From the School…
So rapidly the current school year is coming to a close. It seems only a short time ago when we opened the doors to welcome new friends and families. This year has been a remarkable success at SKS. From increased enrollment, financial stability, superb test scores, upgrades in the facility, winning athletic teams and improving our technology, (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
Two weeks ago, my husband and I fought back tears as we watched our daughter, Amanda, graduate Magna cum Laude from Dominican University in River Forest. It was a wonderful day, and we took great delight in recognizing Amanda’s friends as they received their degrees. Also graduating with honors that day was Corinne Zimmerman, my daughter’s co-valedictorian here at St. Kieran in 2004. What an interesting journey these two young women have had. Both transferred into St. Kieran School mid-way through grade school, leaving behind schools that had not (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
When I was in my late twenties, living in southern California, I attended several events at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Some of you will probably recognize the name as Rev. Robert Schuller’s church. The message delivered at the events I attended was quite different than the message I had been hearing all my life in the Catholic Church. The word “empowered” was used quite a bit, and for the first time in my life, (more…)
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
There are few things in life that teach us the important lessons of patience, diligence and nurturing. Tending a garden is one of these. SKS is sponsoring a student victory garden in celebration of Earth Day. Students, under the supervision of our science teacher, will plant the vegetables, tend the soil and feed the plants. Through this responsibility, SKS hopes to institute the great old-fashioned virtues of strong work ethic, pride of a job well done and completion of an extended process. Eventually, we would like to sell the produce and use the money to supplement other school projects. This way our students have a stake in the enrichment of their education while adding real life skills that will hold them in good stead in the future. It is not only the modern things we must introduce our students to, but the fine stable traditional ones that will form the sound, strong foundation for their future.
SKS is the Foundation for an Extraordinary Future.
Tony Simone, Principal
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
I hope many of you were able to join us for 12:00 p.m. Mass today to see our parish children receive the Eucharist for the first time. It is always a touching event. Such events do not happen without the help of many people and I would like to say a special “thank you” to Mrs. Jean Lendi, our 2nd grade catechist, Miss Jenna Amazzalorso, our 2nd grade catechetical aide, Mrs. Tana Neubauer, our 4th grade catechist, Miss Jamie Amazzalorso, our 4th grade catechetical aide, Mrs. Dolly Murphy, the 2nd grade school teacher, and Ms. Margaret Weise, the 4th grade school teacher, for their work with these young people this year. “Thank you” also to everyone who shared their gifts and talents to make this celebration a joyful experience: Fr. Joseph Cook, Deacon Dave Dutko, Mrs. Joan Hair, Mr. Joshua Shlosberg, Mrs. Mary Bailey (the unsung hero of all our liturgical celebrations), the St. Kieran Choir, the Arts & Environment Committee, all the lectors, greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, altar servers, gift bearers, and last, but certainly not least, my office volunteers, Ms. Beth Eagan and Mrs. Frances Wilhelm. May God bless all of you for your generous service!
Teri Klopp
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
Next Sunday, April 29, 2012, our First Eucharist students will receive Holy Communion for the first time at the Noon Mass. Please keep them and their families in your prayers as they complete their last week of preparation for this important Sacrament. Also, remember to welcome them into Communion with you, their parish brothers and sisters. All are welcome to attend.
Teri Klopp
From the School…
SKS will once again be offering our Super Summer Program. We had such a great success last year that we decided to do it again. Starting the second week in June and running until July 1st, the program is (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
Change. It is inevitable. Look at the roller coaster of events that Christ experienced in his last days: the grief of losing his treasured friend, Lazarus, the elation of reuniting Lazarus with his loved ones, the thrill of his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, the agony in the garden (more…)
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
March 14th was Pi Day, a celebration of 3.14 and math and arithmetic concepts in general. At SKS we embrace learning and celebrate it everyday, not just on Pi Day or Pythagoras or Newton’s birthday. Pi is the mathem (more…)
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
Spring is coming and it is time to register at St. Kieran School for the next school year. As we continue to grow and excel, it is imperative we continue to recruit new families and grow our enrollment. I promise you the investment in your children’s future at SKS will pay off handsomely down (more…)
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
ICE is the Illinois State Technology Conference that introduces new classroom technology and offers workshops on integrating these advances into the curriculum. SKS, through the generosity of District 167, sent 3 faculty representatives to gather information, meet with vendors and pilot new programs (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
Recently I came across an article by Dan Mulhall of RCL Benziger and I believe many of us could put his advice to practical use…or will wish we had thought of this! Here is an excerpt: (more…)
HoopsMania is back!
Don’t forget your HOOPSMANIA tickets for the March Madness NCAA tournament. Tickets are only $5.00 this year, and may be purchased in the school or rectory office. The tournament starts on Thursday, March 15. All tickets must be returned by Tuesday, March 13.
Kudos for a great Mardi Gras party!
