750 Leger WAY, Edmonton, Alberta, T6R 3H4 Phone (780) 471 – 4218 (780) Fax 471 – 1731

January 2018

We have come from the East to pay homage to the king.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’

search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is

offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.

The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by

John, and his first miracle at Cana.

CLASSES RESUME Monday, JANUARY 8, 2018

ELEMENTARY HOT LUNCH

Friday, JANUARY 19, 2018

SAC MEETING Wednesday, JANUARY 24, 2018 – 7pm

CANTEEN at AJM Our AJM Canteen follows the ECSD Nutrition Policy in having healthy options available for JH students to purchase. The items available at the Canteen are: Ham and Turkey Sandwiches on Whole Wheat bread (Lettuce, Tomato, mayonnaise and mustard – on the side), Salads: Caesar Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Croutons, and House Dressing), Tuna kits, Granola Bars, Water, Juice Boxes, Yogurt Parfaits, Yogurt Tubes, Cheese Strings, and Fruit Cups.

We are focusing on Healthy Eating in Edmonton Catholic Schools in selecting items that falls in the categories of Choose Most Often –Something Every Day and Choose Sometimes – Three Times per Week within our school. AJM has eliminated any food items that fall under Choose Least Often. We also had two University of Alberta Nutrition Students for 6 weeks who increased the awareness among students regarding making healthy food choices.

ATHLETICS at AJM We would like to thank our Volleyball Coaches for their tremendous efforts in providing our students with the opportunity of gaining skills and confidence in Volleyball. Our coaches donate their personal time to build and foster character through sports for our students. A big thank you goes to Mr. Shinkaruk, Mr. Sharkey, Ms. Lis, Mrs. Cyr, Mr. Fairfield, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Brudler and Mrs. Grattan for their time and efforts during the Volleyball season!

Below are the Volleyball Rosters for Junior and Senior teams:

Sr. Boys Coaches: Mr. Shinkaruk, Mr. Sharkey, Mr. Knox

Sr. Girls Coaches: Mrs. Grattan & Ms. Lis

Jr. Boys Coaches: Mrs. Cyr, Mr. Fairfield

Jr. Girls Coaches: Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Brudler

Evan W Anna G Jeremy B Payton A

Adrien R Brooke M Guillermo B Grace B

Nolan M Denya F Olin B Mia B

Riley G Torrie P Ken C Natalie H

Emmanuel C Charley A Nicholas C Jenna H

Braden S Julia D Dylan F Megan H

Ethan E Hailey E Connor G Kyra L

Sean Y Martina M Ethan K Breck R

Tyler K Haley R Kian S Georgia S

James D Abby S Jaren S Kaylie W

Ethan L Ryann S Dylan W

Carter M Saige W Matthew W

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Elves of Edmonton Christmas Social Justice Project 2017

Grade 8 students at AJM once again participated in ‘Elves of Edmonton’ program. This is the eighth consecutive year that our school has partnered up with Kindergarten, gr. 1 - 2 at St. Francis of Assisi School. Grade eight students receive the name of a child from Kindergarten, grades one, two, or three from St. Francis of Assisi and some information about him or her. Students are then asked to go out and shop for their secret buddy.

During the last week of school prior to Christmas Break, Grade 8 students from AJM, all dressed in RED and GREEN along with ELF hats delivered their gifts and spent some time with their buddies. They also spent some time getting to know their buddies by sharing Christmas gifts, talking, playing and reading a Christmas story. The visit concluded with sharing hot chocolate, singing Christmas songs, and being treated to a visit from Santa.

A special thank you to Mr. Fairfield, Ms. Gaborak, Mrs. Skeels, Ms. Lis, Mrs. Mackenzie and Mrs. Cyr for supervising this wonderful project.

THE CANADIAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING PROGRAM FOR GRADE 6 STUDENTS

The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Program will once again be offered for students in Grade 6. The price per student is $60.00 tax incl. which covers the 8-hour course. The Course dates are set for Thursdays, January 11 and February 1, 2018 from 12:30-4:30pm.

