November 21, 2025 Volume 3 - Issue 15 |
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Dear Saint Families and Friends:
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
-Alphonse Karr
Greetings from Berks Catholic! Is the glass half full (roses) or half empty (thorns)? It all depends on how you look at it. When you deal with teenagers, and parents know this better than anyone perhaps, you are never quite sure what you are going to get. And that is exactly what I love about high school! I love that our Saints are spirited, helpful and service-minded (roses) yet, they can be knuckleheads too (thorns). In this environment, it is all about learning, growing and maturing. Do our Saints learn from their mistakes, from others, from the adults? Undoubtedly, they do. Does it really matter then if the roses have thorns? Just look at them from a few steps away! They still look and smell beautiful, just like our Saints! Have a great weekend.
It’s a great day to be a Saint!
A Time to be BOLD!
John Petruzzelli
Principal
610-374-8361 ext. 253
Email: jpetruzzelli@berkscatholic.org
Instagram: john.petruzzelli.9
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Monday, 11/24
Turkey Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, 11/25
Special Schedule
School Mass (9:00 a.m.)
11:00 a.m. Dismissal
PD Session (Noon-2:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, 11/26
Bishop’s Holiday – No School
Thursday, 11/27
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, 11/28
Thanksgiving Holiday
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For those traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, that God watches over them and blesses them with safety and comfort in their travels.
For those who have no one to be with on Thanksgiving that God gives them hope and comfort.
| | Congratulations........... | | | | |
Congratulations
to
Sophomore
Giavanna Musallam
who was named
Saint of the Week.
| | Congratulations to our reigning State Champion Gold Squad eSports Team who finished the regular season in First Place out of 73 teams across Pennsylvania. They handily won their first playoff match yesterday. They will now move on in the State Championship Competition. The team consists of Sophomores Elliot Roffer ’28, Javier Sandoval ’29 and Gabriel Taveras. The Team is coached by Mr. Kopp and Mr. Rautzhan. Terrific job, guys! | | | | |
Kairos XXVI
Congratulations to the leaders of Kairos XXVI which took place last week. Student leaders were: Seniors Bryanna Gallagher (Rector), Lorelli Brown, Roxanne Davis, Jada Do, Neneh Reyas-Sylla and Jacob Saldana. The adult leaders were: Mrs. Tona (Coordinator), Miss Giblin, Fr. Kuna, Deacon Lanciano, Mr. Petruzzelli, Mr. Scollick and Mrs. Wallace.
| | Congratulations to Senior Lily Wolf who was named Offensive MVP at the 2025 Berks County Senior Field Hockey All Star Game! Way to go, Lily! | |  | Congratulations to Seniors Micah Drumheller and Rocco Perate who played in last weekend’s 2025 Berks County Boys All Star Soccer Game. Rocco scored a goal for Team Red in the 3-2 (shootout) victory! The boys represented BC with great sportsmanship and excitement for the game! Terrific job, guys! | | | |
2025 Legacy of Impact Hall of Fame
Congratulations to long-time Holy Name and Berks Catholic teacher and football coach, Rick Keeley, who was recently named a 2025 Legacy of Impact Hall of Fame inductee to the Pope John Paul II High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Coach Keeley played football and baseball at PJP II legacy school, St. Pius X High School. He went on to earn three letters in football at Kutztown University and was a two-time First Team All-Conference awardee. Exciting news for Coach Keeley!
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Congratulations to Mr. Ditsky, Director of College and Career Counseling, who was invited to present on his college admissions work to the high school principals at the annual diocesan Principals’ Leadership Summit.
| | | The school received a note from a friend who attended Mass this month. The note read, in part: “I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the behavior of the students and also how beautiful the choir sounded. The reverence and respect they showed shines a light on all the good work being done at BC.” | | |
School Mass
Our next school Mass will take place on Tuesday, November 25th at 9:00 a.m. in the Franco-Post Auditorium. Parents, guardians and families are always welcome to attend. If you plan to come to Mass, please sign in at the Main Office before coming down to the auditorium.
Thanksgiving Break
The school offices will close at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25th to begin the Thanksgiving holiday break. Students return to school on Tuesday, December 2nd.
Kairos XXVI
Kairos XXVI took place last week at Malvern Retreat House with 29 Seniors making the retreat. Kairos is a Greek word that means “God’s Time.” During the retreat, the students had the opportunity to listen to talks by the leaders, to grow closer with God, participate in the Sacraments, attend Holy Mass, make new friendships with peers and participate in small group discussions. This sacred time and experience are highlights for many of our Saints during their high school career. The next Kairos Retreat will take place March 17-20, 2026. Senior and Junior Saints will be able to sign up for this impactful retreat experience in early spring. This will be the final opportunity for Seniors to attend the retreat.
News from the Tuition Office
Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee invoices will be sent through STS and DUE January 30, 2026! If your student is taking an AP Class, please pay your invoice for your test fee.
