January/February 2020

Fundraiser reminder: Keep in mind that the Daily Draw Program is one of the major fundraisers of the school. For more information on Daily Draw, call Mrs. Pat Kaczmarczyk in Institutional Advancement, extension 423. We need your help and participation to strengthen our commitment to provide financial assistance to students whose families cannot afford the entire cost of tuition. As a Franciscan school, we are committed to provide a reasonable tuition.   Please give if you are able.

 

Congratulations to the Fine Arts Department: Once again the Fine Arts Department performances during the Christmas Concerts were outstanding. Under leadership and the direction of Mr. Christopher DeVries, and Mr. and Mrs. Craig Fattey, the choral and instrumental groups were fantastic.  Congratulations to all our young men for their hard work and dedication in making their performances truly remarkable. We have many talented young men, and I am very proud of how they use their talents here at school and at the many elementary school performances.   So, if you missed the Christmas Concert, mark your calendar now for this year’s musical scheduled for March 13^th, 14^th and 15^th; it will be another wonderful opportunity to be entertained by some very talented performers.  

 

Justinian XXXIX – We believe in… St. Francis Gentlemen - Mark your calendar! Justinian XXXIX is May 9, 2020 and is not that far off. Preparations are coming along very nicely and many committees are working diligently to ensure another successful Justinian.  Invitations will be going out the first week of March.   Space is reserved on a first paid, first reserved basis. Please plan on attending this year; we are looking forward to seeing you, and remember, this is our most important fundraiser of the year. The event features lots of fun, a great meal with an open bar, and you get to write off some of those entertainment dollars and help your son’s school at the same time. Bid items range from get-away vacations, tools for around the house, works of art, sports memorabilia, etc. I hope you plan to attend, especially if you have never done so before. Ask anyone who has attended, and they will tell you what a great time the whole evening provides. Join us for one of the premier social events of the Southtowns.

 

Annual Giving Appeal- I want to thank the many parents who have sent in donations to the Annual Giving Appeal. Your support of this appeal is greatly appreciated and is another way we overcome the difference between the actual cost of educating your son and the cost of tuition.  Thank you to the many people who support the ministry of educating the men of St. Francis.

 

United Way and National Fuel: A reminder to those who may have directed their United Way or National Fuel charitable contributions to St. Francis High School that the school does not become aware of those donations until later in the year. Once we are notified by United Way and/or National Fuel, we send out acknowledgment letters to you. If you need information about how to direct a United Way or National Fuel gift to St. Francis High School, please contact Kate Taggart in our office at 627-1200, ext. 462.

 

 

Lent-The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26^th, and it is important for us all to remember that St. Francis exists as an extension of our faith. We cannot lose sight of the fundamental reason why we exist, and we must do the things necessary for our faith to endure. We acknowledge the importance of education in our lives; do we also recognize the importance of our faith? The season of Lent provides us the opportunity to reflect on our lives, and if necessary, to change. May I suggest we use this penitential season to grow in our understanding of faith and choose to do something positive to strengthen our relationship with God.