SJS Weekly Newsletter: September 9, 2026

Mercy Begins with Me

God is the giver of all good gifts, including Mary, whose birthday we celebrate this week! Preserved from original sin, Mary is the Mother of Divine Mercy. She lived a life entirely dedicated to love and mercy, and remains our constant intercessor.

This September, we are focusing on mercy through generosity, specifically studying the corporal works of feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. We can practice this by supporting local pantries, volunteering, or simply being generous at school—sharing supplies, stepping back to let others go first, or offering a kind word. 

I see this so often in our hallways and classrooms, and I’ve received several calls and messages this past week from community members praising our students' good deeds that they witnessed at sporting events and local stores. When we let God work through us, we truly become His hands and feet. I am so proud of our students and the ways mercy begins with them!


Ellen Beiersdorfer

Announcements

2026–2027 Virtue Awareness Days

Throughout the school year, students will celebrate monthly virtues while raising awareness of organizations that put those virtues into action. On each Awareness Day, students are invited to wear the designated color or theme. Our first Awareness Day is Tuesday, September 15! Students are invited to wear white or purple as we celebrate the virtue of generosity and support Parish Kitchen.

Date

Virtue

Organization

Color/Theme

September 15

Generosity

Parish Kitchen

White or Purple

October 13

Wisdom

One Shot Foundation, Matthew Mangine

Purple or Red

November 13

Compassion

FIRE Foundation

Red

December 1

Hope

Parish Giving Tree

Christmas Top

January 15

Joy

St. Joseph Youth Ministry

Blue

February 16

Forgiveness

Catholic Charities

Green

March 12

Self-Discipline

Madonna House

Pink

April 13

Mercy

Emergency Shelter of NKY

Yellow

May 11

Mercy

St.Joseph Walking with Moms in Need

Your mom's favorite color!

Second Grade Sacraments Meeting

Second-grade students and at least one parent should attend the Sacraments Meeting this Thursday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. in Noll Hall.

Eighth Grade Confirmation Gathering

All eighth-grade Confirmation candidates and their parents should attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass this Sunday, September 13. Doughnuts and a gathering in Noll Hall will follow Mass.

September Dine to Donate

Support SJS while enjoying a meal out!


Chipotle: TONIGHT! 5–9 p.m., 525 Buttermilk Pike

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Thursday, September 17, all day, 2413 Buttermilk Pike

Skyline Chili: Wednesday, September 23, all day, 550 Buttermilk Pike


Be sure to mention SJS or show the flyer when ordering. Thank you for supporting our school!

Save the Dates: The Saving Story

St. Joseph Parish invites school families to join us for The Saving Story, a six-week journey through God’s love, our need for rescue, and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

We are especially excited to welcome Matthew Kelly as our special guest for the opening evening on Wednesday, October 28!


Each evening will include light bites and drinks, fellowship, teaching from Fr. Eric, personal witness stories, and guided small-group conversations. Childcare will also be available, with fun themed activities planned for the kids each week!


Wednesdays, October 28–December 9

6:00–7:30 p.m.

(No gathering November 25)

More details and registration information are coming soon!

Have Something to Celebrate?

Throughout the school year, if your St. Joseph student accomplishes something exceptional or worth celebrating, we’d love to recognize them on our school’s social media! Please send the details and a photo to Kristin Adams at kadams@stjosephcsky.org.

Science Tutoring Available

One-on-one science tutoring is available for students in grades 3–8. Areas of support include general science, life science and biology, physical science, earth and space science, test preparation, homework, and assignments.

Sessions are available on school days from 2:15–3:15 p.m., with some exceptions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sessions will not be available on the second Thursday of each month. Students should be able to commit to two or three one-hour sessions per week for at least two months.

Cost: $30 per one-hour session

For scheduling and availability, contact Ariana Berrios at aberrios@sjscrescent.org.

Fall MAP Testing: September 2–25

Fall MAP testing begins this week. Please review the MAP testing schedule for your child’s testing dates.

