February 20, 2026 Volume 3 - Issue 26

Dear Saint Families and Friends:



“Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten fast, is a day of happiness, a Christian feast!”

-Thomas Merton




Greetings from Berks Catholic! Happy Lent! What are you giving up for Lent? I have a priest friend who speaks very eloquently about that very question. To him, Lent is NOT a time for giving up. This idea implied “throwing in the towel” or thinking of defeat. He was particularly emphatic that we must be careful when it comes to Lent not to give the impression that this holy season is a time for giving up. Instead, he believed that Lent was a time for giving. Just as Jesus endured his cruel passion and death, he didn’t give up. Rather, he emptied himself to give to others. Our Lord offered his life so that he could bring us or give us eternal life in Heaven. As we begin this holy season, let us consider how we can give of ourselves to our neighbors, our friends and our families. 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

Monday, 2/23

Blood Drive

Dunkin Donuts Cruiser visit at lunch

Board Meeting

College Counseling Parent Course Selection Zoom (5:30 p.m.)


Tuesday, 2/24

Lockdown Drill

Business Class Field Trip


Wednesday, 2/25

College Counseling Trip to Temple University


Thursday, 2/26

College Counseling Parent Course Selection Night (6:00 p.m.)


Friday, 2/27

Business Class Field Trip

Spring Sports Physicals Due



For Pope Leo’s February prayer intention – for children with incurable diseases.


For the success and safety of our annual Blood Drive.


Congratulations...........


Congratulations

to

Senior

Dylan Strock

who was named

Saint of the Week.



Berks County Champs


Congratulations to the Boys' Basketball Team who won the BCIAA Basketball Championship last Friday in an exciting overtime win against Reading High.


District 3 Section 1 Girls' Wrestling Championship


Congratulations to Freshman Kim Munoz who won the 142 lb. District 3 Section 1 Girls' Wrestling Championship. Her record is now 36-1. Kim now moves on to the Regional Wrestling Championship. She is currently ranked 3rd in the state at her weight class.

Congratulations to the following wrestlers who medaled at the District 3 Section 1 Wrestling Tournament last weekend:


  • Layden Acevedo '28 - 1st Place
  • Neil Bitting '27 - 2nd Place
  • Gunnar Maciejewski '26 - 2nd Place
  • Andrew Messner '27 - 2nd Place
  • Palmer Reber '26 - 2nd Place
  • Tyden Shuman '28 - 3rd Place
  • Johan Gonzalez '29 - 4th Place
  • Keith Messner '26 - 5th Place
  • Kellen McCrea '29 - 7th Place
  • Nolan Hook '29 – 8th Place


Roshambo Tournament

Congratulations to the winners of the Aevidum Club’s Roshambo Tournament: Senior Aidan Curley – 1st Place and winner of a $25 Wawa gift card & a dress down pass; Sophomore Alex Reali and Junior Alberto Juarez – tied for Second Place and winners of a dress down pass. Thank you to the Aevidum Club for sponsoring such a fun and exciting competition.

What's Happening

Bishop’s 2026 Lenten Letter

Please read Bishop Schlert’s letter as we begin the holy season of Lent. You can find the letter here: Bishop's Lenten Letter 2026- AD Today

 

Medication Reminder

Families are reminded that no student should be carrying medication on their person while at school. If a student needs medication during the day, please contact the nurse to discuss the situation. If a student does not feel well during the day, a student can see the nurse for medication (ex. Tylenol or Advil). To speak to the nurse, please call 610-374-8361 ext. 237.


Course Selection

Students have received their course selection materials and have discussed appropriate placements, class qualifications, Career and Technology programs, Virtual High School options, and Dual Credit opportunities with Mrs. Vilardo, Director of Academics. Teachers will continue working directly with students to guide them through the class selection process. Students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the College Counseling Department using their Calendly links for additional support in selecting appropriate courses. All course selection forms will be collected on March 6th and must include both a student and parent signature.


*Please be aware that payment for course selection is now invoiced through Simple Tuition Solutions (STS). Payment must be made by March 31st. If payment is not received, this may delay scheduling of classes for your Saint.


