Next Wednesday, February 22, the universal Catholic Church will enter into the Season of Lent. Our students and faculty will prayerfully begin the Lenten Season by attending a parish-wide Mass at 9:00 a.m.; please join us.

At the Ash Wednesday Mass blessed ashes are spread on our foreheads in the form of a cross—signifying the penitential nature of Lent. Those ashes, which come from the burning of palm branches used on the previous Passion Sunday, are spread by a minister as the somber words of Genesis 3:19 are said, You are dust an shall return to dust, or the clear admonition of Mark 1:15, Turn from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. +

Dust and ashes are signature symbols of Lent, the 40-day liturgical season of prayer, reflection and discipline intended to open us more fully to God’s redeeming and healing presence. +

 Ashes denote traditional Lenten goals that we are encouraged to strive for in our relationship with God and with others—for repentance and sorrow for sin and spiritual sloth; for humility in the face of God’s  greatness; for good grief and appropriate mourning for all the inevitable losses in our lives. To show that he was at the end of his rope and could do nothing else but throw himself on the mercy of God, Job sat on the ash heap and spread ashes over his head (Job 42:6; 30:19). The psalmist even declares, I eat ashes like bread…(Psalms 102:10), Jesus cited the need to repent in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:21). +

We may be tempted to shy away from the Lenten symbolism of dust and ashes because it seems too negative. Instead, we would be wise to open our minds and hearts to what the Church offers us each year as a healthy dose of realism about God and God’s mercy, and about ourselves and human life. +

We are All Heart at St. Ambrose School:

 Remain in my Love:  During Mass on Tuesday, the 14^th all of the students and faculty participated in the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as King of our Hearts.  The students received a holy card depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus and were asked to “pass it on” to a person who does not know the prayer on the back of the card.  The prayer reads:

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you.   Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in your love for me.

Will You Be My Valentine?:  Valentine’s Day cards and sweets were in abundance on the 14^th:

Sr. Christine treated all the students to heart shaped sugar cookies after they ate their lunch. 

STUCO members sold “candy-grams” to the 5^th – 8^th grade students. The sale of the candy-grams totaled $337 and this amount will be given to St. Ambrose’s “Sick and Elderly Program.”

Jump Rope For Heart

During February, students in their PE classes have done their part to save a heart by participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope For Heart. This program is a great service learning project that offers students a terrific way to learn about community service, integrate physical activity and critical thinking skills

Reminders

• The Special PTO lunch for March is from Gioia’s. This lunch will be served on Monday, March 12.  If you have not ordered this lunch for your child and he/she is interested in a hot salami sandwich or club sandwich and chip you must order by Monday, March 5.

• Registration 2012-2013 packets went home on Friday, February 3 with the oldest/only students. Completed forms with the $100 registration fee must be returned on or before April 1.

 Positive School Environment

In response to comments made at the listening sessions held by Msgr. Vincent Bommarito in the fall, Lynne Lang spent the morning with our teachers discussing “Virtue Based Restorative Discipline.” Ms. Lang is the Director of School Climate of the Archdiocesan Education Office and she will be returning to St. Ambrose School to speak with parents regarding “Recipes for a Positive School Environment.” It is anticipated that Ms. Lang will speak in April. The date and time will be forthcoming.

Offerings for Parent/Child

The Mother/Daughter Tea will be held on Sunday, March 11^th (for 13-17 year olds) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 4^th (for 10-12 years) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Father/Son: Boys into Men program will be held on Sunday, March 25^th (for 11-12 year olds) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

.These programs are offered by Mercy Hospital (formally St. John’s Mercy) and at their Creve Coeur campus. The programs, developed by the Hospital’s Department of Fertility Care Services, are present to girls and their mothers (or guardians) and boys and their fathers (or guardians) by Registered Nurses, Doctors and a panel including teens. They emphasize respect, understanding, and appreciation of sexuality while encouraging parent/child communication.  The cost, which includes a light meal, is $40 per family (scholarships are available).For more information and to register please call 314.991.0327.

