learned so much about community, service, faith, and excellence. I feel very prepared for the upcoming years in high school. I wonder what my life would be like if I never attended St Francis de Sales School. 

Congrats Scouts!

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Hello Scout Families, 

Here is a picture from this evenings Scout Mass. Congratulations to the Cub Scouts who received their Parvuli Dei medals. Thank you to the Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders that were able to attend. A special Thank You to Maciek Szelazek for leading the church in the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Law, and Scout Oath.

A proud evening for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Warm Regards,
Alan Czarnik

Women's Retreat 2022

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Over the weekend of January 28-30, fifty women from St. Francis, various parishes, and several states came together once again for the annual Women's Retreat and welcomed Sister Maris Stella Vaughan O. P., a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia who teaches in Arizona. A tremendously dynamic speaker, Sister spoke on the topic of  "Abide in Love: A Journey to the Father’s Heart". The retreat is held annually at Marytown in Libertyville, National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe.    Besides several talks by Sister Maris Stella, there was reconciliation, Mass, adoration, free time, and much-needed fellowship each night, too! To maintain Covid safety, all retreatants followed state masking mandates and registration was limited. We invite you to join us next year, Fri. Jan. 27-Sun. Jan. 29, 2023, when we welcome Father Francis Bitterman who will be speaking on “What Does It Mean To Have Faith? Looking to Holy Women in the Bible & the Saints for Inspiration."

Mass of Remembrance | Saturday, March 12 @11am

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Dear Parents of Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Christ,

On behalf of St. Francis de Sales Bereavement Ministry and

Forever in Our Hearts Grief Support Group, I invite parents and

family members to share in a liturgy to honor children now

entrusted to God’s loving care. To reach out to parents who

have lost a child and to help parents take another step on

the long road to healing, a Mass of Remembrance to honor

children who are deceased will be celebrated on Saturday,

March 12th at 11 am. Whether death came recently or long

ago, and whether they departed this life before birth, or as

infants, young children or teens, or in adulthood, the lives

of our beloved children were far too short. Please join us to

pray with other parents who have also lost children and share

our hope in the Resurrection. All bereaved parents and

family or close friends are welcome. Please join members

of our Forever in Our Hearts Grief Support Group and

Bereavement Ministers in the Gathering Space following

Mass for refreshments and fellowship.

God give you peace,

Father David F. Ryan, Pastor

Golden Rose Awards

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On February 6th, Sarah Richards from St Francis de Sales was awarded the Golden Rose award from the Vicariate One Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women (ACCW),  for her service, spirituality and leadership.

Parishes across the vicariate were invited to recognize young women who have gone above and beyond in their service and leadership.  Since they didn’t hold this event last year, we are also able to recognize Madelyn & Katie Zolnierek and their parents accepted the award for them.

Sarah Richards is a natural leader and not only participates in youth group activities and retreats but encourages others to join too. She is welcoming to all and models the kindness and compassion that Jesus calls us all to share. She cares deeply about her faith and is open to initiating insightful conversations about her faith journey.

Sarah is a leader in our peer ministry program and has volunteered to lead multiple Confirmation Castle retreats. She doesn’t hesitate to share where she sees God working in her life and how she sees God working through others. In small group discussions, she is compassionate and creates an environment for sharing and no-judging which is essential for open communication and a meaningful retreat

Recently, Sarah encouraged her peers to join her at Eucharistic Adoration on the evening of her birthday. Seeing groups of teens enter the church to spend time with Jesus was inspiring and impressive. 

Sarah has been serving our whole parish by streaming Masses every Sunday. She was invited and trained by our previous tech team members (Madeyln & Katie) before they left for college and since then, she has continued to stream 9am Sunday Mass. Her efforts allow us to stream Mass to those who can not come into the church, which is especially important during this time. She is also training new tech team members. Beside streaming to people at home she ensures that the prayers during Mass are also projected to the screen for those sitting inside the church. This allows everyone in the church to feel confident in participating, especially those who may have been away from the Mass for a while. 

Madelyn and Katie Zolnierek were also honored for their service, spirituality and leadership. Both Madelyn and Katie were invited to join the tech team by the previous team who were heading off to college. We began streaming Mass when the churches were instructed to close in March 2020. At that time our teen tech team helped stream daily noon Mass as well as 9am Mass on Sunday.  When these teens left for college Katie & Madelyn jumped in to take over.  They not only helped at the 9am Mass on Sunday, but they also volunteered for so many other Masses including Holy Thursday, Stations of the Cross, Good Friday and Easter. They streamed the many 1st Communion and Confirmation Masses held since there was a capacity limit in the church. Thankfully, the grandparents and others who were unable to join the Masses were able to watch through YouTube and Facebook.  And then, before they left for college, they brought Sarah into the loft and trained her. During this winter break from college they rejoined Sarah in the loft and it was great seeing them all working together again. 

Katie and Madelyn also helped fill the 1000 Lenten bags which included our own Lenten prayer book as well as a candle, Holy Water and other items that people could use to enhance their Lent experience at home. On Ash Wednesday, they helped run bags out to the parking lot to be shared with the hundreds of people who participated in the “covid safe” drive-up Ash distribution. 

Madelyn and Katie led our first post-covid Confirmation Castle retreat in June. They shared their faith with high school teens with gentleness, love and compassion. This retreat involved taking our two night event and condensing it into a one (long) day. They were part of the team of peer ministers who were extremely flexible, understanding and willing to help make this important retreat a success. We couldn't have done it without them.

Stations of the Cross Volunteers

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We have many positions we need filled for each week. We will be in the Church each Friday. The people in attendance will be asked to stay in the pews and not move to each station. We will continue to use the big screen to show the readings and responses for each station, as people will remain in their pews during the Stations. More details will be shared as we get closer to the dates.

If you have any questions please contact
Mimi McGlauchlin at 847-726-4850 or at
mmcglauchlin@stfrancislz.org

SIGN UP FOR YOUR SLOT HERE

Ash Wednesday - March 2nd

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Please join us for one of these opportunities to receive ashes:

6:30am Prayer Service with ash distribution in church

8:30am Mass with ash distribution in church with School Students

12:00 Noon Mass with ash distribution in church.  Mass also live streamed to Facebook and YouTube

4:30pm Prayer Service with ash distribution in church

4:30pm Drive up ash distribution in the west parking lot.  The church prayer service will be broadcast to 89.9FM on your car radio

7:00pm Mass with ash distribution in church