CTBS CANADIAN TESTS OF BASIC SKILLS The Canadian Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) are to be administered to students in Grade 6 during the time period of January 8th to 19th.

Staff News It is with sadness that we announce that Ms. Ruptash will be starting a new assignment at Louis St. Laurent Catholic School in January. Ms. Ruptash has been a welcoming figure in our office for the last 3 1/2 years and we will miss her dearly. We wish nothing but the best for Ms. Ruptash and she has promised to visit when she can.

AJM will be accepting Kindergarten registrations for the 2018/19 school year beginning on January 15, 2018. If you have a child who will be five on or before March 1, 2018, he/she is eligible for registration. Please bring your child's birth certificate, Alberta Health Care Number, and Baptismal certificate to the office, as well as your registration form which may be printed off from the school website.

You are invited to attend the….

Archbishop Joseph MacNeil Kindergarten Open House

6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 1st, 2018

Future students are welcome to come explore the school. Childcare will be provided. For more information or to register please contact the school at 780-471-4218

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

Grade 6, 7 & 8 EVENING OF FINE ARTS

Mark your calendar! January 23, 2018

Join us for an interactive evening as grade 6, 7, & 8 students and clubs demonstrate their talents and abilities through art, drama, and music! Events will take place in the library, gathering area, and various classrooms.

CANCELLATION of YELLOW BUS SERVICE due to INCLEMENT WEATHER - ALL PROGRAMS

The information below outlines radio and TV stations that families can access in order to receive information on District wide Yellow bus cancellations (includes Regular routes, Curb (Special Needs), Noon Hour and 100 Voices).

Please be advised that the following Radio and TV Stations will carry announcements with respect to transportation cancellations due to inclement weather conditions.

630 CHED

RADIO STATIONS

AM 930 The Light CJCA

CBC

CISN FM 103.9 SHINE 105.9 FM CHFA (CBC Fr.)

FRESH FM 92.5 TSN 1260 CFCW 840

INEWS 880 AM 95.7 CRUZ FM CAPITAL FM 96.3

The Bounce FM 91.7 The Bear 100.3 FM K97 97.3

UP! 99.3 FM SONIC 102.9 FM 102.3 NOW! Radio

HOT 107 FM 104.9 VIRGIN Radio

TV STATIONS

CITY TV CTV Edmonton GLOBAL Edmonton CBC TV

Every effort will be made to have messages broadcast commencing no later than 6:30 a.m.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

PARKING LOT AND CROSS WALK SAFETY

As an entire school staff, we need your support in working together to make certain that our children are safe before and after school. Please do not drive or walk through the staff parking lot as we encourage parents to use the sidewalks when dropping off or picking up their kids. Here are a few reminders that we ask your help in abiding:

There is no drop-off, pick-up, or parking of cars in the bus zone in front of the school. There have been some close incidents of drivers jeopardizing the safety for our children.

Do not block or obscure pedestrian crosswalks, school patrollers, corner intersections, or any points of entry or exit to the school.

Park to allow for a clear view around any obstacles including snow drifts.

Look out for children who may be playing on snow piles next to roadways as they could slip and fall into traffic.

Be careful when crossing the roads or climbing over snow windrows.

No Jay Walking in front of the school. Please use the cross walk. Remember, parents are role models for our children.

Do not park in the staff parking lot as students are walking through the parking lot and it is not safe to do so.

SAVE THE DATE Please check our calendar for updates.

Jan 8-19 CTBS test - Grade 6

Jan 9 Immunizations – Grade 5

Jan 11 Babysitting course – Grade 6

Jan 15-19 Tell Them from Me student survey – done in class

Jan 16 St. Thomas More Parish visit

Jan 17 Pet in School fieldtrip – Grade 2

Jan 18 Mt. Carmel volleyball tournament – Grade 6

Jan 19 Elementary Fun lunch

Rabbit Hill ski trip – Grade 6

Jan 23 Fine Arts night – Grade 6-8

Jan 24 SAC meeting

Jan 25 Feeder School three-ball event – Grade 6 – afternoon

Jan 28 Ice Carving – Grade 6

Jan 31 Junior High report cards

Feb 1 Babysitting course – Grade 6

Kindergarten Open House

Feb 2 Junior High dance-a thon

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

The Feast of the Epiphany

The feast of manifestation, or EPIPHANY, is traditionally celebrated the 12th day after Christmas, January 6th.