 Together We are Better

 Need a quick gift for someone?  Help our school and gift that someone with a gift card from our TWB program.  Among the cards that we sell are:

           *BP Gasoline     *Build-a-Bear        *Dierbergs        *I-Tones        *Panera (Bread Company)        *Shell       *Shop ‘n Save       *Starbucks       *Target        *Walgreens        *Walmart

A full listing of the gift cards available can be found at http://www.glscrip.com/shop/Default.aspx

The latest Car Accessory!  St. Ambrose School Window Clings

Window clings (3” x 5”) for your automobile are now on sale for $1 each. Send in window cling money with your child in an envelope marked “window cling” and with your child’s name and grade. 

Scroll down to see a slide show of Confirmation at St. Ambrose on February 7.

After months of preparation, the day finally came.  Archbishop Robert Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, arrived at St. Ambrose Church on Tuesday, February 7, to confirm our eighth graders.   A special thank you goes out to all the sponsors, teachers, priests and members of St. Ambrose School and Parish communities for their instruction and example to our students.  Congratulations to the entire class of 2012.

 On Monday, the 5^th through 8^th grade students participated in a Spelling Bee. The winner was Dominic Pancella and the runner up Theresa Pancella.

On Tuesday, the Kindergarten through 4^th grade students enjoyed storyteller, Carol Watkins, as she presented several of Aesop’s Fables. There was much to learn by our students about choices and consequences when the animals in these time-tested fables both entertained in the program called “Eeny, Meany, Miny, Mo or Choices Have Consequences.”

 Wednesday, the 5^th – 8^th grade students were entertained by Michael James Mette and members of his band. Michael through his music and testimony inspired our students to explore how to better know, love, and serve God.

Wednesday evening proved to be balmy but did not discourage many a St. Ambrose School family when it came to strapping on ice skates at Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park. Much fun and fellowship took place among our families and other families from south-side Catholic schools.

On Thursday, a sea of red, green, and white could be seen at the annual Faculty vs. 8^th Grade Students Volleyball game. Congratulations to the faculty who won the game. The teachers tip their hats to their worthy opponents.

Friday brought a close to Catholic School Week with an all school Mass in the morning which was celebrated by Msgr. Vincent Bommarito. Friday, February 3^rd marks the Feast of St. Blase and, so,Monsignor blessed the throats of all those present at the Mass.

Immediately after Mass on Friday, the Houses participated in a modified “Amazing Race” in which group/team work skills and individual cooperation was used to complete 11 activities that give clues to a final puzzle.

Welcome to Ms. Diane Ederle

who is teaching 1^st grade while Miss Mary Lynne Harris recuperates.

Registration 2012-2013 packets went home on Friday, February 3^rd with the oldest/only students.

This week, Archbishop Robert Carlson reviewed a 10 point plan, “Alive in Christ: The Mission Advancement Initiative for Catholic Education,” with Pastors and Principals. More information about this Initiative may be found on the Archdiocese of St. Louis website (www.archstl.org).

Sunday, January 29th

• 11:00 a.m. Mass followed by Open House with reception. Ending at 2:00 p.m.  Please invite friends and family of potential St. Ambrose students to the Open House!

 Monday, January 30th

• Spelling Bee for Grades 4-8.

 Tuesday, January 31st

• “Eeny, Meany, Miny, Mo or Choices Have Consequences” story tellingby Carol Watkins for Grades K-4.  Carol will tell Aesop’s Fables with their wise teachings called morals. There is much to learn about choices and consequences. The animals in these time-tested fables will both entertain and teach during this interactive, high-energy program.

 Wednesday, February 1st

• Concert by Michael James Mette for Grades 5-8.  Michael is a fresh new face with a bold, energetic style that speaks directly to a “Guitar Hero” generation. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, he travels the country, inspiring people to better know, love, and serve God.
• 4:00-6:30 p.m. (arrival time) Ice Skating for Food and Fun. Rink closes at 9:00 p.m.

