Friday, December 5, 2025

In This Issue

· Diocese Installs Bishop

· Hope: An Advent Reflection

· This Week at AHN

· Divine Mercy Prayer Group

· Gift Wrapping Event

· Giving Tuesday Thank You

· Panther Updates

· "Anastasia" Auditions

· "Handel's Messiah" Tickets

· Save the Date: Winter Concert

· Lighting of the Bell Tower

· Alumnae Holiday Events RSVP

· Class Ambassadors Wanted

· Yearbooks Now on Sale

· Join our Team: Positions Available

· School Calendar

Albany Diocese Installs O'Connell as Bishop

Pope Leo XIV Named O'Connell Bishop in October

Bishop Mark W. O’Connell was installed as the 11th Bishop of Albany Friday afternoon at St. Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park. He succeeds Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, who has been Bishop of Albany since 2014.

The event was attended by Dr. Kilbridge, and seniors Mary Burke, Ella Mastriano, and Shaya Gerber.

Hope: An Advent Reflection

By Dr. Martin Kilbridge

Dear Students,

So much of what we see and hear in the world right now is clouded with negativity and division, and it can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember: this isn’t the whole story, and it doesn’t have to be yours. The world is also full of goodness, generosity, and hope. YOU are part of that hope.

Click Here to Read Dr. Kilbridge's Full Reflection

This Week at AHN

Advent Liturgy

Students returned from Thanksgiving break to kick off the start of Advent.

The candle of hope was lit during a prayer service Monday morning. We pray this week to slow down, listen to God’s voice, and focus on what’s really important.

Chapter and Verse

μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί, ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ θεοῦ κληθήσονται

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Students in Mr. Allen’s Theology classes tried their hands at writing New Testament passages on papyrus (handmade from Egypt) as they were originally written — in Ancient Greek!

Annual Window Sketching/Painting

From Santa Claus and Penny the Panther to the Nativity scene, students' artistic talents are once again on full display as the annual Christmas window sketching and painting took place in the Commons.

Each high school class will be judged based on their design, teamwork, setup and cleanup.

"Antigone" Debut at Campus Arts Center

The Campus Arts Center is the place to be this weekend!

Tickets will be available at the door.

In the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes chat with Co-Director Miss Reagan and Addison (featuring a guest appearance from Elly). 🎥 = Lauren

Feast of St. Nicholas

On Friday, grade six was among those at AHN celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas.

In France and other European countries, this day is marked by festive parades and the giving of sweets to those who have been good. In France, it is the tradition for children to leave their shoes out in front of the fireplace for Saint Nicholas to fill them with candy.

The French Club would like to thank all of Saint Nick’s helpers for coloring and cutting out the wooden clogs, as well as distributing candy to students as they arrived in the morning.

Let it Snow!

In Mr. Johnson's Geometry classes on Friday, in line with the frigid temperatures outside, students were able to cut out paper snowflakes as examples of symmetry!

Together in Prayer

Interested in an afternoon of faith and fellowship?

Start off Advent right with our Divine Mercy Prayer Group! The group is meeting via Zoom this coming Wednesday, December 10. Just scan the QR code for the link. All are welcome!

Gift Wrapping Help Wanted

Seniors Kayla and Mia will be holding a gift wrapping event for the gifts collected for the children at St. Catherine's Center for Children. Come one, come all!

Thank You!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have achieved Step 1 of our Gym Renovation Plan and raised more than $35,000 to restore and refinish the gym floor!

We’re officially on our way toward reaching our full goal of $75,000 to complete all four steps of this project. Your support is helping us create a brighter, more inspiring gym for our students today—and for generations of young women to come.

Thank you for showing up with such spirit, pride, and purpose.

More to come as we work together to make a total gym transformation a reality! Follow the link if you haven’t yet made a gift and want to contribute towards step 2.

Help us Renovate the Gym

Panthers Updates

Varsity Basketball Notches First Win of Season

Congratulations to AHN's varsity basketball squad which won its first game of the season in a non-league matchup versus Saint John the Baptist, 66-33.

The Panthers were led by Maggie Volmer’s 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Julia Viglucci and Jeniyah Wood added 10 points apiece.

The team is back in action tonight against Lansinburgh.

Click Here for the Complete Athletics Schedule

"Anastasia" Auditions

"Handel's Messiah" Tickets

The Octavo Singers of Schenectady present Handel’s Messiah at Union College's Memorial Chapel, Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m., conducted by AHN Music Department Chair Andrew Burger.

Dramatic and inspiring year after year, this treasured tradition is not to be missed!

Lighting the Bell Tower

Lighting of the Bell Tower

On Thursday, December 11, we will hold the Lighting of the Bell Tower following the Christmas Concert (which begins at 7:00 p.m.).

There will be a brief opening prayer, followed by reading aloud the list of dedications, and concluding with a Christmas song performed by our AHN Choral Ensemble.

Click Here to Register to Attend or to Make a Gift

Celebrate the Season. Honor a Loved One. Share the Light.

Each year, the lighting of the Holy Names’ Bell Tower marks the beginning of the Christmas season on campus — a cherished tradition that fills our community with warmth, reflection, and hope.

The Bell Tower, shining brightly through the winter nights, is more than a beautiful symbol. It represents all the goodness, faith, and light our community brings into the world — and each light tells a story.

Be Part of the Tradition

This season, you are invited to sponsor a light on the bell tower in honor or in memory of someone special — a loved one, classmate, teacher, or friend whose light continues to shine.

Your tribute helps illuminate our campus and supports Holy Names’ mission to nurture faith, community, and compassion in every student.

Each dedication will be recognized in our Bell Tower Tribute Listing and during our annual Lighting Ceremony, as we come together to celebrate the true spirit of the season.

Click Here to RSVP

For more alumnae news and updates, follow our series "Connecting with Katie Ann" with Director of Alumnae Engagement Katie Ann McDermott '98. Click the image to visit her page.

AHN Connect is our online Community and Alumnae Association.

The networking platform is a place to connect with AHN alumnae, students, families, and friends. If you're an alumnae-owned business, you can also join our directory. Click the image to sign-up today!

Yearbooks Now on Sale

Attention: High School families! We’re excited to announce a special one-week-only yearbook ordering window, running next week, December 8–12!

After December 12, we’ll be submitting our final count to the publisher, and we won’t be able to request any additional copies, so this is your last chance to order a yearbook.

If your daughter didn’t purchase her yearbook earlier this fall, now is the perfect time. Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to guarantee her a copy of Profile 2026!

Join our Team

We're hiring!

AHN has openings for substitute teachers, as well as a part-time Maintenance Technician. Interested in applying? Follow the link to visit our employment page.

AHN Employment Page

School Calendar