Dear HFCS Families & Friends,
As October draws to a close, our neighborhoods come alive with festive decorations and carved pumpkins. While contemporary culture often associates this season with secular celebrations, we are blessed to remember and celebrate its profound Catholic roots.
This sacred season invites us to reflect on the communion of saints and our beloved faithful departed, drawing our hearts closer to the eternal promises of our faith.
Important Announcements
Cross Country Season Celebration
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Cross Country team! Last Friday marked the final meet of the season, and these dedicated student-athletes, alongside their amazing volunteer coaches led by Joe Guzman, have represented our school with exceptional spirit and determination. We are deeply grateful for their energy, perseverance, and joyful witness throughout this season.
Wednesday, October 29 – Eucharistic Procession
8:30 to approximately 9:30 am
We invite all families to join us for this sacred and beautiful witness to our faith:
- Gathering in the gymnasium at 8:30 am
- Processing to approximately St. Michele Drive and returning to school
- Students, faculty, staff, and families will pray the rosary and sing hymns as we process with our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist
Our deepest gratitude to:
- Jason Chavez, our Campus Minister, for organizing this special event
- The Knights of Columbus for their faithful assistance
- Deacon Erik Schirmer for leading this sacred procession
- The Relic Project for joining us in celebrating our faith
Please ensure your child is dressed warmly and appropriately for the weather. Students must wear their Mass uniforms. Coats, gloves, hats, and possibly umbrellas are recommended.
Friday, October 31 – All Saints Celebration
Costume Parade – Immediately following Morning Opening at 8:05 am
- Students may dress as their favorite saint or wear an appropriate costume
- Please refer to the posted dress code guidelines for costumes
2nd Grade Saint Presentations – Commons, 8:30 am to 10:30 am
8th Grade Saint Wax Museum – Gymnasium, 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Families and community members are warmly welcome!
The Relic Project – Music room (please enter via the gym)
Families and community members are warmly welcome!
Important Schedule Changes for Friday:
- Minimum day schedule – dismissal at 11:30 am
- No After Care this Friday afternoon, as all staff will be attending CPR and First Aid certification training
Health Advisory
As we enter cold and flu season, we ask for your partnership in keeping our school community healthy:
- Please keep children home if they show any signs of illness
- Students must be symptom-free and fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to school
- We maintain rigorous handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols throughout our campus; please encourage your child to wash their hands frequently throughout the day
Remembering Our Faithful Departed
Book of Life Requests have been sent home in family packets. Please share with us the names of family members you would like our school community to remember in prayer throughout the month of November. What a beautiful way to intercede for the souls of those we love!
Ofrenda Display – Main Entry, October 28 through November 12
We invite all families to join us in honoring our deceased loved ones through our Ofrenda. This beautiful tradition serves as a prayerful way to remember and celebrate those who have been called home to Christ through a combination of personal items, photographs, and traditional elements. The goal is not to mourn, but to joyously commemorate departed family members and celebrate the eternal gift of life we share in Christ.
Prayer for All Souls
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
May the Divine assistance remain always with us,
And may the souls of the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
We wish our beloved school community a blessed and safe Halloween, a holy All Saints Day, and a peaceful All Souls Day. May this sacred time draw us closer together in faith, fellowship, and in communion with the saints who have gone before us.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.