“This little light of mine. I’m gonna LET it shine.”

As I sat in church the other day, this familiar song filled the air. We sing it often at our weekly Mass, but have you ever really listened to the words?

There’s a powerful message hidden within—one that revolves around the word let. To let something happen is to allow it, to give it permission to be. That means, in order to let our light shine, we must already possess it.

Think about that for a moment. The light we sing about isn’t something we need to search for, earn, or prove ourselves worthy of. It isn’t given as a reward for hard work or good behavior. It is already within us—always has been.

This song is an invitation, a gentle reminder that we are meant to share the light we already carry. When our children sing these words, they aren’t asking for light; they are declaring its presence, acknowledging the beauty that exists inside them.

As parents, mentors, and teachers, our role is not to create the light in our children—it is already there. Our job is to nurture it, to fan the flame so it burns brightly, and to encourage them to share it with the world.



So the next time we sing this song, may we do so with the full knowledge that the light is there. It always has been. And when we let it shine, we allow the world to be warmed, brightened, and transformed by the glow of something truly divine.

Doctor of Souls

Dear St. Hedwig Family:

Now and then people will slip and call me, “Doctor Tran.” We will both laugh and then either I or the other person will say that in a way, I am a doctor of souls. Just as a physician care for the body and a therapist care for the mind, I care for the soul. I have also studied and received training and experience in my area of specialty. Everyone believes in taking care of the body and the mind but not necessarily the soul. But the truth is that the body will weaken, and decay and the mind will fail but the soul lives on forever. Jesus performed physical and mental healing but mostly he is the Divine Physician who forgives sins and restores our relationship with God. As a pastor, my primary duty is the care of souls. I care about your spiritual life and your relationship with God now and in the life to come.

When I look around, I see people trying to eat well, exercise, and look good. People also strive to excel in their careers and have nice homes and cars. They want to make a good impression and be accepted, liked and admired by others. But many do not pay attention to their soul and their relationship with God. Parents will go to great lengths to care for the physical and mental wellbeing of their children but neglect the spiritual. Children are involved in all kinds of activities but do not come to Sunday Mass. They know a lot of worldly things but little or nothing about God. In our culture, there is an overemphasis on the physical and exterior to the detriment of the spiritual.

Jesus did not focus on appearance and status but rather the wellbeing of the soul and our closeness to God. Awhile back I took a picture of my clothes hanging in my closet and posted it on social media with the caption, “Decisions decisions . . .” All my shirts and pants were black. Besides some colorful socks, I don’t need to decide what I am going to wear each day. By focusing less on my outer appearance, I can focus more on my interior. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel good physically and mentally, we should also care for ourselves spiritually.

Here is what I would suggest for a healthy spiritual life: First is to go to Mass weekly. For Catholics this is an obligation and not an option. It is only one hour a week, and the benefit far outweighs any inconvenience. God has given us 168 hours a week and asks for only one hour in return. Because the benefits are “invisible,” like our soul and our relationship with God, we tend to see Mass more as a burden than a gift. I also recommend daily Mass for those who are serious about their spiritual life. Next is to go to Confession regularly. I usually recommend once every month. Confession keeps our souls clean and help us to grow closer to God. Lastly, we should pray daily – in the morning, at meals and at night. We can pray from our heart. Talk to God like you would a friend. Share with him your troubles, worries, and desires. We can also pray the Rosary, read Scriptures or be with Jesus in Adoration. Remember that we are body, mind and spirit and everything is connected.

With much love and care,

Fr. Quan Tran

Students should arrive in time to purchase their lunch ticket. If possible, please send children with $1 or $5 dollar bills to purchase their lunch ticket. 

Early Bird Pricing Ends Feb. 23

Admission tickets are available at the early bird price of $175 each through Sunday, Feb. 23. Be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Support the Auction as a Sponsor

Becoming an auction sponsor is one of several ways to support St. Hedwig School. With four sponsorship levels available, SHS families, friends, and local business can enhance the education and growth of our student body.

