Weekly Newsletter – December 13, 2024
Dear Parents,
Please be aware tomorrow there is a big celebration at St. Mary’s for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The parking lot will be full in the morning. We appreciate your flexibility and adaptability.
This has been a very busy, but inspiring week. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement as we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, our Christmas Concert on Tuesday, and Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday. Please pay close attention to news items regarding the Diamonds and Denim Gala. It is not only an important fundraising opportunity for the school, it is absolutely the social event of the year.
Christmas Concert – Thank you to all the students and Mr. Peters for a fabulous Christmas Concert. Thank you to the School Board for hosting the after concert festivities. It is such a wonderful blessing to come together as a community to recognize and celebrate the gifts and talents during this time of year.
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Experiencing the Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Mary’s is incredible. The Hispanic members of the parish start at 5:00 am with Las Mananitas. This is followed by Mass at 6:00 am and celebration breakfast in the school cafeteria. There is entertainment including singing and dancing. The school will have a special performance at 8:00 am following Prayer Square. All are welcome.
Virgin of Guadalupe Celebration, Thursday Dec. 12th, after morning prayer in the School gym – Virgen de Guadalupe is a great symbol of faith that transcends borders. The “Morenita del Tepeyac” is venerated by Catholic faithful in several Latin American countries and also in the United States.
In 1910, St. Pius X named her Patroness of Latin America, and in 1945, at the urging of bishops from the U.S. and Canada, Ven. Pius XII bestowed on her the title Empress of the Americas.
The students of St. Mary School invite you to an event celebrating La Virgen de Guadalupe on Thursday 12th, after morning prayer in the School gym. Come and learn more about the Virgin of Guadalupe.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Idaho Catholic Register – This week St. Mary’s was profiled for our 75th Anniversary in the Idaho Catholic Register. There are copies in the office. We are working to get a digital copy. Once we do, we will be sure to share it with our community.
Diamonds and Denim Gala – February 8th – We are heading into gala season! As your children may have relayed, the classes are working on their art projects and we are in the thick of procuring auction items. Be on the lookout for your invitation, coming soon. This year, we will be offering discounts on tables versus single tickets, so get together with your fellow St. Mary’s supporters and purchase a table together.
Needed auction item spotlight: Vacation package elements
Everyone likes a good get away and we want to offer those up at our gala. Do you own a vacation home? Do you have a family member or friend who does? Do you or someone you know have timeshare points they could share? Frequent flyer miles you/they could part with? Now is the time to make those requests! For ideas, please see the Gala Wish List
Needed auction volunteer spotlight: Slideshow coordinator(s)
Create a slideshow from an assortment of photos to be played on a loop at the dinner and auction. Photos can be gathered from Ms. Campanella, Mr. Grant and teachers who all have them in google drive accounts. Photos should represent and highlight a variety of students, activities and events from around the school and community.
Other volunteer positions can be found at: https://www.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or suggestions at kristen.ann.colter@gmail.
Parish Newsletter – The Parish has started a community newsletter including the parish, the school and foodbank. Linked is the first ever addition.
Idaho Tax Credit – The week before Thanksgiving parishioners spoke from the pulpit about the Idaho Tax Credit. The Idaho Tax Credit allows for up to a 50% credit for money contributed to a qualifying education institution. These are links to the Introduction letter and the tax credit flyer shared at Mass. After reviewing the linked information, please be sure to consult with your tax advisor.
Included in the tax credit flyer is a QR code if you would like to make a donation electronically.
St. Mary’s – Recruiting New Students – St. Mary’s is always looking for the right students and families to join our school. Linked is an insert for the weekly parish bulletin. You are encouraged to share this with families and friends you believe would be a good fit at St. Mary’s. Thank you in advance for your support.
Please mark your calendars for important dates:
- December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe – See above
- December 13 – Middle School (7th and 8th Graders) Dance at Sacred Heart
- December 18 – Pastorella @ 2:00
- December 19 – Last Day of School before Christmas Break
- January 7, 2025 – Back to School
- January 20 – MLK, Jr Day – No School
- January 27 – January 31- Catholic Schools’ Week
- February 7 – Teacher In Service – No School
- February 8 – Diamonds and Denim – St. Mary’s Gala
Other Important Announcements and Events:
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Nurse News – This is an article from the nursing staff for December.
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Partnership Page – St. Mary’s community is full of many terrific individuals who contribute to our greater community and St. Mary’s through their businesses and careers. It is our objective to provide support and awareness to the families that support us. If you are shopping for products or services, I encourage you to check our partnership page first. I would recommend you to mark the page as a favorite and check back often. If you are interested in having your business highlighted, please submit your information to Ms. Mandy @ amcampanella@stmarys-boise.org
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St. Mary’s & Niche – St. Mary’s continues to use various vehicles to let people know about the best kept secret in town. We have used Niche for the past year. As we approach the middle of the school year, we would love for you to take a moment and leave a review of St. Mary’s. In addition, each month Niche has a $1000 sweepstakes to families, alumni, or students willing to complete a survey of the school. Click here to leave a review and enter the sweepstakes.
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Boisemom.com – St. Mary’s is including information about the school and community in a recently created platform for Boise moms. Please take a look at their Guide to Boise Area Private Schools.
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Calling all Alumni – We want to keep our alumni invited and informed of all happenings around St. Mary’s. If you are an alumni or know any alumni, please fill out the form – St. Mary’s Alumni Information
God bless.
Kevan Grant
St. Mary’s Catholic School- Principal
Other Items of Interest
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Bishop Kelly Athletics – Bishop Kelly has a plethora of athletics happening throughout the Fall. The BK website has a link to team pages with game schedules. Whether you enjoy soccer, volleyball, cross country, there is something for everyone. Home football games are an experience.
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Get your Uniforms and Spirit Wear from Educational Outfitters