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THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL PLAYBOOK | | We feel strongly that all of our parents watch this video. It delivers a clear, practical roadmap showing how authentic Catholic liberal arts education can elevate schools, equipping children with timeless wisdom, deep formation, and a love for truth, goodness, and beauty amid today's cultural and academic challenges. The Catholic School Playbook: viewers witness the dramatic turnaround of St. Jerome Academy, a Catholic parish school in Hyattsville, Maryland. In 2010 the school boldly shifted from a conventional model to a classical liberal arts curriculum fully rooted in Catholic tradition—centering Christ as the Logos in every subject, with rich historical studies, memorization of great texts and speeches, daily prayer, Mass, Eucharistic adoration, classic hymns, and minimal reliance on technology—creating joyful, wonder-filled classrooms where faith, intellect, virtue, and culture integrate seamlessly rather than competing with secular approaches. | | | | |
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Dear Saint Mary School Families,
Grace and peace to you in this holy season of Lent.
Forty days now lie before ust Some may think Lent is only for grown-ups, but nothing could be further from the truth. The little saints in our care are precisely those for whom these days bear the sweetest fruit.
Even the youngest child can walk the royal road of the Cross. A simple “no” to a favorite treat, an extra decade of the Rosary, or a hidden act of kindness offered to Jesus is already the stuff of sanctity. In our classical Catholic tradition we form mind and heart together; the same discipline that teaches Latin declensions teaches self-mastery for love of Christ.
Therefore I earnestly ask every family: choose one shared sacrifice, one special prayer, one small work of mercy. Offer it together at the foot of your home crucifix. When the little ones stumble, lift them up with gentle love—the saints were not those who never fell, but those who rose again with greater love.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family, watch over every home and classroom this Lent.
Jeff Johnson, Th.M, Ed.S
Head of School
St. Mary School
732-671-0129
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Mon., Feb. 23 Postponed to March 16th Cup Cake Wars
Wed., Feb 25. 12:05 pm Dismissal, Staff Professional Learning
Fri., Feb. 27 Trimester #2 Ends
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Head of School Open Discussion
An open invitation to all parents to attend any or all of the dates below, in the Cafeteria.
3/11/26, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
4/15/26, 8:30AM – 9:30AM
5/13/26, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PASTOR | | |
Dear Parents of Saint Mary School,
As we enter the holy season of Lent, many people immediately think about “giving something up.” While sacrifice is certainly part of Lent, it is only the beginning. Lent is not meant to be merely a season of subtraction, but a season of transformation. A family can experience a great Lent by choosing to draw closer to Jesus together through daily prayer as a family, attending Mass with greater intention, reading the Sunday Gospel at the dinner table, practicing acts of kindness in the home, and making space for silence in a world filled with noise. When children see their parents pray, forgive, serve, and trust God, Lent becomes something living and beautiful.
I encourage each of our Saint Mary families to think not only about what you will give up, but what you will take on. Perhaps it is a weekly family Holy Hour at the Shrine, praying the Stations of the Cross on Fridays, offering sacrifices for someone in need, or beginning each morning with a simple family prayer. Lent is a time to grow in love, love for God and love for one another. If we live it intentionally, Easter joy will not simply arrive on the calendar; it will be planted deeply in our hearts and in the heart of your home.
With prayers for each of your families,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor
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Life is interesting, isn’t it? In the not-too-distant past the common culture and that of Christianity were not far apart. Our culture was considered Judeo-Christian with its values based on the ten commandments and the teachings of Jesus. Today, common culture and Catholic culture could not be further apart. Common culture is all about “me first” and Catholic Christian culture is about “God first.” They are not the same.
We live in a time marked by the new evangelization as it is a time not unlike that of the early church. Many Catholic schools realize this and have already reordered themselves for this mission. Where this has happened, parishes are thriving and are filled with young, involved families. Saint Mary School is one of those who are part of the new evangelization by its transformation into a Catholic Classical school. Classical only means the best, and we form our students using modern tools and timeless methods. Over the next few weeks we will look at how this is done. Stay tuned...
Pat Mullen
Vice Principal
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NEW DATE ANNOUNCED: MARCH 16. We are ready for a bake-off with our Annual Cup Cake Wars. This year we included a special contest for Tiny Tots through Kindergarten. | | | | FOR TINY TOTS – KINDERGARTEN | | | | |
ONE BIRTHDAY GRAM = ONE GIANT SMILE
We are thrilled to share some delightful news from the Saint Mary PTA: our beloved Birthday Grams are now available! This is a wonderful opportunity to send a fun and thoughtful surprise that will surely brighten your child’s special day and make them feel cherished within our nurturing school community. Participating is a breeze—simply click on the linked Google Form to schedule your Birthday Gram today! We are committed to fostering joy and connection among our families, and your involvement makes all the difference. Thank you for your unwavering support as we celebrate each child's unique journey with love and encouragement!
| | • Wed. February 25 • Wed., March 25 • Wed., April 22 • Wed., May 27 | | | | |
SPIRIT WEAR IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Show off your school pride with our latest Spirit Wear collection! Hoodies, crewnecks, and accessories are now on sale. Don’t miss your chance to gear up and represent SMS in style.
Order yours today! Use the link below.
| | SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL IS HEADED TO ICE CREAM WARS! | | |
Join us for a sweet night out while supporting our PTA!
15% of all sales during that time will be donated back to our PTA!
Families are teaming up for the title of Top Fundraising School — and the winning school receives:
The chance to create a custom school flavor
An ice cream party for the whole school
Ultimate bragging rights!
PLUS — two “celebrity” Saint Mary School scoopers will be behind the counter serving up your favorite flavors!
Let’s pack the place, show our school spirit, and make it a night full of fun, community, and LOTS of ice cream!
Let’s win this, Saints!!!
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This Lent, we warmly invite all families to come together in the spirit of community at the Bulman Center every Friday. Join us for an enriching evening filled with heartfelt prayer, delicious soup, and the cherished fellowship that embodies the essence of Saint Mary School. As we gather during this sacred season, let us embrace the values of togetherness and spiritual growth, nurturing our connections not only with one another but also with our faith. There is a unique joy that arises from sharing a meal and lifting our voices in prayer, reminding us of the beauty of communal worship. So, let’s come together to deepen our faith and strengthen our bonds your presence will surely add to the warmth of this gathering. We can't wait to see you there! | | | | | |
SAINT MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH | | |
Become a Member of Saint Mary Parish!
We warmly invite you to register as a member of Saint Mary, Mother of God Church. There are so many blessings and benefits to becoming an official part of our church community, including:
- A deeper sense of belonging and spiritual support
- Access to parish events, ministries and sacraments
- Opportunities to serve and grow in faith
- Staying informed through parish communications
Join us as we grow together in faith, fellowship, and service. We look forward to welcoming you! If you have any questions please call 732-671-0071
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