For many years in the English speaking world the feast of Epiphany has been overshadowed by that of Christmas. After contemplating the staggering fact that God has become a human child, we turn to look at this mystery from the opposite angle and realize that this seemingly helpless Child is, in fact, the omnipotent God, the King and Ruler of the universe. The feast of Christ's divinity completes the feast of His humanity. It fulfills all our Advent longing for the King "who is come with great power and majesty." We see that whereas Christmas is the family feast of Christianity, Epiphany is the great "world feast of the Catholic Church."

The Epiphany takes its name from the Greek epiphania, which denotes the visit of a god to earth. The feast unites three events in the life of Christ when His divinity shines through His humanity: the adoration of the Magi; the baptism of Christ in the Jordan; and the first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana. Moreover, at Epiphany the Church looks forward to the majestic coming of Christ on the "youngest day" when His manifestation as God will be complete. The Gospels of the baptism and the marriage at Cana are read on the Octave Day and the Second Sunday after Epiphany, and later Sunday masses in the Epiphany season continue to show the divine power of our Lord in some of His most striking miracles.

A second important idea in Epiphany is the extension of Christ's kingship to the whole world. The revelation of Christ to the three kings at Bethlehem is a symbol of His revelation to the whole of the Gentile world.

Closely linked to both these themes of divine manifestation and world kingship is a third idea running through the Epiphany feast: that of light. During Advent, the world was in darkness, and we prayed and waited in the spirit of the Jewish nation which lived in expectation of the Coming Light during thousands of years. At Christmas the Light shone forth, but dimly, seen only by a few around the crib: Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. But at Epiphany the Light bursts forth to all nations and the prophecy is fulfilled: “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn”.(Isaiah 60:3)

One ritual Catholics observe is marking the formula 20 ( for the years beginning 20) +C+M+B+(last two digits if the current year) with chalk/sign above the door of the house. For example, 20+C+M+B+14 for the year 2014. The C,M and B represent the traditional names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. These initials also stand for the Latin prayer Christus mansionem benedicat or “Christ bless this house’. The ritual represents the wish on the part of those who dwell there that all who enter their house during this year will find the newborn king within. It is also a reminder to welcome all visitors with hospitality.

January 2018

To celebrate Mary as Mother of God and our mother at the beginning of the new year means recalling a certainty that will

accompany our days: we are a people with a Mother; we are not orphans.

(Pope Francis, Homily, January 1, 2017)

Each year, January 1 marks the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. As Pope Francis shared, turning our gazes to Mary as the new year begins fills our vision of the horizon in front of us with a model of perfect love. We see the example of faithful love for God when we think of her “yes” in response to His call. We see the example of parental love in the mother who tenderly nurtured her Son, walking alongside Him through His life and to His death. We see the example of selfless, humble love in her willingness to be the instrument of bearing Salvation into the world. As we contemplate our plans and aspirations for the new year, let us take inspiration from Mary!

We are always so excited to spread the great news of the amazing things that take place daily in our schools. We want everyone to know that Catholic education offers rich and vibrant opportunities for students to learn and grow in a Christ centred environment. We have launched a new hashtag, #ECSDfaithinspires, which beautifully portrays how our Catholic faith guides every aspect of our schools as we live out our District vision to learn together, work together and pray together in answering the call to a faith-filled life of service. We encourage all our staff, students, and ECSD families to use this new hashtag and help us share the good news of how faith inspires our daily lives at Edmonton Catholic Schools!

We are so pleased with the participation in our Hour of Code Week last month. This week, which saw 25,804 of our students engage in a variety of coding based activities, brought so much excitement and creativity into our classrooms. Special thanks to our EmTech team for their drive and passion in ensuring that our students have the skills that they need to navigate our digital world.