Yuppie Sponsorship ($400): Includes social media recognition, recognition in the auction program, and a sponsor sign on the SHS fence.

Elite Sponsorship ($800): Everything in the Yuppie Sponsorship PLUS recognition on the digital marquee along Los Alamitos Blvd. and on event website, and a ½ page ad in the auction program.

Legacy Sponsorship ($2,000): Everything in the Elite Sponsorship – including recognition on the digital marquee along Los Alamitos Blvd. and a full-page ad in the auction program (instead of ½ page).

Socialite Sponsorship ($5,000): Everything in the Legacy Sponsorship – including recognition on the digital marquee along Los Alamitos Blvd. and a full-page ad in the auction program, PLUS one (1) Wall of Life tile.

To purchase admission tickets, tables, and sponsorships, click here:

Class Auction Baskets and Buy-in Parties

Class baskets and hosted buy-in parties are another great way to support the auction and SHS. Class baskets are themed baskets (e.g., BBQ Champ, Angels MVP Experience, and 12 Months of Dining) provided by classrooms and which are up for bid during our silent auction. Buy-in parties are events hosted by class parents and which encourage a greater sense of community among our SHS families. Last year’s events included both friendly and competitive pickleball gatherings and progressive dinners throughout West Garden Grove and Rossmoor.

This year, each grade will either be hosting one (1) buy-in party or donating two (class) baskets for the silent auction. Keep an eye out for communications from class parents for details.

We are excited to announce that we are now offering Girls Flag Football! Be sure to check the tryout details and join us for this exciting new opportunity.

Calling all Jog A Thon sponsors! 

If you purchased a sign for Jog A Thon, it will be available for pickup on Thursday, February 20th at school pickup (between 2:30-3pm) by the Garage. 

Thank you for all your support, 

Your Jog A Thon Committee

Thank you for your patience during the rainy day at pick-up and drop-off! We appreciate your cooperation in keeping things running smoothly.



A big thank you to our morning traffic team for their dedication and hard work in all kinds of weather. We’re grateful for you!

Monday 2/24:

Tuesday 2/25:

Wednesday 2/26: Mass 10:30 a.m.



Thursday 2/27:

Friday 2/28:



Save the dates for SHS Annual Lip Sync Show

Mandatory dates:

Dress rehearsal May 1st, 3-5 pm

Show May 8th 6pm in Quinn Hall

More information to come!

Honor your child's special day by gifting a $25 donation to the library! Your child will get to pick out a shiny new book to cozy up on the shelves during their special month. How fun is that?

Click the image to learn more.

SCHOOL CODE: GO-CELTICS-2024-2025-25

Note: When submitting photos for the yearbook, kindly make sure to tag each image using the dropdown options available for different grade levels and events. Thank you!

Click the link to view photos from our fun events and activities throughout the school year!

Never make lunch again. Or at least take a break. Choice Lunch can be ordered Monday-Thursday but you do need to place your order in advance.

Take full control of ordering lunch and choose an entrée, snacks, drinks, and fruits/veggies to customize your child's order.  An individually packaged lunch, labeled for your child, will arrive at school with everything you ordered. 

Thank you for choosing to volunteer. 

As part of our ministry to ensure the safety of our students, all volunteers are required to be fingerprinted and to complete the Safe Environment training every three years. Volunteers are also required to read our Policy Against Sexual Misconduct Book. Please print, sign and return pages 1 and 11 to Diane Sabol. Once you have completed all requirements, you will be sent an email from Mrs. Sabol to let you know that you are clear to volunteer and may sign up for Track it Forward to begin logging your volunteer hours. 

Here are the links for more information and Track it Forward.

Parents please make sure to continue inputting your hours into Track It Forward. Hours are due by May 1st. 

CLICK FOR THE MOST UPDATED CALENDAR