- 1 AP Exam = $99.00
- 2 AP Exams = $198.00
- 3 AP Exams = $297.00
- 4 AP Exams = $396.00
- 5 AP Exams = $495.00
Please use the links below if assistance is needed. Please access and refer to your STS account for detailed tuition, fee, and financial aid information. If you have difficulty logging in, please email STS Customer Support. The Tuition Office is happy to assist with any questions at 610-374-8361 ext. 223.
The Tuition Office wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!
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News From the Dean of Students Office
The Dean’s Office is observing an increase in dress code violations. For male students, this includes hairstyles and facial hair not meeting policy, while for female students, concerns involve skirt length and proper layering with quarter-zips and polos. Additionally, dress-down day rules are being closely monitored, as violations such as inappropriate footwear, tight pants and revealing shirts have increased. Our next dress-down day is Friday, December 5. Continued disregard may result in fewer dress-down opportunities. When we return from Thanksgiving break, daily dress code checks will occur during Activity Period. Full guidelines are available in the school handbook and on the school
website: https://www.berkscatholic.org/campus-life/dress-code. Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and professional school environment.
Class Rings
Berks Catholic is pleased to announce that class rings may now be ordered. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to commemorate their achievements and school spirit with a personalized keepsake.
We wanted to take this time to remind you of the discounts on our jewelry/class ring items available for your student. When ordering you will receive your FREE CLASS HOODIE. The last day to take advantage of this will be December 5th. The direct link to the website is below.
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Seniors—Celebrate the Class of 2026!
Don’t miss your chance to grab exclusive Class of 2026 memorabilia! From shirts and hoodies to keepsakes that capture your senior year, these items are the perfect way to show your Saint pride and remember your final year at BC. (Please note: caps and gowns have been ordered for all Seniors). Order at the link below and celebrate your journey to graduation in style! 🎓💛🖤
Josten: Berks Catholic High School Catalog
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Christmas Vespers Concert
Join us as we prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ at our annual Christmas Vespers Service on Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in West Reading. The concert will feature our dedicated Choir sharing scripture readings and songs of the Christmas season. The concert will surely add to a blessed Advent season.
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Christmas Band Concert
The Concert Band will be featured in the annual Instrumental Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Franco-Post Auditorium. The concert will feature our talented instrumentalists and some favorite Christmas songs. It is the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the holidays.
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Yearbook Sales
There’s still time to purchase a 2025-2026 school yearbook. Cost of the yearbook is $90. Don’t miss out on the year’s highlights and memories.
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Yearbook Senior Ads
Attention Senior families:
Time is running out! Memorialize your Senior Saint’s time at BC by purchasing a Senior ad in the yearbook. Deadline to reserve your ad is Friday, January 30, 2026! Now is the time to reserve your yearbook ad. Don’t miss out on this loving gesture to your Senior.
Senior Ad Form
| | | EXTRAVAGANZA CHRISTMAS BONANZA | | |
Do your Christmas Shopping and Support Berks Catholic at the same time!!
Our Christmas Bonanza Auction will be open from December 2nd to 9th.
If you were registered to bid for Extravaganza 2025- you are all set, just log in and bid away!!!
If you are new to the site, please enter your info and follow prompts.
We have lots of great stuff!!
We hope you have a fun shopping experience and find lots of goodies!!
If you have questions or would like more information contact- Danielle Fowler at 610-374-1695 or email Extravaganza@berkscatholic.org.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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Christmas Dance
TICKET SALES END TODAY! Berks Catholic will host the Christmas Dance on Sunday, November 30th in the school gym. Cost of the dance is $30. Dress is semi-formal. This is a dance for Berks Catholic students only. This is not a date dance. Students can come with friends to the dance.
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BC By the Numbers
29: Seniors who attended Kairos Retreat XXVI
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Finish Line Friday
It is great to hear the positive feedback on our “Finish Line Friday” video on social media. Be sure to look for it on Friday afternoon and receive a recap of the week from Mr. Petruzzelli. It’s another way we hope to keep families informed about what is going on at BC. We hope you like it!
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"Say What Sunday"
We need your voice! Are you or a relative an alumnus of Central Catholic, Holy Name or Berks Catholic? If so, please ask them to participate in “Say What Sunday,” our weekly feature in our social media postings. Check it out each Sunday and see what people are saying about Berks Catholic. We would love to hear from alumni about what their time in high school was like. Please go to: https://forms.gle/hpF8HWXaJCiL86ga8 to leave your message.
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The Bible by the Numbers
When you are feeling grateful, check out St. Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-18.
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Social Media
Did you see our posts about International Students Day? Keep up with all the happenings at the school on our social media channels. Check out what our students are doing day-to-day in class; important news articles; sports and activities; and more! Be sure to follow the school on social media for all the latest updates, pictures and school information. Facebook: Berks Catholic; Twitter: @BerksCatholic; and Instagram: berkscatholic.
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It's a great day to be a Saint! | | | | |
Our Mission
Berks Catholic High School is centered on the four pillars of God, Family, Academics and Fun. As a vibrant Christ-centered community, the Administration, Faculty and Staff are dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment for a diverse population of young men and women. Through Christian principles rooted in the Catholic tradition, we strive to positively impact our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally, so they can live productive lives of service in this world and attain eternal life.
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