January 9, 2026 Volume 3 - Issue 20 |
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Dear Saint Families and Friends:
“In every disappointment, let your heart fly directly to your dear Savior. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.”
-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Greetings from Berks Catholic! Happy New Year! I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. As we return to school and work, and reality sinks in with chores and everyday responsibilities, as well Mid-Term Exams next week, it’s easy to lose our focus from the Christmas season and the great joy we just celebrated. Let us be mindful of this great feast, the joy that surrounds both Christmas and New Years, and the time we spent together with family and friends. As we experience a hardship or disappointment, which we will undoubtedly encounter, the Christ Child, our Savior, is still there for us to call upon. Whether it is a challenge at work, an illness, or studying for an exam, let us stay focused on Jesus and call upon him when we need him. As we begin this new year, I wish you a joy-filled and peaceful 2026. 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, 1/12
Mid Term Exams – Periods 1 & 6
11:00 a.m. Dismissal
Faculty Meeting
Tuesday, 1/13
Mid Term Exams – Periods 8 & 3
11:00 a.m. Dismissal
Teacher PD Session
Wednesday, 1/14
Mid Term Exams – Periods 2 & 5
11:00 a.m. Dismissal
Teacher PD Session
Thursday, 1/15
Mid Term Exams – Periods 7 & 4
11:00 a.m. Dismissal
Make-up Exams after school
Friday, 1/16
End of the 2nd Quarter
Dress Down Day to support the local food pantries ($3)
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For Pope Leo’s January prayer intention – For prayer with the Word of God.
For all people to have the freedom to worship God without any punishment or repercussions.
| | Congratulations........... | | | | |
Congratulations
to
Freshman
Cecilia
Pollock
who was named
Saint of the Week.
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Berks Catholic High School Honors Choir
Congratulations to Mrs. Bobb and the Saints Honor Choir for their wonderful Christmas performance with the Band at the annual Christmas concert as well as their moving Vespers Service prior to Christmas. Click the link to hear a part of one of their Vespers musical selections.
| | Thank you to everyone who attended our beautiful Vespers Service at Sacred Heart Church. Thank you for supporting our Saints Honor Choir who work so diligently and sing so beautifully! | | | |
Congratulations to Sophomore Layden Acevedo and Freshman Kimberly Munoz who earned spots on the Puerto Rican Wrestling Team for the Pan-American Games in April and the World Championships in Azerbaijan in July. Good luck, Layden and Kimberly!
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Congratulations to the following students who won the Bad Dad Christmas Joke of the Day prior to Christmas Break: Ianthe Morales ’27, Anthony Hauser ’29, Wyatt Burkman ’28, Cassidy Okonski ’29 and Janellys Abreau ’29. Each student won a dress down pass.
Congratulations to our 12 School Days of Christmas gift give-away winners: Day 1 – Austin Acevedo ’29 and Mr. Sparks; Day 2 – Mikey Ward ’26 and Miss Giblin; Day 3 – Jamil Sanchez ’26 and Mrs. Rodriguez; Day 4 – Erika Espinol ’28 and Ms. Kounelis; Day 5 – Casey Changco ’27 and Mrs. Hearing; Day 6 – Parker Najarian ’29 and Mr. Kopp; Day 7 – Julie Baum ’27 and Mr. Kuhns; Day 8 – Alice Walton ’29 and Mr. Ford; Day 9 – Gordon Kim ’26 and Mrs. Eckenrode; Day 10 – Cailin Dempster ’26 and Mr. Sowers; Day 11 – Koy Koller ’28 and Mrs. C. Jones; and Day 12 – Brenesis Saez ’28 and Mrs. Mikucki. Each student winner won a Dunkin Donuts gift card and staff winners won a Christmas-themed decoration gift.
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Thank you to Student Body President Julian Rios and Vice President Adrian Polanco who represented Berks Catholic during the Christmas Break at the diocesan Jubilee Year of Hope Closing Mass at the Cathedral.
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New Year’s Reflection
As Christmas starts to fade, we are reminded of Jesus’ manifestation as the universal Savior to all nations. By their great faith, curiosity and adventurous spirit, the Magi journeyed to the secret of God’s incredible love for His people – His Son, Jesus. Through God’s light they recognize Jesus as King and God. In their joy, they offer personal gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And in return they went home transformed. We are all called to encounter Christ, receive His grace, share His light with the world and be transformed.