The month of January brings the end of the semester for our high schools. One of the enhanced services that we are pleased to offer our students who will be writing Diploma Examinations is Diploma Prep courses. These courses provide an excellent structure for students to review the content of their exam courses so that they can approach them with greater confidence. Visit www.ecsd.net and click on the Diploma Prep banner for more information.

The new year brings much new information and opportunity for our students and families. This is always reflected on our District website. Watch for our new Guide to Schools as well as information on registration for 2018-2019, Open Houses, and our upcoming session on Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety from our Mental Health Caregiver series. The newest information is always highlighted in the rotating banner at www.ecsd.net for your convenience.

. . . 2

The Government of Alberta is seeking the input of Albertans as they begin to shape their upcoming provincial budget. You can complete a brief online survey at https://www.alberta.ca/budget-consultations.aspx. This is an excellent opportunity for your voice to be heard!

The week of January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity. I will leave you with a thought from Pope Francis: “…unity is achieved by journeying, to recall that when we journey together, that is, when we encounter each other… when we pray together and collaborate together in proclaiming the Gospel and in the service of others, we are already united.” (Papal Audience, 10/11/2016)

Many blessings as you begin the journey of a new year!

Sincerely,

Joan Carr Superintendent

In Archbishop Richard Smith’s Pastoral Letter: Living in the Word of God: A Call to the Clergy and the Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, His Grace asks us to consider what it means to follow Jesus. Here, the question can be answered rather simply. It is a matter of listening and doing; an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ is one who first listens to his Word and then puts it into practice. Throughout the history of the Church, the Christian response to God’s love revealed in Christ has been threefold: worship, witness and service.

Worship “In all of Scripture, the words of Jesus likely most familiar to Catholics ears are these: “Do this in memory of me.” Spoken by the Lord at the Last Supper, these words have always been understood by the Church as his command to repeat in his memory what he did with his disciples the night prior to his crucifixion. This is why we gather for Sunday mass, the sacrament of the Eucharist, and why the Church insists that doing so is a sacred obligation. At mass, enabled by the Holy Spirit we offer our lives to God the Father, through Jesus his Son, as an act of joyful praise and heartfelt thanksgiving for God’s saving love” (Archbishop Richard Smith).

From our awareness of this wondrous gift that is the Eucharist, and of the Lord’s command that is celebrated in his memory: Do we consciously make the Eucharist the heart of our lives?

Witness “Saint John writes these beautiful words at the beginning of his first letter: ‘We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us — we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete’ (1 John 1:1-4). Here St. John is expressing what we know from experience to be true. When we have encountered Jesus Christ and been transformed by his mercy and love, we naturally want to tell others about it and invite them to be one with us in a community of joy” (Archbishop Richard Smith).

We give witness by making known to others what God has done for the world in Jesus Christ, and for each of us in our own individual lives. The most effective way we can put the Word of God into practice is by the way we live our lives: What message do we communicate to others by our way of living, patterns of thought and speech, and modes of behavior?

Service “On the night of the Last Supper, after Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he taught that by this action he was giving us an example to follow, and then spoke this command: ‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:34-35). Putting the Word of God into practice means serving our brothers and sisters in love. To love as Jesus loved means that we make sacrifices daily for the good of the other” (Archbishop Richard Smith).

We serve others by using God’s gifts according to his purpose and in keeping with our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ. We consider: What use do I make of time? Do I set aside time for prayer, for Sunday mass, for the enjoyment of family? Am I able to dedicate some time to volunteer in the parish, our schools, hospitals or charitable organizations? The call to give of ourselves relates not just to the direct support of our parishes and Catholic organizations, it pertains also to the embrace of our baptismal call to be missionary disciples. Each of us is sent into the world in service so that it be transformed with the power of the Gospel of our Lord. ~Sandra Talarico, Religious Education Consultant

Putting the Word of God into Practice – A Reflection

The Wondrous Gift of Epiphany

During the Christmas season we celebrate with our families and friends with the giving and receiving of various gifts. Perhaps the greatest gift we receive, as Christians, takes place during Epiphany, when our Lord makes his first public appearance.

