It has been an inspiring week at St. Barnabas!  

Culture Club kicked off the week with a moving all-school Black History Month Assembly. We are so proud of their leadership and for helping us learn more about all the incredible people in our world who have made a difference. On Tuesday, our 8th-grade students had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Birmingham in preparation for their upcoming Confirmation. It was a time to connect and relate as our students continue their faith journey. Today is all about celebrating the life of Pat Mac. It is a day of joy and inspiration, and our hearts are full from the dedication, warmth, and generosity of our Buckeyes. Sunday, we plunge! The Parker’s Party team has nearly 75 registered participants, and we can’t wait to honor Parker and the Special Olympics. There is still time to join in, see details below. Thank you St. Barnabas, we wish you all a joy-filled weekend.  ~ Mr. Stack and Ms. Sadowski

PAT MAC’S PACK PARTY

Tonight at 7pm, join Pat Mac’s Pack for their annual St. Patrick's Day Party in the Gym. Purchase tickets at the door; ages 21 and over are welcome. Details can be found HERE.

PARKER’S PARTY

Parker’s Party plunges into Lake Michigan this Sunday to support Special Olympics and 7th-grade student Parker Baudo. There is still time to register HERE; all ages are welcome. If you cannot plunge, you can still support this meaningful cause by contributing to the St. Barnabas “Parker’s Party “ team HERE. Questions, please connect with Ms. Sadowski at [email protected].

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Several boys' basketball teams are continuing through the playoff series. Good luck to all the teams playing this weekend!

TRIMESTER 2 ENDS NEXT WEEK

The trimester ends on Thursday, March 9 and report cards will be sent home on Friday, March 17. We urge all parents/guardians to check PowerSchool with your child this weekend, so you have an understanding of their current grade status. Please contact the teacher with questions or concerns about inconsistencies or incomplete work. Due to recent staff transitions, we recognize that many of the grades in Specials classes are not up to date. In the week ahead, Administration will review and update PowerSchool.   

ARCHDIOCESE PARENT SURVEY

Each year, the Archdiocese of Chicago conducts a survey that measures school climate and culture. It takes just a few minutes to complete, and we ask all parents/guardians to take the survey by Friday, March 17. We value all insights, please share thoughts on areas of strength for St. Barnabas and areas of growth. Click HERE to complete the survey.

WINTER BAND CONCERT

This Monday, March 6, at 7pm, the band students will participate in a Winter Concert at St. Francis Xavier School in LaGrange. The school band, open to all students in grades 4-8, meets each Thursday to rehearse under the direction of band leader Mr. Phil Enns. Good luck to all our talented and dedicated musicians.  

The school band also has the opportunity to attend a music clinic and perform with the Notre Dame Jazz Band. The combined performance is Friday, March 31, at the Gym. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the concert begins at 7pm. All families are invited to see the Fighting Irish and Buckeyes!

FIRST COMMUNION PICTURES

First Communion pictures will take place next Wednesday, March 8, from 5pm - 7pm in the Church Hall. You do not need to attend the entire time, photo taking is fairly brief, please allow for approximately 20- 30 minutes of time. Communion photos purchase is optional, but to appear in the class composite, communicants need to be photographed. Payment is not required on the evening of the portraits. Proofs will be sent home within a few weeks, along with package pricing and ordering information. Orders are due by March 30, 2023. Questions - please contact Mrs. Sue Connolly at [email protected]. 

BLACK HISTORY ART CONTEST

Each year, 5th-grade students can opt to participate in a drawing contest for Black History Month. Under the guidance of art teacher Mrs. Bachler, students complete a drawing of an inspirational person. This year our winners are 1st place Erin Miles, 2nd place Nathan Maclay-Ryan, and 3rd place Danny Deenihan. Congratulations to the artists; we hope they enjoy their new set of specialty art supplies!

GET BEHIND THE VEST

Thank you to all the generous families who contributed to our Get Behind the Vest Dress Down. This year we raised $1,500 and have contributed over $10,000 to the Get Behind the Vest Program since our support began.

SPRING SPORTS

Register for spring sports on REGISTRATION BUZZ.

• Spring Soccer, grades K-8 - late March through early May; expect one weekly game (various days of the week and locations) and one-two practices per week.
• Junior Basketball, grades K-3 - late March through early May on Sunday afternoons in the school gym. 
• 8th Grade Golf - late March through late May; practice at The Meadows in Blue Island on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The complete schedule can be found on Registration Buzz.

SPIRIT DAY

Student Spirit Day is Friday, May 26. The FSA needs a few more volunteers for the Spirit Day Committee to help plan games and events for students. The committee role includes 3-5 meetings this spring, a walk-through of the Spirit Day course, and purchases (and reimbursed) event supplies. Volunteers are also needed on event day to help with the stations. Details and volunteer signup can be found on MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT.  

BOOK FAIR

The FSA is hosting the Scholastic Student Book Fair on Wednesday, March 22, and Thursday, March 23. All students can browse and shop at the Book Fair with their class.  Details will be shared next week on book purchasing and volunteer opportunities.

PARADE WEEKEND

All are encouraged to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with St. Barnabas School & Parish. 4pm Mass & Reception on Saturday and Parade festivities on Sunday - join in the cheer!

Parade Details -

• FLOAT - We are #18; look for the red & white float. 
• MEET - Gather on 103rd Street in front of Beverly Bank.
• TIME - Arrive NO LATER than 11:30am. 
• RSVP - If you plan to join, please RSVP to Lauren Doig at 708-601-1104 or [email protected]. This is important, so we know how many people to expect.
• DAY OF QUESTIONS - text Lauren at 708-601-1104.
• SIGNS - Please make signs to carry and show our school and parish some love!
• ALCOHOL PROHIBITED - There is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the parade route.
• CANDY - Nothing can be thrown from the float or by parade marchers. Please do not bring candy to toss. 
• ENDPOINT - The parade concludes at 115th & Western; we anticipate arriving between 1:15-1:30 for those who wish to coordinate a ride home.

NEIGHBORHOOD STATIONS OF THE CROSS

For a unique experience of the Stations of the Cross, gather the kids and take a journey through the neighborhood. Stations are posted in the front yards of 14 St. Barnabas area locations. All are encouraged to walk and pray anytime during Lenten Season. CLICK for written and narrated audio prayers for each station and enjoy the pilgrimage!  

CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH (CRHP)

This past weekend, St. Barnabas Parish hosted an inspirational weekend for Women’s CRHP. All men of St. Barnabas are invited to participate in the Men’s Retreat, March 25-26. For more information or to register, please email [email protected] or connect via phone or text with Brent VanHootegem at 312-498-6274 or Joe Stoiber at 773-590-4305. Additional details can be found HERE.