school newsletter: March 26, 2022

As you may know, the parish family hour on Wednesday nights is currently studying and
discussing the book, These Beautiful Bones (Emily Stimpson). Likewise, this has been the focus
of our faculty book study most recently. We’ve been enjoying the book’s readability and comedic
overtone that offers a synopsis on St. John Paul II’s, Theology of the Body (TOB). Often TOB is
misinterpreted as simply being a masterpiece on the theology of sex. On the contrary, TOB
offers a Catholic perspective on the true connection between body and soul in practical,
everyday life. I’ve included some reviews in hope of sparking your interest in Stimpson’s work:

      “This is an accessible, practical, and winsome reflection on the implications of John Paul II's "theology
      of the body" for daily life. Brimming with wisdom, it is an invitation to a sacramental way of life.”

      “I love the premise of incorporating a body + soul unity in every aspect of our lives. She (Stimpson)
      makes so many great points about ordering our lives toward what matters, moving and living in our
      bodies (not just going from cubicle to couch), avoiding the pitfalls of the age of distraction, and so much
      more.”
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      “I appreciated that her focus was less on the sexual aspect of the great Saint’s work and instead she
      emphasized what it means for our daily life: how we work, how we eat, how we dress, and how we pray.”

I would highly encourage parents to attend the Wednesday night talks guided by Fr. Lappe and
Deacon Jim, as their own perspectives immensely add to the topic. If you cannot attend the
Wednesday night talks and would like to receive a free copy of the book, please email me. I
believe you will find “These Beautiful Bones” to be quite entertaining and food for thought.
Finally, in partnering with parents, our staff seeks to impart to children the proper way of
viewing and using the body which has been gifted to each of us.

WITNESS OF THE WEEK
Sean D, in 7th grade, was nominated by a staff member for demonstrating the virtues of
gratitude and courtesy. At a recent altar boy luncheon, Sean went out of his way to assist in
cleaning up, and then shared deep appreciation for the event by thanking all those involved.
Thank you, Sean, for your actions which led others to follow your example.

CATHOLIC LIBERAL EDUCATION IN ACTION
In Sister Mariana’s Kindergarten classroom, students are frequently presented with well-selected
literature to facilitate great discussions. Ultimately, students are encouraged to identify virtuous
and non-virtuous behaviors of characters. This is a common goal within our classical
curriculum whether it be in a religion, literature or history course starting with the youngest of
students. “How Full is Your Bucket?” and “The Selfish Giant” were just two stories in which
students were asked to make the connection to virtue and to following Jesus.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
      ● First Friday Family Formation Night featuring Sr. Jane Dominic O.P. (Nashville
      Dominicans of St. Cecilia)- No potluck (see attached flyer for more details)
      ● Enrollment is still available for current students (see attached letter)
      ● 6th and 7th grade NET Retreat will be taking place April 7th, on the OLSOS Campus
      (Gym and Center Rooms) -Students will start with Mass @ 7:30
      ● Please encourage friends and family to attend the SCOPE Auction as this is our biggest
      fundraiser out of only two
      ● If seeking volunteer hours by providing childcare during the SCOPE Auction, please
      sign up on the link provided: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAE2FA7FECF8-childcare
      ● For the SCOPE Auction, please be sure to donate to the Wall of Wine, Procure an Item
      and sell Raffle Tickets - all items can be turned in to the office
      ● Don’t forget the Uganda fundraiser and order a Rice and Bean Bowl for $2 on
      Wednesdays as we pursue sacrifice and almsgiving this Lent

UPCOMING DATES
      ● Monday, March 28th- NO SCHOOL- a mental/spiritual health day for teachers and staff
      ● Wed., March 30th- Confessions @4:30/Mass @ 6:00
      ● Wed., March 30th- Soup Supper @ 6:30/Parish Family Hour @ 7:00
      ● Fri., April 1st- Stations of the Cross @ 5:30
      ● Fri., April 1st- KC Fish Fry @ 6:00 pm with pizza provided for children in gym
      ● Fri., April 1st- First Friday Family Formation Night @ 6:30
      ● Mon., April 4th- Auction Donation Items Due
      ● Thur., April 7th- 6th/7th NET Retreat starting with Mass @7:30
      ● Thur., April 7th- Vianney Cenacle (praying for vocations to priesthood) @ 7:00

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Under the patronage of our Blessed Mother, the mission of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic
School is to support parents in their role as the primary educators of their children. Our
classical training nourishes the students’ natural sense of wonder and guides them to know and
love what is genuinely good, true, and beautiful. Faithful to the teachings of the Catholic
Church, we form our students to be virtuous disciples of Jesus Christ and joyful witnesses to the
Gospel.