December 5, 2025 Volume 3 - Issue 17

Monday, 12/8

School Mass (9:00 a.m.)

12 Days of Christmas gift give-away begins

MAJN Video Prep - Rescheduled

Faculty Meeting

Tuesday, 12/9

Hold Drill

Wednesday, 12/10

Quiz Bowl Competition

MAJN Video Shoot - Rescheduled

Thursday, 12/11

Partner School Christmas Movie Night (5:30 p.m.)

Friday, 12/12

Special Schedule

11:00 a.m. Dismissal

Senior Christmas Activities

Staff Christmas Lunch

Saturday, 12/13
Santa w/ the Saints (9-10:30 am)

For Pope Leo’s December prayer intention: For Christians in areas of conflict that they might know peace, reconciliation and hope in the future.

For those who are pregnant, engaged or preparing for a life change that they may patiently await God’s blessings.

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

Congratulations

to

Junior

Kathryn

Konopelski

who was named

Saint of the Week.

Congratulations to the defending BC eSports State Champs, Gold Team, who won both playoff matches this week in the State eSports Competition to move on to the Final 4. Good luck as you defend your title!

We received a note of thanks from St. Peter’s Church regarding a donation we made for World Kindness Day. It reads in part: “We received the check from the Berks Catholic students from World Kindness Day. We are most grateful. We will apply half to St Peter’s Parish and half to Kennedy House (food pantry). Also, thank you for the other items you sent to us.”  

Thank you to anyone who assisted in any way with the annual Christmas Dance. Our Saints had a wonderful time dancing the night away!

Special thanks to the Cirandine families, Russo’s Market, Anewalt’s Landscaping, John Paul II Special Learning and St. Nick for their generous contributions to help make our Christmas Dance a spectacular event!

What's Happening

Bilingual School Mass - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Our next school Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be Monday, December 8th at 9:00 a.m. in the Franco-Post Auditorium. In honor of the upcoming Feasts of Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe, this Mass will be bilingual, with readings, hymns, and various prayers of the Mass in both English and Spanish. 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 to the auditorium.

Advent Resources

The Diocese of Allentown has shared many different ways to observe Advent and prepare for Christmas. You can read it here: Many Ways to Observe Advent and Prepare for Christmas- AD Today

Week One of Advent: Hope

In Advent, hope reminds us that God is with us and has promised a future filled with his presence and peace. Lighting the first Advent candle of Hope serves as a reminder of the light that Jesus brings to a world in darkness. Embracing the theme of Hope calls us to pray, reflect and align our hearts with God’s promises, looking forward to the joy of Christ’s arrival at Christmas and his return at the end of time. 

Open House

SAVE THE DATE! Berks Catholic will host our annual Open House on Wednesday, January 28th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Our Open House is a terrific opportunity to see our school in action. You can hear from current Saints, tour the campus, learn about clubs, activities and sports, and meet with faculty and administrators. Please share this information with anyone you know who has middle school students. Did you know if you refer a public or home school student to BC and they enroll you can receive a tuition credit? For more details, contact Nicky Smith, Director of Admissions, at nsmith@berkscatholic.org.

Effects of Smartphones on Students

Children who own smartphones by age 12 are at higher risk of lack of sleep, obesity and depression, a new study published Monday finds. Check out the study here: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/kids-smartphones-age-12-higher-risk-depression-obesity/story?id=127998537.

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.

Diocesan Teacher Convention – Inspire ‘25

Recently, Berks Catholic had the honor of hosting all the teachers and administrators of the diocese for Inspire ’25, the Diocesan Teacher Convention. Over 600 people joined us on that day to hear talks, have Mass with Bishop Schlert and to network with educational professionals. You can read more about it here: Exploring Intersection of Faith and Technology at Inspire ’25 Teacher Convention- AD Today

News from the Tuition Office

To ensure a smooth school year for all families, please be mindful in keeping your tuition and fee payments current according to your payment plan agreement. We understand that circumstances can sometimes cause delays with payments. Communication is key! If you are experiencing challenges or have questions about your account status, payment schedule, or available payment options, please reach out directly to the Tuition Office.

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.

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.

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.

BC By the Numbers

148: Saints who attended the annual Christmas Dance

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 seeking patience this Advent season, check out Colossians 3: 11-14.