JPII Catholic Schools Weekly Newsletter | August 31, 2026

As followers of Christ, the mission of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools is to teach the total person by inspiring virtue and excellence, as taught by the Catholic Church.

St. John Paul II

Catholic Schools

2026-2027 Happenings

JPII SCHOOLS NEWS NUGGET

We opened school with record enrollment with a total of 1,308 students. It is up 26 students from last year. That is a 2% increase.

Thank you to all those who promote our schools.

CALENDAR

September 1 - World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

September 3 - St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

September 5 - First Saturday Devotion

September 5 - St. Teresa of Calcutta - Feast Day

September 7 - No School/Offices Closed - Labor Day

September 14 - Deacons for Life - First Meeting

2026-2027 BUSING INFORMATION

Recently an email was sent to those families who indicated on their enrollment packet a need for busing this year. A response is needed, so please make sure to look for that email and kindly respond accordingly.

If you did not receive this email and need busing for the coming school year, please contact Sherri Simon at sherri.simon@jp2schools.org as soon as possible.

The current bus schedule can be found on the JPII website under the Parents page or directly at JPII Transportation Information.

2026-2027 JPII Academic Calendar

RAISERIGHT NEWS

Back -to-School bonuses continue thru Friday, September 4. Shopping for new clothes, school supplies, tackling your to-dos, make the most of every purchase. Earn big with new brands on bonus each week.

COMING SOON... RAISE DAYS Sept. 11-14. Bonuses on e-gift cards, reload and online shopping from 175 plus retailers. Sneak peek on Thursday, Sept. 10 with RaiseRight mobile app.

Use the RAISERIGHT app to earn more with your school uniform purchases. (School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger)

Set up a RaiseRight account and start earning those tuition saving dollars by using physical or e-cards for your everyday shopping needs. Go to raiseright.com, click Join a Program. Contact RaiseRight coordinator for enrollment code.

You may purchase RAISERIGHT physical cards at Hurley’s Religious Goods, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. Hurley’s is closed on Saturdays until after Labor Day weekend.

Questions about RAISERIGHT may be directed to Janelle Pederson 701-893-3234 or janelle.pederson@jp2schools.org

PARISH EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Lux Verbi

Lux Verbi (Latin for "the light of the Word") is a discussion group for adults who seek to grow in faith through meaningful conversation. Lux Verbi is currently studying The Platonic Tradition by Peter Kreeft. The discussion focuses on how classical philosophy helped shape Christian thought and continues to speak to modern questions about meaning and human nature. New participants are always welcome. No prior reading required.

Date: Mondays

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: Cathedral of St. Mary's Wanzek Center

God and Man in America at 250 Years

What do the opening chapters of Genesis and the Declaration of Independence have in common? Dr. Ryan T. Anderson, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C., will discuss what it means that each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God and how that truth supports our endowment with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This will be a substantive discussion with time for questions.

Date: September 8

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church

Bible Study - "The Gospel of Mark"

Deacon Shawn DeKeyser will be leading a Bible study on Tuesdays beginning on September 8 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office at 701-282-3321 with questions and to register. Deacon DeKeyser will be using The Gospel of Mark, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch.

Date: Begins September 8, for eight consecutive weeks

Time: TBD

Location: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Adult Study - Wisdom: God's Vision for Life by Ascension Press

Deacon Brian and Diane Herding will be leading an eight-week adult study this fall. The workbook will draw wisdom from the Old Testament and New Testament and apply it to everyday challenges. Please contact Deacon Brian and Diane Herding at herdingdiane@gmail.com or at 701-793-4021 to register.

Date: Begins September 14, for eight consecutive weeks

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

First Saturday Parish Rosary

Join with others every FIRST Saturday of the month in a powerful time of praying the Rosary, asking for our Blessed Mother's intercession. This devotion originates from the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal to three shepherd children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. The devotion is intended to save souls, bring world peace, and offer reparation for the injuries that the Immaculate Heart of Mary suffers.

Date: Saturday, September 5

Time: 10:00 am

Location: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Eucharistic Adoration - Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel

Sit in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and keep Jesus company. Spend some time in quiet peace, reading scripture, praying the Rosary, or writing in a journal. Ensure Jesus is never left alone. You may call Cindy Petrich at 701-552-1675 with any questions.

Date: 365 days/year

Time: 24/7

Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, Cathedral of St. Mary

Eucharistic Adoration - Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Holy Spirit Catholic Church offers Eucharistic Adoration most days of the week. All faithful are invited to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. This is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus, to know and to love Him.

Date: Monday -Saturday / Time: 6:45am - 8:00am

Date: Thursdays / Time: 3:00pm - 9:00pm

Bishop of Chimbote, Peru Visits - Holy Cross Catholic Church

Let's welcome Bishop Angel Ernesto Bances of Chimbote to North Dakota! Bishop Ernesto will be visiting for the first time. There has been a long-standing friendship between the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota and the Diocese of Chimbote, Peru. Many mission groups from the Diocese of Fargo have traveled to Chimbote over the decades to build homes, work in soup kitchens, and serve the Peruvian people. Join Holy Cross Catholic Church at a Mass that will honor both him and Bishop John Folda. A gathering will follow in the social hall.

Date: September 14, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Time: 5:00pm

Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church

Taize Evening Prayer - Chapel at Riverview Place

Pray, sing, and reflect on the life of Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Sisters. Taize is an international, ecumenical Christian community located in a village in Burgundy, France. Taize worship is known for its short, simple chants, silence, scripture readings and contemplative prayer.

Date: September 15

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Chapel, Riverview Place

This week's featured Deacon Partner is:

American Family Insurance, Ken Kraft Agency, Inc.

Thank you for financially supporting St. John Paul II Schools and strengthening our mission of excellence in Catholic education.