            Join other Catholic school families at Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park for this evening. Bring a can of food to donate to St. Patrick Center.

 Thursday, February 2nd

• Wear Red, Green, White Day tops, for all grades. Students and staff alike are welcome to show their school spirit by wearing tops in our school colors (red, green, and/or white). Students are to wear school uniform pants or skirts.
• Volleyball game, Faculty vs. Middle School.

 Friday, February 3rd

• 8:00 a.m. Mass for Catholic School Week with blessing of throats.  Pray with us as we conclude this week around the Table of The Lord.
• House-wide Middle School “Amazing Race.”  Each House will utilize group/team work skills and individual cooperation to complete 11 activities that give clues to a final puzzle. The House that successfully completes the “Race” first will be the winner and awarded the most House points.

 Did you know?

That across the country the “total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2010-2011 academic year was 2,065,872 students: 1,467,694 elementary school; 598,178 secondary school. … Currently, there are 6,980 Catholic schools in the United States: 5,774 elementary schools; 1,206 secondary schools.” There will be a lot of celebrating next week! Source: National Catholic Educational Association.

 Spotlight on STUCO:

Members of student council (STUCO), elected by classmates, represent exemplary leadership and responsibility among the student body. Each student council member is recognized as a peer role model and leader. Two members of each House in the middle school grades serve on the 12-student team. Within the group itself, Mia John and Claire Luna serve as president and vice president respectively, while Nina Migneco and McKayla Nord serve as PR and executive secretaries.

 STUCO meets twice a month to discuss its activities that center on service and community. The Council models Christian behavior in daily life. Currently, STUCO is working on developing service opportunities and several community events for the Spring semester.

 Confirmation Prepares Students …for Acts of Kindness & Service

The 8th grade students are eagerly waiting for Tuesday, February 7th — the day of their Confirmation. Since last September, the students have been examining what it truly means to be disciples of Christ and true evangelizers — to not only preach the gospel, but to live the gospel — through small acts of kindness and service towards others.

And serve, they have! The students were required to participate in at least three projects: one in which they organized and lead, one in which they supported, and another project worked in collaboration with their Confirmation sponsor.

Their projects included: a car wash to benefit Back Stoppers; a “Read to Feed” program through Heifer International; helping with the St. Vincent de Paul Society through the parish’s Angel Tree; caroling at Pfeizer Nursing Home in Fenton, and assisting with the School’s Christmas Choral Concert.

Please keep the Confirmandi (students) in your prayers as they prepare to publicly profess their faith on February 7th during the 7:30 p.m. Mass at St. Ambrose Church. All are invited to attend this Mass to be celebrated by Archbishop Robert Carlson.

 Respect Life Memorial Garden

Austin Danbeck, 8th grade student and Troop 212 Boy Scout, presented his Eagle Scout project during the 9:00 a.m. Mass last Sunday, January 22nd. Austin is creating a memorial garden dedicated to babies who have died due to abortion, miscarriage and illness. This Eagle Scout project will be located at the Wilson entrance to the rectory and planned for completion by the end of April.

 Thank you from Miss Mary Lynne Harris to everyone for storming heaven with your prayers for her recovery. Please keep the prayers coming. 

Thank you to Ms. Kathy Mitchell for doing a fabulous job as the substitute.

 Monsignor Vincent Bommarito Nominated for Fisher of Men Award

As reported in the January 20, 2012 edition of The St. Louis Review, our Pastor, Msgr. Bommarito was nominated for the “Fisher of Men Award” from the Archdiocesan Office of Vocations. The award “is for priests who, by word and example, foster a culture of vocations to the priesthood and religious life” (page 8).