Throughout the ages, Christians have celebrated Christmas, including the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, which falls on January 6. The season begins with the Nativity of our Lord, and ends with the celebration of His baptism, and His manifestation ("Epiphany") as Messiah of Israel and Son of God. This extraordinary gift calls for us to open our hearts and minds to God through His son, Jesus, who came to us as man, to live and suffer in the same way His lay people would.

Another one of the extraordinary gifts we receive is our ability to praise and worship the Father through the Holy Spirit, as a result of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Knowing Jesus is the Body of Christ, we, through our Baptism, enter the Body of Christ as members of our faith community. Through this union, we are able to share in the cleansing of sins, and essentially, our re-birth.

The gifts of the eastern Magi, allow us to remember that they offered what little they had (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh), and in return, Christ gave them Himself. This ‘exchange’ of gifts takes place for us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, by the glorious power of the Holy Spirit!

Throughout the holy Christmas season, God fills us with joy and hope! By celebrating Epiphany and these wondrous gifts bestowed upon us by the Christ-child, may we, in-turn, use them to take a step closer to the Kingdom of God, in unity with His one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

Susanna Kaup and Kathleen Nguyen Religious Education Consultants

YouCat 4 Youth

Y4Y is a new youth ministry for those in grades 4 – 12 to explore the Youcat and know the depths of their Catholic faith by going through the catechism. Each night will start in a prayer, followed by a related game/activity, a themed teaching, discussion and then snack and finish off in a short prayer. This is a FREE program, so all are invited to attend! For more info contact the Youth Coordinators at the Parish office: youth@stmparish.com

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm

Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm & 6:00 pm

Dom Savio Youth Group FREE food, fun, and much more! Everyone in Grades 9 – 12 is welcome to Dom Savio Youth Group. It’s a great place to hang out, play games, deepen our faith and grow together. We meet every week after the 6:00 pm Sunday mass in the Youth Room, from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. With no cost, this youth group is open to all! Come and drop in!

Contact: Sara, Youth Coordinator: youth@stmparish.com OR 780-434- 6313 ext. 223

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion are offered to children in Grade 2. The final two drop-in Registration dates are Saturday’s January 6th and February 3rd from 9 am to 11 am at St. Thomas More Parish. Please see the green sacrament brochure in your Catholic school office or parish brochure stand for the details. To prepare for the drop-in registration please read the green brochure thoroughly and select the dates of the various sacrament meetings that you will attend with your child. Contact: Call Corina or Sara at the parish office for more information. 780-434-6313 ext. 237

Baptism: for children up to 7 years old

Children in grade 2 who wish to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion can be baptized as late as just before receiving their 1st Communion as long as parents have registered with Diane by the end of January. Contact: Diane Middleton - Sacrament Assistant at the Parish Office - 780-434-6313 ext. 233

Confirmation

195 Students were Confirmed on November 19th. Confirmation 2018 registrations will start in May 2018, and will be for anyone who is 11 or older by November 2018.

January 2018

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1Solemnicyof "'fary

Mass Times @ 8:30am, 10am, I 2pm

2 3 4 RClA for Adults @ 7-9pn1

Light of Christ - Orama Group @5-Spm

5 Light of Christ - Orama

Group@4-8:30pn1

6 Epi phany Mass Times@ Spm

1"' Communion Register @ 9-1lam [$20 + Baptisn1

c..'tiliw•)

