2019-2020 Parish Theme:
Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit
Blessing of the Pets
Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., St. Mary's Parish will be hosting the Blessing of the Pets. The blessing will take place in the courtyard in front of the church. Please bring your favorite pet and join us.
Our Parish Theme
A couple weeks ago, I was one of several parishioners who spoke after Mass about our parish theme and what it has meant in my life. I have received very kind feedback on that speech from parishioners. I wanted to share that message with anyone who would care to watch it. Below is a link to the video.

The World's Finest Chocolate
For many years, Holy Cross Academy has worked with The World's Finest Chocolate on our biggest fundraiser of the year. This is the one mandatory fundraiser for all HCA families. Each year, this fundraiser brings in over $15,000 to help support our school. Thanks to this fundraiser, each teacher is allotted $250 dollars to spend on supplies and activities for their classroom. This fundraiser also helps fund many PTO events for students.

Here's How it Works:
Families may complete their obligation to the fundraiser in one of two ways. The first option is to bring home 2 boxes of chocolate (60 bars per box) to sell to friends, family, coworkers, or after weekend Masses at St. Mary's Church. The chocolate bars sell for $2.00 a piece. After families have sold the chocolate, they bring in $120 to the office...and done.

The other option is to "buy out" of the candy sale. To do this, parents make a contribution of $75 to Holy Cross Academy...and done. No chocolate is distributed to these families. A link to the buy out letter is below.


It is important that we get a count for the number of families buying out so we order the right amount of chocolate. The deadline for returning the buy out form is Friday, October 11. We are unable to accept forms after that date.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jill Wolf at  [email protected] .
Trunk or Treat - October 25
Back by popular demand -- HCA's Annual TRUNK OR TREAT. This fun family event will take place on Friday, October 25. You won't want to miss it!

Click TRUNK OR TREAT! for all the details.


Drama Production News
It’s October already and November will be here before you know it! It’s time to prepare for Drama Club. We have exciting things in the works! Please pay attention to this email and follow all links. 

Please review our website for cast and crew information as well as to prepare for auditions. 
Website here ————>  https://holycrossacademydr.wixsite.com/drama

Paint and Sip Fundraiser
Grab your friends (children 8 and over welcome) and come to our paint and sip fundraiser sponsored by Painting With A Twist! Come get some art and wine therapy (wine and/or soft drink provided) all while supporting the Drama Club! 
Sign up directly here ——>



Parent Meeting
We have a mandatory parent meeting with all cast and crew grades K-8 on November 17 followed by group auditions on November, 17 2:00 pm 
Please RSVP here——>



We are seeking a talented music director. If you have any questions please contact Marty Ferraioli 

Middle School Dinner and Movie
The Middle School Student Council is excited to announce their first social event of the year. On Friday, October 18th, middle school students are invited to dinner and a movie. Our students are planning to see Addams Family (rated PG) at Paragon Theater in Fredericksburg. Prior to the movie, we plan to catch an early dinner at Splitsville.


We are working with the theater and Splitsville to finalize details (including cost) and times. More information will be sent to middle school families as it is available. We hope students enjoy this opportunity to enjoy time together outside of school.

To make this event a success, we will need parent volunteers to help chaperone our students. Please consider making this a family evening (siblings are welcomed) by helping with the event.
Lego Robotics
7th and 8th grade students are invited to participate in Lego Robotics this year. We had an informational meeting during lunch today. The Robotics Club will begin meeting next week during lunch and recess. Due to the busy schedules of our participants, we will try to hold our meetings over the lunch/recess block a couple days per week.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day reservations are still being accepted. Please turn in your forms ASAP. This event is one of the highlights of the year. We LOVE welcoming our grandparents to HCA!!

Winter Used Uniform Sale
It’s time to get your winter uniforms ready!   Do you need another sweater, longer pants, shirts, or accessories?  Join us on  Tuesday, October 15 th  from 8:15 to 9:45  at the Winter Used Uniform Sale in Fr. Brisson Hall. Doors will open after morning prayer.

Do you have uniforms that no longer fit that are in good condition?  Bring them for credit to be used at the sale.  We will have a table set up in the lobby on  Thursday, October 10 th  from 8:00 until 8:30am and in the afternoon at dismissal.  We are hoping to align our inventory with the uniform standards, so we will not be accepting clothing that is torn, stained or otherwise unsuitable to wear. While we are more than happy to take these items and submit them to Goodwill, they will not be accepted as merchandise for credit. Please ensure items are clean, free of neck and underarm stains, without holes and that zippers/buttons are affixed and working.

If any parent wishes to participate as a volunteer and has not received an invitation please reach out to Mrs. Amy Uriell at: [email protected]  or  [email protected] .
Looking Ahead - HCA Sports + Important Dates
October
5: Blessing of the Pets - St. Mary's Church 10:00 a.m.
7: Girls Volleyball @ Holy Family JV Only 4:00 Early dismissal 2:30
Boys Soccer vs. St. Francis 4:00
8: Girls Volleyball vs. Aquinas 4:00
Boys Soccer @ SWOY 4:00
10: Boys Soccer @ Aquinas 4:00 Early dismissal 2:30
Girls Volleyball vs. Linton Hall 4:00
11: Mass 8:15 a.m. Fr. Brisson Hall
14: No School - Columbus Day
18: Middle School Social Event - Dinner and Movie Night
24: Grandparents' Day at HCA
25: No School - Faculty Professional Development Day
Trunk or Treat
31: Orange Out Dress Down Day (dress down day...not costumes)

November:
1: All Saints Day
19: Visit from Bishop Burbridge
Mission Statement

At Holy Cross Academy, we are guided by the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales as we dedicate ourselves to: 

  • Create an atmosphere of prayer and reliance on our heavenly Father;
  • Spread the message of Jesus in our families and our community by treating all persons with respect and showing reverence for the gift of God in each one;
  • Build up the Spirit-filled faith community within Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish;
  • Serve those in need in our local community and in the Missions through an awareness of our global responsibility to all humanity;
  • Develop the whole child: spiritually, emotionally, academically and physically;
  • Promote academic excellence by challenging all our students to recognize their gifts and fulfill their God-given potential.

It's About the Children
Holy Cross Academy
250 Stafford Lakes Parkway  
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
540-286-1600 
St. Mary Preschool
1009 Stafford Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-7553