Dear Holy Family Catholic School Families and Friends,
As we journey through the second week of Lent, we are reminded of the beautiful invitation this sacred season offers — to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Last week, we gathered together in faith to receive our ashes and hear those profound words: “Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel.” This call to reflection and action is one we carry with us throughout these forty days.
As a part of our Lenten journey, we are blessed to offer our students the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament is a tremendous gift of God’s mercy and grace — a chance for our hearts to be renewed and our spirits restored.
Students in grades 2–5 who have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation will have the opportunity to participate on Wednesday, March 19th, and students in grades 6–8 will have their opportunity on Wednesday, March 26th.
We encourage families to use this season as a time to open a conversation about the Sacrament of Reconciliation at home. An age-appropriate examination of conscience — reflecting on how we have loved God and one another — is a wonderful practice to share as a family. These conversations not only prepare our children to receive the sacrament with open hearts but also deepen family bonds in faith.
Fasting in the Modern Age: The Gift of Presence
Lenten abstinence takes many forms. While we are traditionally called to fast from food, we are also invited to fast from anything that distracts us from God and from one another. In our technology-driven world, one of the most meaningful fasts a family can embrace is stepping away from screens and social media — and being truly present.
We would like to share a wonderful movement called the Wait Until 8th program. This initiative empowers parents to band together and pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. When parents make this commitment together, it removes the social pressure children feel to have a device early, and protects the precious elementary and middle school years from the distractions — and very real dangers — that smartphones can bring.
We encourage every HFCS family to learn more about this program and consider joining. There is strength in community, and when we stand together as a school family, we make it easier for every child to thrive. Visit www.waituntil8th.org to sign the pledge and find out more.
Hawks Basketball!
The excitement of basketball season is in full swing, and our HFCS Hawks are ready to soar! We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our student-athletes have shown throughout this season, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our coaches for their commitment to helping these young ladies and gentlemen reach their potential — on and off the court.
Tomorrow night, we have home games right here in the Hawks Nest! The girls tip off at 4:00 PM, and the boys game begins at 5:15 PM. Come out, wear your school colors, and cheer our Hawks on to victory! The full games schedule can be found below.
Let’s fill the gym with Hawk pride and show our teams the support they deserve. Go Hawks!
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition
This Friday, we have a special opportunity open to all children ages 9 to 14 across our North Idaho Region. The St. Thomas Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Free Throw Competition in the HFCS Gym from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a wonderful community event and we hope to see great participation!
Volunteers are needed to assist with tracking during the competition. If you are available and willing to help, please reach out — your time and talent are always so appreciated by our school community.
Safety & Security: Our Shared Responsibility
The safety and security of our students, staff, and volunteers is always our highest priority. We were recently reminded of just how vigilant we must remain when St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sacramento, California experienced a close call during their Ash Wednesday service. Thankfully, an off-duty Sacramento detective was present and intervened when a suspicious individual entered the church — a powerful reminder that preparedness and presence matter.
We are deeply grateful to the many parish members, parents, and grandparents who have stepped up to be part of our school’s safety and security volunteer team. Your dedication gives us all peace of mind, and we are blessed to have you.
We are actively looking for additional volunteers to join the team. If you feel called to serve in this important role, please reach out to Anna Taylor, at*****@******da.org, our faculty chair for the Safety & Security Committee. Together, we can ensure HFCS remains a safe and sacred space for every child in our care.
Middle School Serves: A Visit to The Renaissance
We are so proud to share that our Middle School students are preparing to visit The Renaissance Assisted Living Facility in the coming weeks to spend meaningful time with the residents there. This act of service reflects the very heart of our Catholic mission: to love and serve one another, especially the most vulnerable among us.
Volunteering in a nursing home offers our students more than just service hours — it builds empathy, patience, and communication skills. It fosters beautiful intergenerational connections, gives our young people a new perspective on the gift of life and aging, and teaches them something invaluable: that each one of us has the power to make a real difference in someone’s day.
We are so proud of our middle schoolers for embracing this opportunity with open hearts. Please keep them — and the residents they will visit — in your prayers.
May this week bring your family closer to God and to one another.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.