Wednesday Memo

Diocese of Rockford

News, Dates, Reminders and Helpful Information for Diocese of Rockford School Leaders

January 10, 2024

Prayer to Grow with the Church Year - Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus,

I know that all human relations take time if they are to grow and deepen. This is also true of my relations with You, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which must grow over the course of my life. However, this growth is not automatic; time alone means nothing unless I add earnest efforts to it.

You have inspired Your Church to set aside special times when this growth can develop more intensely — the special seasons of the Church Year. If I fail to move toward You during these times, I waste precious opportunities and endanger my spiritual life. Help me to take them seriously and make a real attempt to use them well, so that I may grow into the person You want me to be.

Amen

What is Ordinary Time?

Ordinary Time is the season outside of the other major liturgical seasons. It runs immediately after the Christmas season until Lent and then resumes again after Easter season. Its focus is on the entirety of Christ's person and deeds.

Hispanic Community Outreach

The Catholic Education Office would like to offer help in connecting with your parish Hispanic community. If you do NOT have a bilingual school receptionist, we will provide you with a script in Spanish so that your Spanish-speaking families feel welcomed during their first contact with your office. Complete the digital form below and we will email your script to you.

We have also included a checklist (courtesy of the ACE Madrinas Model) for guidance on providing a school environment that is welcoming to Hispanic families. This is especially relevant with Catholic Schools Week and Community Open Houses just around the corner.

Welcome Checklist

Script Information Form

The Advantages of Budgeting Early

Tuition Tool

Reminder: Budgets Due January 12

Why are we budgeting early? Please read the attached information sheet prepared by Denise Dobrowolski (thanks, Denise!). She provides excellent information, graphics, marketing tips; all aligned to the National Standard and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools. Click the button at left to access the document.

Tuition Setting Tool for Budgeting

Thank you to all the business managers and school leaders for transitioning to our new (and earlier) budgeting process.

Here is a simple tuition/enrollment “what if” Excel worksheet instrument to use to forecast multiple enrollment scenarios. Instructions are embedded in the worksheet.

Note: The numbers in the worksheet are fictional and serve as examples only.

Handbook Reformatting/Updates Complete

The formatting edits and the addition of the 2023 updates to the "Handbook of Policies and Procedures & Administrative Guide" have been completed. Click the link to access the current Handbook that replaces all previous versions. The Handbook has also been loaded onto the CEO web site in the password-protected area for school leaders.

Policy Handbook 2024

Reminders from Renee

Wellness Screenings

The Diocese of Rockford Health Insurance Trust is once again offering a Wellness Screening for covered Diocesan employees at no charge. Advance registration is required, and registration begins January 15, 2024. The last day to register is February 19, 2024.

FACTS sign-up for ACH Debit Payments

FACTS is currently offering ACH Debit. Please do not sign-up for it at this time.

IIKA Assessments

Schools that received scholarships through the IIKA for the 2023-2024 school year must give their scholarship students the appropriate test this spring per state law.

Catholic Schools Week - What Are Your Plans?

Let us know if you are planning a school-wide service project during Catholic Schools Week. We would love to film your students to include in this year's Pastoral Service Appeal video. The 2024 PSA theme is "Be Joyful Disciples."

Email Claudia Broman to share your plans.

Sadlier Teaching Resources - Making Ordinary Time Extraordinary

Though the word ordinary can connote something commonplace or dull, Ordinary Time is far from mundane! In this ebook, you'll discover how to make Ordinary Time an extraordinary experience for Catholic kids. Plus, all of the printable Ordinary Time resources featured in this article are available in English and Spanish. The book also includes a student-led prayer service appropriate for all grade-levels, including high school. Another idea: have your students present the payer service in Spanish class. This is an excellent cross-curricular approach to religion and Spanish academic content.

e-book

ebook in Spanish

Leadership Retreat 2024 - Save the Date

Register now by clicking the link below to take advantage of early registration pricing. More detailed information to come in the weeks ahead. We are thrilled with the day we have planned for you!