Dear Parishioners,
SKS had a terrific Mardi Gras party Saturday, February 18. So many people did outstanding work to make this event a remarkable success. The tireless work by our school staff, Mrs. Pappalardo, Mrs. Russell, and Mrs. Stith with (more…)
SKS – National Elementary Honor Society
Dear Parishioners,
SKS is a charter member of the National Elementary Honor Society. This national designation is bestowed on students who exemplify excellence in academics, take and model leadership roles in the school and community while also dedicating (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
As you know, Lent begins this week, and along with it comes our annual Operation Rice Bowl collection. Several years ago, I was made (more…)
Mardi Gras Fundraiser is Saturday…get your tickets!
ENJOY CAJUN FOOD, MUSIC AND SPIRITS…Saturday, February 18th 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – Midnight. Admission: $5.00 per person (Presale) • $7.00 per person (at door). Tickets may be purchased in advance (more…)
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
Last Sunday, the Women’s Club held it’s annual Day of Reflection with the theme of CHOCOLATE! Besides munching on chocolate goodies, we viewed the film “Chocolat”. This movie has long been a favorite of mine and my daughter’s, so I have seen it many times. It never fails to surprise me: the hypocrisy, human weakness and unfounded fear, mixed with understanding and kindness. All of the characters are flawed, and if we look closely, we will probably find a little of ourselves in each character, good and bad. What struck me with this viewing, however, was the fact the two children featured most prominently were without flaw. The issues they faced were created by their relatives and they bravely tried to sort through things, following the rules and ignoring the mixed messages from the behavior of the adults in their lives. We love our children…no doubt about it, but what messages are we sending them? If they watched a movie of our lives, who would we be to them? the villain? the hero? the hypocrite? Are we really showing them the side of us that Jesus would have them see? or are we allowing our fears and weaknesses to override the kindness and understanding that is in our hearts?
Teri Klopp
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
Hoopsmania is back in time for the NCAA March Madness Tournament and the tickets this year are only $5.00 and can be purchased at the school and at the Rectory. The Concert of 1000 Voices at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Saturday was magical and (more…)
Scrementi’s Fundraiser
EAT AT SCREMENTI’S! (Scrementi Flyer)
Dine at Scrementi’s Restaurant (3760 Chicago Road in Steger) from Monday, February 20th to Sunday, February 26th and St. Kieran School will receive $10 per Couple (Dinner) and/or $5 per Couple (Lunch). (minimum of two people; dine-in only; cannot be combined with other coupons/offers). Simply save your receipt and turn them in to the school.
Mardi Gras is Coming!!!
ENJOY CAJUN FOOD, MUSIC AND SPIRITS…Saturday, February 18th 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – Midnight. Admission: $5.00 per person (Presale) • $7.00 per person (at door). Tickets may be purchased in advance (more…)
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
I love Catholic Schools Week because it gives SKS the opportunity to showcase our outstanding student body. Our students not only excel academically but model outstanding character and personal conduct. Every quarter I treat all students 4-8th grade to a pizza party if they have gone an entire quarter without receiving one demerit for conduct. Every quarter 40 or more students receive this honor. That is more than half of all the students in grades 4-8. This is a wonderful testament to our parents and faculty of SKS. Not a day goes by where I’m not proud of the children and parishioners of SKS. Schools are more than grades and scores; they should be a sanctuary, a home and place for students to dream big. Catholic Schools Week is the time to spread the good news about SKS. We are the school that makes big dreams a reality.
SKS is the Foundation for an Extraordinary Future.
Tony Simone, Principal
From the Religious Education Office…
Dear Friends,
One of the things I have always loved about working in the R.E Office is that the work that is being done constantly changes with the liturgical seasons. We work on registration, then school/R.E. classes begin, and then we’re involved with Confirmation plans, Advent planning and prayer, etc. Now, as the Coordinator of Religious Education, I enjoy the same variety of work, but it takes place a season ahead of time. When we returned from Christmas break on January 3rd, it was still Christmas, but my calendar notes said I had to begin working on Lenten projects. Sometimes it is hard for me to shift my mood back to the present time. Looking at the February calendar, I have to pull myself out of the mood for Lent and prepare to celebrate Mardi Gras with the Parish. A difficult task it would seem, but the PTN’s annual Mardi Gras on February 18 and the Women’s Club Fat Tuesday Pot Luck on February 21 should be just the ticket. Mark your calendars for those events and seek me out at both of them — see if I have succeeded in that mood shift!
Thanks to all those who contributed to my bail for the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) “Lock-up” last week. So far, we have raised a total of $900.00!!! Enough for one lucky child (hopefully, our own Chloe Ochoa) to attend the MDA Summer Camp. Additional donations can be made online through the month of February at http://www2.mda.org/goto/Teriislockedup, or directly to me. Thank you for your generosity, support, and prayers.
Teri Klopp
From the School…
Dear Parishioners,
Catholic Schools Week is upon us and it is time to celebrate all that is good about SKS. All our events for CSW are listed in the calendar. This week, from January 29 thru February 4, is the time (more…)
