The Black & Gold Report

November 28, 2025 Volume 3 - Issue 16

Dear Saint Families and Friends:

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before.”

-Jan Richardson

Greetings from Berks Catholic! Happy Advent! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. And while some may still be in “Thanksgiving mode,” we look to Sunday for the start of the Advent season. As we anxiously wait for December 25th and the birth of the Messiah, let us sit for a moment. Perhaps ponder what this entails. Wait, linger and behold the wonder that is to come. We know we will be running and rushing about over the next few weeks. For now, let us make it a point to just sit and be patient. Something big is on the horizon and you do not want to miss it because we are too preoccupied with rushing about. 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, 12/1

Thanksgiving Holiday

Tuesday, 12/2

Make a Joyful Noise (MAJN) video prep

Wednesday, 12/3

Special Schedule

MAJN Video Shoot

Partner Principals’ Visit and Lunch

Thursday, 12/4

AP/Honors Senior English field trip to Broadway

Friday, 12/5

Spirit Club Dress Down Day ($2.00)

For all those waiting for the Messiah that this Advent will be a time of peace, calm and prayerful reflection.

For those who struggle with life’s demands that they may be supported and helped by the love of others.

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

Congratulations

Sophomore

Gabriel

Rodriguez-Tavarez

who was named

Saint of the Week.

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Congratulations to our third annual Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt winners who found the lucky Thanksgiving ducks this week: Ethan Gaojia ’28 and Mason Mace ’28. Each student won a Gobbler from Wawa.

Congratulations to our Thanksgiving Bad Dad Joke of the Day winners: Sophomore Elise Froelich and Junior Luke Schrenk. Each student won a Dunkin gift card.

Congratulations to science teacher Mr. Skalski who was our staff Thanksgiving Turkey Prize winner. He won a gift card.

Thank you to our partner school principals of Berks County who model their faith, passion and love for education each day at their schools. We are so grateful for what they do for us each school year.

We received a thank you letter from Reading Hospital for help they received from the Football Team. It read in part: “We are deeply grateful to the Berks Catholic football team, who continue to volunteer their time and energy to help us set up this event year after year. These young men are consistently polite, hardworking and focused, and their support is truly invaluable…I was especially appreciative of the willingness to handle the heavy lifting – from moving tables to managing setup tasks with ease…These young men are well on their way to becoming kind, thoughtful gentlemen.” Well done, guys!

What's Happening

Thanksgiving Prayer

Father, we thank you for your abundant mercy and grace.

We honor you this day as we gather together full of gratitude.

We thank you for our food and the hands that prepared it.

We thank you for your bountiful provisions.

We ask that you equip and encourage us to serve others who are in need.

May we be good stewards of your creation and all our talents and blessings.

We proclaim glory and honor to you. In the name of Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Pope Leo’s Digital Address

Last Friday was a special day as the school community gathered in the auditorium to hear a special address and question and answer session with Pope Leo as he dialogued with the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) attendees in Indianapolis. The Pope shared a powerful message to the young people telling them that they are an important part of the Church. He said, “Your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now, and the Church needs you.” He went on to challenge the youth and told them to ask themselves: “What can I offer the Church for the future? How can I help others come to know Christ? How can I build peace and friendship around me?”

Advent Resources

The Catholic New Agency has shared five resources that Catholics can use this Advent to grow closer to Christ and navigate the Advent season. You can check it out here:

Advent 2025: 5 Catholic resources to help you grow closer to Christ | Catholic News Agency

National Honor Society (NHS) Toy Collection

The NHS has been collecting loose change and bills during the lunch periods to purchase new toys for Catholic Charities. Toys will be distributed to local families in Berks County in need of help this Christmas season. Additionally, if you would like to donate new toys, they can be brought in next week and dropped off in Mrs. Tona’s or Mr. Latchum’s classrooms.

Senior Stockings

All Seniors are asked to bring in a Christmas stocking to be hung on their lockers during December. There is a rumor that Santa will be here before Christmas to fill them.

Christmas Dance

The Christmas Dance takes place on Sunday, November 30th from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the gym. Please drop your Saint off at the auditorium doors in the back of school. No tickets will be sold at the door. Please pick up your Saint promptly at 9:30 p.m.

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!

Access Your STS Account

STS Customer Service

BCHS Tuition Office

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.

WWW.JOSTENS.COM

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

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.

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. The Berks Catholic Honors Choir will also perform. It is the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the holidays.

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.

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!!!

Scrip Gift Cards

Scrip gift cards make excellent Christmas gifts. Are you planning to purchase your favorite people gift cards for Christmas? Purchase them through school and earn money back for your tuition. Several hundred options are available for purchase. See the flyer for more details.

Santa with the Saints Sign Ups

BC By the Numbers

14: Saints who attended the diocesan Youth Rally last Saturday at Bethlehem Catholic.

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!

"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.

The Bible by the Numbers

When you are searching for God, check out Jeremiah 29:10-15.

Social Media

Did you see our post about our January Open House? 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 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.

Visit our Website