News from the Tuition Office

Attention Senior Families: As we begin this final semester, we share your immense pride and excitement for the Class of 2026! In the spirit of ensuring a smooth transition toward graduation, we want to reiterate some important reminders regarding student STS accounts. Please note that tuition and fees must be paid up to date in order to participate in the Prom Ticket Sale in March. Additionally, please be aware that official transcripts will not be released if there is an outstanding balance on your STS account. We want to ensure that nothing stands in the way of your student’s future plans or their ability to celebrate with their peers. We understand that every family’s financial situation is unique. If you have concerns regarding your balance, please reach out to the Tuition Office so we can discuss available options.

 

2026-2027 Financial Aid and Tuition Incentive

The 2026–2027 Financial Aid Application is OPEN and accepting most recently completed tax documentation from the 2025 or 2024 tax years. Check back next week for a special announcement about a 2026-2027 Tuition Discount Incentive for those who complete their financial aid application by April 15, 2026!


Please complete your application as soon as possible and by April 15, 2026 for maximum financial aid consideration. Please click on the links for instructions:

 STS Financial Aid Instructions - English
STS Financial Aid Instructions - Spanish


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.


Cafeteria Lunch Accounts

Families are reminded to keep your Saint’s lunch account in order. Please resolve any lunch account delinquencies as soon as possible. Maschio’s appreciates your cooperation.


Screwtape Letters Live Performance

Bishop Schlert, in conjunction with St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Holy Cross Parish and the Diocesan Office of Evangelization & Formation, invite you to attend a special production of The Screwtape Letters. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by C.S. Lewis and performed by celebrated actor, Anthony Lawton, this rollicking production turns the revered classic into a sumptuous multimedia event with music, dance and infernal unpredictability. Register for free at www.allentowndiocese.org/screwtape. Details: Sunday, March 8 at 4:00 PM at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School,1541 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, PA. View the flyer here.

 

Women's Diocesan Lenten Conference

Join the Bishop's Commission for Women on Saturday, March 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for keynote talks, lunch, Confessions, Adoration and Mass with Bishop Schlert. Hear from Noelle Mering, an author and cultural commentator known for her writing on faith, culture and public life, as well as Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic clinical psychologist, author and national radio and television host known for practical, faith-based advice on parenting, family life and relationships. Register at: https://www.allentowndiocese.org/catholic-life/resources-women/love-hope-holiness-womens-lenten-conference-2026. View the flyer here. 

 

Men's Lenten Morning of Reflection: Authentic Masculinity

Men of the Diocese of Allentown are invited to a Men’s Morning of Reflection on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua. Centered on Theology of the Body, this free event will explore authentic masculinity through the teachings of St. John Paul II. The morning includes Mass, coffee and donuts, along with presentations by Hannah Shafer, Assistant Director of Programs at the Theology of the Body Institute, and Fr. Nikolai Brelinsky, Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield. All men are encouraged to attend for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and reflection. Registration is free and required. Register at https://allentowndiocese.flocknote.com/signup/241012Please see flyer here. 

Saints Locker Winter Sale

Need some new Saint’s gear? Take a look at the offerings at the Saints Locker Winter Sale. Stock up on your black and gold sportswear. Click the button below to see what the store has in stock.

Spring Musical

The star-studded spring musical, High School Musical, will take place on Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 p.m. Come out and see our Saints singing and dancing their way through high school. Tickets are $15. See the flyer for information on purchasing your tickets.

BERKS CATHOLIC SAINTS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

ARE HOSTING


A NIGHT AT THE RACES

DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

TIME: 6:30—POST TIME 7:00


BERKS CATHOLIC--LLOYD M. WOLF GYMNASIUM


FOOD, DRINK AND FUN INCLUDED

** BYOB IF YOU WANT SOMETHING SPECIAL

(MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND)



*PLEASE SEE FLYER FOR QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS


BC By the Numbers

9: Wrestlers (boys and girls) who qualified for the District 3 Wrestling Tournament this weekend.

The Bible by the Numbers

When you desire to rest in God, check out Hebrews 4:9-12.

Social Media

Did you see our post about our AP Literature Class? 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.

 

It's an enjoyable day to be a Saint!

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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