The Cougar Connection

The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing the opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus

February 27, 2023

Dear Parents,

We are now in the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection and of turning our hearts to God. As we begin this Lenten journey toward a greater union with Christ, we aim to strengthen our faith through devoted prayer, fasting, and almsgiving practices.

Sincerely,

Bible Verse and Prayer Focus of the Month

Our Bible verse focus for the month of March is...

John 14:6; “Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Our prayer focus is The Apostle’s Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Amen

Education in Virtue

This year all Archdiocesan Schools will participate in the Education in Virtue program. This program focuses on the development of the whole person and equips our children to strive for holiness, which is where we will find true happiness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines virtue as “a habitual and firm disposition to do the good.” Virtues are essentially those habits of doing good that lead us to Christ. The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity. The Cardinal virtues are justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance. Flowing from these 7 core virtues are countless other virtues that help us to be in a relationship with God. Everyone is born with a capacity for virtue, but we need education and practice to become truly virtuous people.

Each week, we are focusing on a particular virtue as a school. Students have been learning the definition as well as what living the virtue looks and sounds like in our actions and words.

The Cardinal Virtue we are focusing on is Fortitude and the related virtues we will focus on the next two weeks are:

Magnificence (Week of February27)

Meaning

Doing great things for God

Ways to Cultivate

Ages 6 and up: Share and help others when you are good at something, and they are not.
Ages 10 and up: Be generous with your time and offer to help others.
Ages 12 and up: Use your talents for the good without complaining, be generous with your time.

Prayer

You have given me the gift of this day, the gift of this moment. Help me to use my time well. Give me the grace to do all for your greater glory.

Patience (Week of March 6)

Meaning

Bearing present difficulties calmly

Ways to Cultivate

Ages 6 and up: Wait your turn, do not get upset if things do not go your way.
Ages 10 and up: Be a good listener and don’t interrupt, wait your turn.
Ages 12 and up: Listen to others, wait for your turn, tolerate inconveniences and annoyances.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to wait without complaining, to see you and my neighbor, and to let your grace enter this moment so that I may not lose my patience.

Food Pantry Thursday

March 2nd

We will once again support the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Blessing in a Backpack Ministry on Thursday, March 2nd. Students who bring in an item for the food pantry on March 2nd may come out of uniform with their spirit shirt.

American Heart Association Kid’s Heart Challenge

Our students recently raised money for the American Heart Association by participating in the Jump Rope for Heart/Kids’ Heart Challenge. We are proud to share that Corpus Christi Catholic School students have raised over $9,000.00 for the American Heart Association!

Carpool

Thank you for adhering to our morning and afternoon carpool guidelines. Remember that we have staggered dismissal times in grades K-8th. If you come before your dismissal time, please refrain from getting in the carpool line until the correct dismissal time or when you are directed to do so by the teacher on duty.

K-2: 2:45pm

3-5: 2:50pm

6-8: 3:00pm

Dancing with the Stars

Out of Uniform

Students may come out of uniform on Tuesday, March 7th as a special fundraiser for McToolen Dancing with the Stars. The disco theme is optional.

Family Bingo

Fish Fry

Our annual Fish Fry is back starting this Friday, March 3rd! Doors open at 5:30pm. We hope to see you there!

We need volunteers to help before, during and after the Fish Fry each week. Sign up using the links below:

March 3rd: https://bit.ly/3kTK8SV

March 10th: https://bit.ly/3RgEuX8

March 17th: https://bit.ly/3DtQoY2

March 24th: https://bit.ly/3HHGFj5

March 31st: https://bit.ly/3Y479ke

Kentucky Derby

Tickets for Tution

Mrs. Pettway

Mrs. AnaMaria Pettway, our wonderful Spanish teacher, has taken a job outside of education and will no longer be with us. She has left some wonderful lesson plans for a substitute to follow while we currently look for a replacement.

End of 3rd Quarter

Next Friday, March 10th, will be the last day on roll for the third quarter. 3rd Quarter Report Cards will be posted in student portals by Friday, March 17th. The 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony will be held following mass on March 24th.

AR Out of Uniform for 3rd Quarter

Students in grades 3rd-8th who met their AR goal for 3rd quarter are allowed to come out of uniform on Monday, March 13th. Students in grades 3rd-8th who also met their percent correct goal are allowed to come out of uniform on Tuesday, March 14th. Students in grades K-2nd who met their AR goal will enjoy a popsicle treat.

IOWA Test

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be given from March 15th-March 24th. Please do not schedule appointments or other activities during those testing dates.

Cougar Character

We have had many students earn Cougar Character awards recently. Students earn “paw points” for showing good character and obeying virtues. Once a set number of paw points are earned, students receive a certificate along with a few other incentives.

Teacher Opening

Corpus Christi Catholic School is currently seeking an enthusiastic Spanish teacher. A valid Alabama teaching certification is preferred. Must demonstrate knowledge of the Spanish language and possess the ability to provide a Christian education environment using appropriate materials, resources, and best instructional practices. Applicants should have the ability to interact collaboratively with students, teachers, and administrators.

Please contact Mrs. Martin if you or someone you know is interested at kmartin@ccscatholic.com

Catholic Charities Envelopes

Thank you to those that have returned the student Catholic Charities envelopes. If you have not yet returned yours, please do so by Wednesday.

Summer Camp

Young Adult Group

with

Father Crow

All young adults ages 20 to 39 are invited to join us on the first Thursday of each month for 5:30pm Mass, followed by a talk given by Fr. Crow. Following a 30-minute talk, we'll enjoy drinks and appetizers in the atrium. This newly formed group is open to all young adults, married or single, who are seeking to deepen their faith. For more information, visit our website at this link: https://www.corpuschristiparish.com/young-adult-group

Parish Ministries

Mark your calendars for the Mysteries of the Rosary video series produced by 4PM Media and check out our other Lenten activities at www.corpuschristiparish.com/lent