Calling All Men

The 2012 Annual Conference of Catholic Men for Christ will be held on Saturday, February 4 at the Peabody Opera House.  Speakers will be Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Fr. Joe Kempf, Fr. Michael Lightner, and Dn. Ralph Poyo.  Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Robert Carlson.  Register at www.catholicmenforchrist.org.

 SLU Tickets …

This past Monday, there was a “full court press” for free tickets for the “City Catholic Schools Event” at an upcoming SLU Men’s Basketball game. See you at the game!

PTO minutes from meeting February 2, 2012

 PTO members are…

Mandy Longland – President

Jen Kelly – Vice President

Wendy Baur – Treasurer

Bernadette Mense – Recording Secretary

Melissa Sullivan – Marketing Secretary

 Committee members Christy Turnbough, Megan Marcallini, Sharon Gambaro, Jen Cissi, Pam Lahrman, Shawn Brusatti

 Middle School Trivia will be held in the school cafeteria, Saturday, March 3   click for flyer  Middle School Trivia Night

PTO is in the process of getting a speaker to address bullying

 PTO now has a fastdir account that parents can use to send concerns or to volunteer for PTO functions etc. There is also an updated PTO calendar on this account.

 PTO is in the planning stages of a possible family night to be held at the end of March – nothing definite has been decided.

 There will be another family drive in movie night on Friday, April 27

 PTO board meetings are held the first Thursday of the month.

 Advent ~~ Week 4

“Soon and Very Soon we are going to see our King!”

 The Catholic Church enters the fourth and final week of Advent this Sunday, December 18th.

 This Monday, the 19th our School children will meet in the gymnasium, again, to pray and bring focus to the fourth week of Advent.

Look in Faith Formation under the Advent section for a gallery of photos from the Christmas Concert.

A Christmas Novena ~ An Advent Prayer Service

This Monday, the 19th           St. Ambrose Church          7:00 p.m.

All are invited to gather in prayer and song as the Parish Choir, under the direction of Mr. Ryan Bolinger, leads the congregation in proclaiming the coming of the our King! This 45 minute service is a great way to take a break from the “hustle and bustle” of this month.

 Celebrate Christmas!

4:30 p.m. Mass    Christmas Eve      St. Ambrose Church

Other Christmas Mass times may be found on p 2.

 Students in 1st & 2nd grade are asked to lead us in song & spirit!

More information will come through fast direct.

A Christmas Message from Sr. Christine Kiley …

Let us Rejoice!

Our Christmas Concert gave our hearts a joyful swelling of pride! It is that JOY that permeates the season and leads us on Christmas to The Nativity. It is so important to recall that the tidings of great JOY were sent to everyone. How can we be bearers of JOY during these last days of Advent?

 We pray that each family will be able to enter into the Christmas celebrations at Church. Remember the true meaning of Christmas is the joyful message God-is-with-us!

 Merry, Joy filled Christmas

Bringing Christmas Joy!

The 8th grade students of David and Vincent Houses, as part of their December service projects, went caroling on Tuesday, the 13th. The students shared their talents and good cheer with the residents of Feiser Nursing Home in Fenton. The residents could be heard singing along and they enjoyed talking with the students.

Enrichment Classes Offered:  2nd Semester of 2011-2012

The following Enrichment Classes are offered to those enrolled in Extended Care:          

               Mondays:             Karate for K-3rd grades.  Robotics for 4th-8th grades

                Tuesday:              3D Design for K-3rd grades

                Wednesday:      Robotics for K-3rd grades.  Chess for 4th-8th grades

                Thursday:            Mad Science for K-6th grades

 From the …Athletic Association

 The soccer season is over!

 Congratulat to all the students,     Pre-K through 8th grade, who played with St. Ambrose spirit!

                                                              to the 6th and 8th grade boys for making it to the City/County playoffs.

 … Technology Committee

 Currently this Committee is discussing the following:

 Google Application Suite with video conferencing.

iPads vs. Chromebooks.

 Look for exciting announcements in 2012!!