Attendance is especially important on scheduled testing days. Please avoid absences unless your child is ill and help your student arrive well-rested after eating a nutritious breakfast.

Thank you for helping our students do their best!

Spirit Wear Days

Students may wear any preprinted St. Joseph shirt, including SJS spirit wear, St. Joseph athletic shirts, St. Joseph Parish T-shirts, and eighth-grade class T-shirts. Sleeveless shirts are not permitted.

Pants or shorts may be out of uniform, but shorts must meet the uniform-short requirements in the Parent/Student Handbook. Leggings, yoga pants, and other tight-fitting bottoms are not permitted.


2026–27 Spirit Wear Days

  • Tuesday, September 29
  • Friday, October 23
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • Friday, December 11
  • Tuesday, January 26
  • Friday, February 26
  • Tuesday, March 23
  • Friday, April 23
  • Thursday, May 27

School Counseling Services Available at SJS

St. Joseph School partners with Catholic Charities to provide free, school-based mental health counseling for students. Referrals may be made by a parent, teacher, school staff member, or student.

Our school counselor, Holly Barrett-Sears, CSW, is available at SJS on Wednesdays and Fridays. Parent or guardian permission is required before a student can receive ongoing counseling services.

Read the School Counseling Program Here

Complete the Counseling Permission Form

Questions? Contact Holly at hbarrett-sears@covingtoncharities.org.

Sacred Architecture Tour at St. Joseph

This Saturday, September 12, at 9:45 a.m.

Discover the history, symbolism, and beauty of our sacred space at St. Joseph’s September Sacred Architecture Tour with The Angelico Project. Tickets are NOT required.


Middle School Mixer: Save the Date!

🪩 Cavs After Dark: Glow Big or Go Home

Saturday, October 3 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Noll Hall

Middle school students, save the date for a glowing good time! More details coming soon.

PTO News


Save the Date: Moms’ Night Out

Thursday, October 22 | 5:30–8:00 p.m.

@ Arden + Gold

More information coming soon!


Save the Date: Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 16 | 6- 9 p.m


Athletics

🏀Basketball Registration Open

Registration for the 2026–27 SJS basketball season closes Tuesday, September 15. Basketball is open to all SJS students in grades K–8, boys and girls. All teams are recreational, except for boys’ competitive teams in grades 6–8, which are formed through tryouts.

Parent volunteers are essential to making the season possible! When registering your player, please consider registering as a volunteer as well. Opportunities include head and assistant coaching, practice supervision, scorekeeping, operating the clock, serving as a gym monitor, and helping with league operations and the Christmas tournament. No coaching experience is required, and volunteering is an easy way to earn service hours.


Register for Basketball HERE

Questions? Contact:

Cheerleading Registration Open for Grades K–2

Registration for the 2026–2027 SJS Cheerleading season is open through Wednesday, September 16. Practices begin in mid- to late October and are held once a week. Cheerleaders will support their grade-level boys’ basketball teams.

We need parent coaches and practice volunteers!

Register for Cheerleading


Reminders

Sunday Religion School

St. Joseph’s Sunday Religion School is open to children ages 3 through kindergarten and meets during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Classes begin Sunday, September 27, and help young children learn about their faith in an age-appropriate way.

The cost is $30 per child, and financial assistance is available. Children must be potty trained and age 3 by September 1. Registration forms are available at church and on the parish website. Questions? Contact Tina Klare at tklare@stjosephcsky.org.

Download the registration form

Fall Picture Day

Smile! Fall Picture Day at St. Joseph School is Friday, September 18.

Picture Day ID: EVT9TZ8SV


Additional information about ordering school pictures will be shared as Picture Day approaches.

Fifth-Grade Chromebook Fees

Families should have received a QuickBooks invoice for this year’s $150.61 Lease-to-Own payment. Payments may be submitted to the School or Parish Office. Families may also pay the full four-year amount of $602.44.