7 Epiphany Liturgy Mass Tinles@ 8:30am,

10anl,12pm, 6pm

Don1Savio HSYG @7-8:30pm

8 9 10 K4J @ 6-7:30pm

ChaUenge & Conquest Leaders Me-eting @6:30-8:30pm

11 Youcat 4 Youth (Y4Y) (grades 4-12) @7· 8:1Spn1

RC A @ 7-9pm

Light of Christ - Drama Group @4-8:30pu1

12 Light of Christ - Drama

Group @4-8:30pn1

13 CGL (Catholic Girls

League) @2:30-4:30pn1

14 Don1Savio HS VG

@7-8:30pm

15 16 17 Cha1lenge & Conquest

@6:30-8:30pm

18 Youcat 4 Youth (Y4Y) (grades 4-12) @7-8:1Spm

RCIA @ 7-9pm Light of Christ - Drama

Group @4-8:30pnt

19 light of Christ - Drama

Group @4-8:30pn1

20 A1tarServer Practice JR @10am

Young Adu1t Catechisnl J.1ittistry@7:30-9pnl

Light of Christ - Drama Group @9an1-6pnl

21 RCIA Adults & Kids- Breaking Open the \'Vorel @lOam- 1lant

Donl Savio HS YG @7-8:30pm

22 23 24 ChaJlenge & Conquest

@6:30--8:30pnt

25 RCIA for Adults:@7-9pm

RCIA for Kids @7- 8:1Spnl

Light of Christ - Drama Gt'Oup @S-8pm

26 Light of Christ - Drama

Group @4-8:30pnt

27 Basketba11 Free Tht'OV" @ MFO school, 7:30am-?

CGL (Catholic Girt s League) @2:30-4:30pnt

28 RClA Adults & Kids- Breaking Open the \'Vorel @lOam- 1lant

Donl Savio HS YG @7-8:30pm

29 30 31 Si john Bosco FD Notes: Comnlunion & Reconciliation: Please have your child registered by Feb 3M if you v.•ant them to receive these Sacramen ts.Spaces are Htnited.Thisis for children from grades 2-4.If they missed these Sacrament's and are older, please contact the Parish office.Classes start on Monday,February 5th @ 7pm. Basketball Free Throv.•: event run by Knights of Columbt s for boys and girls ages 9- 14. It is held at J.tonsignor Fee Otterson School. Contact Tony for ntore details: 780-399-8250.

Corina Santaera & Sara Dmitri Youth Ministers @ St.Thomas More Parish email: youth@stmparish.com

January 2018

To celebrate Mary as Mother of God and our mother at the beginning of the new year means recalling a certainty that will

accompany our days: we are a people with a Mother; we are not orphans.

(Pope Francis, Homily, January 1, 2017)

Each year, January 1 marks the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. As Pope Francis shared, turning our gazes to Mary as the new year begins fills our vision of the horizon in front of us with a model of perfect love. We see the example of faithful love for God when we think of her “yes” in response to His call. We see the example of parental love in the mother who tenderly nurtured her Son, walking alongside Him through His life and to His death. We see the example of selfless, humble love in her willingness to be the instrument of bearing Salvation into the world. As we contemplate our plans and aspirations for the new year, let us take inspiration from Mary!

We are always so excited to spread the great news of the amazing things that take place daily in our schools. We want everyone to know that Catholic education offers rich and vibrant opportunities for students to learn and grow in a Christ centred environment. We have launched a new hashtag, #ECSDfaithinspires, which beautifully portrays how our Catholic faith guides every aspect of our schools as we live out our District vision to learn together, work together and pray together in answering the call to a faith-filled life of service. We encourage all our staff, students, and ECSD families to use this new hashtag and help us share the good news of how faith inspires our daily lives at Edmonton Catholic Schools!

We are so pleased with the participation in our Hour of Code Week last month. This week, which saw 25,804 of our students engage in a variety of coding based activities, brought so much excitement and creativity into our classrooms. Special thanks to our EmTech team for their drive and passion in ensuring that our students have the skills that they need to navigate our digital world.

The month of January brings the end of the semester for our high schools. One of the enhanced services that we are pleased to offer our students who will be writing Diploma Examinations is Diploma Prep courses. These courses provide an excellent structure for students to review the content of their exam courses so that they can approach them with greater confidence. Visit www.ecsd.net and click on the Diploma Prep banner for more information.

The new year brings much new information and opportunity for our students and families. This is always reflected on our District website. Watch for our new Guide to Schools as well as information on registration for 2018-2019, Open Houses, and our upcoming session on Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety from our Mental Health Caregiver series. The newest information is always highlighted in the rotating banner at www.ecsd.net for your convenience.