Diocesan 65th Anniversary Year
Bishop Schlert has announced plans for celebrating the diocese’s 65th Anniversary year starting on Wednesday, January 28th. The Bishop invites all in celebrating this milestone as a Jubilee Year of Grace. This sacred time will be a Eucharistic and Marian Year dedicated to giving thanks for the blessings we have received and imploring new graces for the future of our local Church, especially for vocations to the Priesthood and the Consecrated Religious Life. You can read more about the anniversary here:
Letter from Bishop Schlert Announcing the 65th Jubilee Anniversary Year of the Diocese of Allentown- AD Today
Saint Families Testimonials
As a Saints family, your story helps inspire future Saints. Please share why you chose Berks Catholic or what the BC experience has meant to your family. Testimonials may be used for admissions, marketing and school communications. Thank you for being part of the Berks Catholic family.
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Mid-Term Exams
Mid-Term Exams are next week. Please take the time to check in with your Saints and encourage them to study, be prepared for these important tests, get a good night’s sleep and have a good breakfast each morning. The Mid-Term Exam schedule is listed below. Homeroom will begin at 7:50 a.m. on Exam Days. Study time for exam #1 will begin immediately at 7:50 a.m. Study time for exam #2 will begin immediately at 9:30 a.m. It is extremely important that students arrive on time. Dismissal on Exam Days will be at 11:00 a.m. Buses have been notified. Any student who is sick and misses an exam should try and make up the missed exam during a time slot when they normally have lunch or a study hall/gym class. Any missed exams need to be rescheduled directly with the teacher. The exam schedule is as follows:
- Monday, January 12th - Exams for Periods 1 and 6
- Tuesday, January 13th - Exams for Periods 8 and 3
- Wednesday, January 14th - Exams for Periods 2 and 5
- Thursday, January 15th - Exams for Periods 7 and
News from the Tuition Office
The 2026-2027 Tuition & Financial Aid packet was mailed in late December. Check your postal mailbox for this important information!
The 2026–2027 Financial Aid Application is OPEN and accepting most recently completed tax documentation from the 2025 or 2024 tax years.
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.
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News from the Dean of Students Office – Cell Phone Usage
Next school year, Berks Catholic will implement the Yondr Program, which requires students to secure their cell phones in a Yondr pouch during the school day. Students will be unable to use their phones during the school day. Phones will be unlocked at the end of the school day before students leave campus. To help students and staff prepare for this transition, some teachers will pilot the use of Yondr pouches during Mid-Term Exams. This trial period will provide a valuable opportunity for staff and students to become familiar with the process and expectations ahead of full implementation next school year. During the course of the spring, more information will be shared with both students and families about this change to our cell phone policy. Parents and guardians will have an opportunity to attend a presentation about the Yondr Program. More information to come. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jones, Dean of Students, at djones@berkscatholic.org or 610-374-8361 ext. 227.
Make a Joyful Noise Competition
BC will once again participate in the diocesan “Make a Joyful Noise” (MAJN) competition. As you may recall from the past few years, MAJN asks each school to choose a song and make a lip sync spirit video of the song. It encourages each school to get the entire student body involved in the video. We are ready and excited to share our video during Catholic Schools Week. Like last year, supporters of each school will be able to vote for their favorite video by making a donation for the school’s video. Be on the lookout for more details and when you can vote, coming later this month.
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Saint on the Shelf
Our Saints had a fun time the weeks leading up to Christmas break looking for our “Saint on the Shelf,” BC’s version of Elf on a Shelf. Each day, students looked for our Saint and the first three groups to send a selfie with the Saint won a dress down pass. Thirty-eight different Saints won a dress down pass for finding the Saint on the Shelf.
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Partner School Night
All Future Saints from our partner schools are invited to Partner School Night on Thursday, January 29th during Catholic Schools Week. All Future Saints are welcome to join us at 6:00 p.m. for the boys’ basketball game against Muhlenberg High School. Come out, meet our staff and current Saints, cheer on the team and make new friends. There will be special surprises and giveaways during the evening. The evening coincides with our annual CSW Open House.
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Open House
SAVE THE DATE! Berks Catholic will host our annual Open House on Thursday, January 29th from 5:00-7:00 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.
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The Saints Locker has openings! Please contact Mrs. Cunningham at 610-220-1583 for more information. All diocesan volunteer clearances are required for anyone wishing to volunteer in the store.
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Yearbook Senior Ads
Attention Senior families:
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
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BC By the Numbers
3: Saints who are performing in the District 10 PMEA Chorus Concert this evening at BC. Congrats to Emily, Heaven and Maria!
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The Bible by the Numbers
When you are dealing with grief, check out Isaiah 41:10-12.
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Social Media
Did you see our post about our STEM 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.
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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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