Opportunities

Mass of Belonging

As a proud FIRE Spark School, St. Joseph School is committed to fostering a culture in which every student and family feels welcome and valued. We invite our families to attend the Diocese of Covington’s Mass of Belonging on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.

Bishop Iffert will celebrate this special Mass for individuals with learning differences and disabilities, as well as their families. A family ice cream social will follow. For accommodations, email info@FIREfoundationNKY.org.

🎨Kindergarten Art Volunteers Needed

Mrs. Frahm is looking for volunteers to assist with Kindergarten Art classes. Consistent volunteers are especially helpful, so please consider signing up for multiple weeks if your schedule allows.

Sign Up Here

🍎 Cafeteria Volunteers Needed

Our Cafeteria Volunteer sign-up is now open for August through December!

Volunteers play an important role in helping lunchtime run smoothly for our students and staff. Whether you can serve once or several times throughout the semester, we'd love to have your help. Volunteer Shifts 🕥 10:30–11:35 a.m. 🕦 11:35 a.m.–12:40 p.m.

Cafeteria Sign Up Here

Breaking Bread Community Dinner

Join us for our monthly Breaking Bread dinner! All parish and school families are invited to enjoy a meal, spend time together, and connect with our St. Joseph community.

Sunday, September 20, following the 5:00 p.m. Mass in Noll Hall

Please sign up below to attend or volunteer to help:

Breaking Bread Sign-Up

Cavaliers Care: Serve Together This Year

Cavaliers Care gives St. Joseph students and families opportunities to serve together and share Christ’s love with our neighbors. This year, families can help serve meals, support local food pantries, participate in holiday outreach, and more.

Each SignUpGenius slot is for one family, regardless of how many family members participate.

VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WATCH THE VIDEO


Questions? Contact Christie Pavia at 859-640-9084 or christie.pavia@gmail.com.

Fall Mums for Adopt a Unit

Brighten your home for fall while supporting the soldiers of the 1-320th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Campbell! Proceeds from the annual mum sale help the local Adopt a Unit program provide meals, lodging, activities, care packages, and other support for soldiers and their families.

Please see the attached flyer and order form for mum varieties, pricing, and ordering details.

Mums Sale Flyer

Mums Sale Order Form

Pews & Pizza — September 4

College-aged young adults are invited to Pews & Pizza at St. John the Evangelist Church in Covington. Led by Father Michael Hennigen, this monthly gathering offers an opportunity to deepen your faith, meet others, and enjoy fellowship.

Schedule

  • 5:00 p.m. — Confession and Adoration (optional)
  • 6:00 p.m. — Mass
  • 7:00 p.m. — Pizza and fellowship

Location: St. John the Evangelist Church, 627 W. Pike St., Covington

Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Love Lead Inspire Foundation. Extra parking is available in the Be Concerned lot.

RSVP for Pews & Pizza

Living Fully; Planning Faithfully

St. Joseph Parish invites school families to Living Fully; Planning Faithfully, a monthly series offering practical, faith-filled guidance for planning for the future—whether for yourself or while helping aging parents navigate important decisions. The series begins Sunday, September 27, following the 11:00 a.m. Mass in Noll Hall.

Learn more and view the complete schedule here

Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible Study

Women of our parish and school community are invited to join Walking with Purpose! The fall study, Ordering Your Priorities: Building a Life Well Lived, begins October 1 and meets Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. This practical eight-week study will help you place the most important things first while growing in faith and friendship.

Books are $25, and scholarships are available.

Register here

Men’s CANA Faith Group

Are you looking to connect with other men of faith and strengthen your relationship with Jesus? A new Men’s CANA group, led by Brad Whittle, will begin this fall.

Meeting dates and times will be announced soon. To learn more or express interest, contact Brad at bwhittle@stjosephcsky.org or visit Reigning in Life.

 


Website K-8 Calendar Pre-K Calendar Cafeteria


 
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