Disciple Dispatch

As we begin the sacred season of Lent, our school community enters into a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Together, we walk with Christ on His journey to the Cross, reflecting on His sacrifice and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. May this season be a time of renewal, growth, and deeper faith for our students, families, and faculty. Click here to check out our social media pages to see what our IHM disciples of Christ are doing for Lent this year!

Enroll Today!

One week until enrollment opens to new families, so make sure you secure your spot - especially if you intend to enroll your child in enrichment or Disciple Den.

If you log into your FinalSite account and something doesn't look right, reach out to the school or parish office to make any corrections. Parish support forms for IHM parishioners were already distributed and returned and that discount was applied to those who qualify. If you belong to another parish that supports your child's IHM education, please login to FinalSite and request that support.

Finalsite Enrollment Sign-In

Coordinator and Volunteers Are Still Needed!

 After 8 years, The American Heritage Girls are passing the torch of coordinating the IHM Santa Breakfast. Therefore, we are in need of a new coordinator for the Santa Breakfast this year.

We are so grateful for the many years of dedication of the American Heritage Girls to our parish and school community.

This is a great opportunity for our young families and students to get involved! Coordinators can be a group to designate individuals for help with activities and serving. Interested parties please contact the parish office for additional details. Instructions for organizing the event and lining up volunteers are available. Please contact Janet at secretary@ihmparishgr.org!

Annual Pasta Dinner Is Coming Up!

Once again, the Annual St. Vincent DePaul Society Pasta Dinner falls within Lent, but NOT on a Friday so...meat sauce for everyone! Plan on supporting the efforts of this ancient society while enjoying the company of your parish and school family. Dinner begins right after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday, March 14 in the IHM Parish Center (gym). $10 per person or $25 for the whole (immediate) family!

RSVP is required - sign up after each of the Masses on February 21/22, 28 or March 1, 7/8. Or contact Bob D'Orazio (616-243-2499) or Matt Schmieder (616-550-6105). Pay then or at the door!

Kids Heart Challenge Is Almost Over!

We are so grateful for your participation in the Kids Heart Challenge. As a friendly reminder, our KHC wraps up on February 23rd. Our students are learning how to keep their hearts and brains healthy and raising funds to help kids with special hearts. When you register and complete Finn’s Mission, you will learn Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of a stroke. All students who register will receive a free wristband. 

Plus, if 50% of our school’s students register online, we will receive a BONUS $500 to purchase PE equipment!  

For each $150 a student raises, they get to silly string a teacher of their choice!

Here’s how you can help:

1. Sign Up Today: Download the FREE AHA Schools App for Apple or Android and click on “Register Now” then scroll down to join your school's team. Next, click on “send a text today” to easily reach friends & family!
2. Raise Funds to Help Kids With Special Hearts.
3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Share with family and friends through text and/or email so they too can learn Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of a stroke.

You can also register online at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/IHOM

Join us for our Classroom Challenge:

Please help our class earn Gift Cards for much needed Classroom supplies by REGISTERING and COMPLETING FINN’S MISSION.

Every Classroom can earn up to $50!!!!

When 50% of a class REGISTERS = $25 Gift Card

When 5 or more in a class COMPLETE FINN’s MISSION = $25 Gift Card

Don’t forget – every time we have 18 Finn’s Mission complete our school is entered to win $10,000 compliments of the NFL and anyone who completes Finn’s Mission goes into a Midwest regional drawing for two 2027 Super Bowl Tickets!

Thank you for being an integral part of the Kids Heart Challenge, supporting our school and the American Heart Association. Your commitment and involvement truly make a difference!

Catholic Central "Downtown Den" Cougar Gear Store Is Open!

The Catholic Central Cougar gear store has moved downtown to be open throughout the winter basketball games. The new store is called “The downtown Den”. It is located inside the gym building to the left. It is packed full of great new gear. Below is the last day it will be open for the winter season!

Monday Feb 23rd 5:30-8:00pm

Girls vs Pewamo Westphalia

Looking Ahead...

• 2/25 - Prayer Partner T-Shirt Day
• 2/26 - Divine Mercy Kids Club during recess
• 2/26 - LapTime and Open gym - 10:00 am in gym
• 3/5 - 2nd Grade Animal Zoo Project 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• 3/6 - No School - PD Day
• 3/11 - Kindergarten Round Up
• 3/12 - LapTime and Open Gym 10:00 - 11:00 am in gym
• 3/12 - 8th Grade PSAT - 1/2 day of school for 8th grade only
• 3/14 - St. Vincent De Paul Pasta Dinner
• 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day
• 3/18 - Home & School Meeting 8:00 am in DeMazenod Room
• 3/19 - 4th Grade Songfest at West Catholic 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• 3/19 - 7th & 8th Grade Science Fair 1:00 - 3:00 pm in gym
• 3/21 - Mother & Son Bowling at Clique Lanes 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• 3/22 - Shine Youth Rally 1:00 - 6:30 pm

From the Assistant Principal's Desk

Hello IHM Families!

I am happy to report that Mrs. Lake's surgery went well. She is at home trying to stay off of her foot as she begins the long road of healing. She appreciates all the prayers and positive thoughts while she heals. Thank you! As we begin our Lenten journey of 2026, let us reflect on the sacrament of reconciliation. Once a year the school offers reconciliation to all of our students. It coincides with the second graders making their first reconciliation and happens in November. We invite multiple priests here and the teachers take time to remind the students of what reconciliation is all about. However, Teachers cannot have an impact if they are doing it alone. If that is the only time the students receive the grace that comes with this sacrament, it is not enough. Parents play a critical role in making confession meaningful for children. Modeling its importance helps transform it from a scary, infrequent obligation that they do at “school only” into a regular, positive, and healing encounter with God's mercy. When parents and school can work together to help students examine their sinfulness with greater depth and honesty, we are all teaching them to invite Christ into their daily lives, opening them up to His grace and mercy. Something we can all use more of. During this time of Lent, please take some time to reflect on whether or not your family is working together to appreciate the importance of this sacrament. Please read the article linked below to understand more fully the importance of our children receiving this grace more frequently than once a year.

Blessings,

Mrs. Anne Brown

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

West Catholic Future Falcon Webpage

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