February 16th, 2024

Our Lenten Journey Begins

Last Wednesday, marked by the solemn ritual of ashes, we entered the sacred season of Lent. More than just a calendar marking, Lent embarks us on a profound journey of introspection, repentance, and ultimately, spiritual renewal.

For forty days, mirroring Jesus' time in the wilderness, we are invited to peel back the layers of distraction and delve into the depths of our hearts. It's a time to surrender to quiet contemplation, to confront our shortcomings with grace, and to strengthen our connection with the divine.

Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving – these are not mere rituals but tools to cultivate humility, deepen compassion, and realign our priorities. Through self-denial, we become more sensitive to the needs of others, fostering a spirit of generosity and service.

This introspection isn't about punishment but about transformation. By confronting our shadows and embracing grace, we pave the way for a richer understanding of Easter's message. The joy of resurrection will resonate on a deeper level, a testament to the transformative power of faith and the hope for renewal that lies within us all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No School Monday

There will be no school on Monday in observance of President's Day. Please note that the Parents Club newsletter will be sent on Tuesday of next week instead of Monday.

Spring Theater Program Advertisements Available for Purchase

Our Spring show is just around the corner!

We will be performing You're A Good Man Charlie Brown from

FEBRUARY 29TH - MARCH 8TH AT CRES COMMUNITY CENTER.

We are looking for sponsors for this exciting show! Ads will be circulated to approximately 800 theater patrons.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS FEBRUARY 23

COLOR ADVERTISEMENT PRICES

$100 FOR THE BACK PAGE

$75 FOR A FULL PAGE

$50 FOR A HALF PAGE

$25 FOR A QUARTER OF A PAGE

SPONSORSHIP

$25 - $99 “ACTORS”

$100 - $249 “DIRECTORS” VIP TICKETS TO ALL PRODUCTIONS

$250 “PRODUCER’S” VIP TICKETS AND THEATER TC JACKET

BANNERS

2X3 FOR $200

3X4 FOR $250

4X8 FOR $400

*All banners will be hung on the Bellini Center fence until the Grand Opening of the building

PLEASE EMAIL THE UPLOADED GRAPHIC TO: JMAYHEW@TAMPACATHOLIC.ORG

Costa Rica Mandatory Meeting

There is a mandatory meeting for both students and parents next Wednesday, February 21st at 6:00 pm in the Learning Lab for those attending the Costa Rica Spring Break trip. Please bring your passport.

Feel free to email Ms. Garcia with any questions. 

Deadline Extended to Purchase Tickets

to the Cross & Shield Gala

It's not too late! We had such a great response last week for ticket purchases that we decided to extend our deadline through Friday, February 23rd so please take advantage of this incredible opportunity to be apart of our most exciting event of the year!

All parents, alumni and community members are invited to our Cross & Shield Gala event on Saturday, March 9th at Tampa Marriot Water Street from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Reminder: the deadline to have Parent Service hours completed is quickly approaching. All hours are due by April 8th. Complete your required hours and help support the Gala, it is a win-win!

Day of the Event: There are various opportunities listed in X2VOL to help with set up, during the event, and clean up. Some opportunities listed offer DOUBLE hours! 

Basket Assembly: The Committee is now meeting to assemble the baskets for the silent auction. If you are interested in lending your talents, please contact Jana Jenkins.

Donations: Donations of items for the silent auction are welcomed and can count towards your Parent Service Hours! Be sure to complete the Auction Donation Form and submit with any items you donate.

Requests: Please click on the button below for a list of requests from the Gala Committee. If you purchase any of the items below, please email Jana Jenkins to let her know.

Please contact: Tammy Berard or

Courtney Frisch for more information.

Important Exam and Graduation

Information for Seniors

ACT Prep Program

Click here to register. Please contact Mrs. Girgus with questions

Grants/Financial Aid

Grant/Aid

• The FACTs grant/aid application for the 2024-25 school year is now OPEN.
• Tampa Catholic tuition assistance awards must be reapplied for each year
• The committee is currently reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the budgeted amount is depleted. 
• Parish members may be considered for CSTAG (The Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Grant) also from the FACTS application, NEW for the 2024-2025 School Year, there will be an “early” decision round. Early Decision notifications will be made by March 15, 2024. 
• To qualify for this early decision for CSTAG, FACTS applications need to be submitted by February 1, 2024 in order for them to be reviewed by FACTS and an early decision to be made by March 15, 2024. 
• Final cutoff for CSTAG is April 30, 2024.
• Families will need to complete a renewal application for the 24/25 SY in order to remain on their State scholarship.The State of Florida has not released these details, please stay tuned.

For more information, please visit our website here.

Volunteer Spotlight

Below you will find opportunities with an urgent need to volunteers:

Saturday, March 9 -

Cross and Shield Gala

All volunteer positions are now posted in X2VOL. Secure your spot as a volunteer at one of our biggest social events of the season today!

Various Dates -

Spring Sports

Several home games have been posted and volunteers are needed to help support our athletes during our home games. Please review X2VOL for opportunities.

Please sign-up using your X2VOL parent account. Contact Missy Vivino with any questions regarding your X2VOL parent account.

THIS WEEK AT TC

TC Cheer Team Wins 3rd Place at Nationals

We're elated for our Cheerleading team as they were named 3rd in the Nation at Nationals last weekend in Orlando! Congratulations to these fantastic ladies.

PSAT Scholar Students

Gaizka Bryant, Luke Stoughton and Gregory Doyel pictured above are among the 17 Freshmen and Sophomore students that scored extremely high on their PSAT exam. The school will sponsor them to prepare to receive the National Merit Scholarship. 

Celebrating Mardi Gras

Students in Mrs. Armstrong's French classes celebrating Mardi Gras.

Crew Team Dominates Ergatta with 26 Metals

Congratulations to our crew team for bringing home 26 metals from the Power Up Ergatta in Orlando last weekend!

Senior SHAPE Breakfast for Freshmen Students

Our SHAPE senior's hosted breakfast for the Freshman class on Tuesday. They also made cards for our community members at a local the nursing home.

Special Speakers

Our Junior theology classes are currently exploring the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. To enrich their understanding of this vital doctrine, students had the privilege of learning from esteemed representatives of the Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg. We extend our sincere gratitude to Joe Pondolfino, Director of Pinellas Hope; Maggie Rogers P'24, Executive Director; and Eric Marrero, Director of Tampa Hope Homeless Shelter, for sharing their invaluable insights with us.

Our Speech and Introduction to Journalism class had the pleasure of delving into the art of public speaking through an engaging session led by Dave Osterberg P '26, who not only graces our screens as the esteemed local weatherman for Fox13 but also generously shared his insights with our students.

Be sure to keep up with all things Crusader!

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