. . . 2

The Government of Alberta is seeking the input of Albertans as they begin to shape their upcoming provincial budget. You can complete a brief online survey at https://www.alberta.ca/budget-consultations.aspx. This is an excellent opportunity for your voice to be heard!

The week of January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity. I will leave you with a thought from Pope Francis: “…unity is achieved by journeying, to recall that when we journey together, that is, when we encounter each other… when we pray together and collaborate together in proclaiming the Gospel and in the service of others, we are already united.” (Papal Audience, 10/11/2016)

Many blessings as you begin the journey of a new year! Sincerely, Joan Carr Superintendent

Putting the Word of God into Practice – A Reflection In Archbishop Richard Smith’s Pastoral Letter: Living in the Word of God: A Call to the Clergy and the Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, His Grace asks us to consider what it means to follow Jesus. Here, the question can be answered rather simply. It is a matter of listening and doing; an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ is one who first listens to his Word and then puts it into practice. Throughout the history of the Church, the Christian response to God’s love revealed in Christ has been threefold: worship, witness and service. Worship “In all of Scripture, the words of Jesus likely most familiar to Catholics ears are these: “Do this in memory of me.” Spoken by the Lord at the Last Supper, these words have always been understood by the Church as his command to repeat in his memory what he did with his disciples the night prior to his crucifixion. This is why we gather for Sunday mass, the sacrament of the Eucharist, and why the Church insists that doing so is a sacred obligation. At mass, enabled by the Holy Spirit we offer our lives to God the Father, through Jesus his Son, as an act of joyful praise and heartfelt thanksgiving for God’s saving love” (Archbishop Richard Smith). From our awareness of this wondrous gift that is the Eucharist, and of the Lord’s command that is celebrated in his memory: Do we consciously make the Eucharist the heart of our lives? Witness “Saint John writes these beautiful words at the beginning of his first letter: ‘We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us — we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete’ (1 John 1:1-4). Here St. John is expressing what we know from experience to be true. When we have encountered Jesus Christ and been transformed by his mercy and love, we naturally want to tell others about it and invite them to be one with us in a community of joy” (Archbishop Richard Smith). We give witness by making known to others what God has done for the world in Jesus Christ, and for each of us in our own individual lives. The most effective way we can put the Word of God into practice is by the way we live our lives: What message do we communicate to others by our way of living, patterns of thought and speech, and modes of behavior? Service “On the night of the Last Supper, after Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he taught that by this action he was giving us an example to follow, and then spoke this command: ‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:34-35). Putting the Word of God into practice means serving our brothers and sisters in love. To love as Jesus loved means that we make sacrifices daily for the good of the other” (Archbishop Richard Smith). We serve others by using God’s gifts according to his purpose and in keeping with our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ. We consider: What use do I make of time? Do I set aside time for prayer, for Sunday mass, for the enjoyment of family? Am I able to dedicate some time to volunteer in the parish, our schools, hospitals or charitable organizations? The call to give of ourselves relates not just to the direct support of our parishes and Catholic organizations, it pertains also to the embrace of our baptismal call to be missionary disciples. Each of us is sent into the world in service so that it be transformed with the power of the Gospel of our Lord. ~Sandra Talarico, Religious Education Consultant

The Wondrous Gift of Epiphany

During the Christmas season we celebrate with our families and friends with the giving and receiving of various gifts. Perhaps the greatest gift we receive, as Christians, takes place during Epiphany, when our Lord makes his first public appearance.

Throughout the ages, Christians have celebrated Christmas, including the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, which falls on January 6. The season begins with the Nativity of our Lord, and ends with the celebration of His baptism, and His manifestation ("Epiphany") as Messiah of Israel and Son of God. This extraordinary gift calls for us to open our hearts and minds to God through His son, Jesus, who came to us as man, to live and suffer in the same way His lay people would.

Another one of the extraordinary gifts we receive is our ability to praise and worship the Father through the Holy Spirit, as a result of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Knowing Jesus is the Body of Christ, we, through our Baptism, enter the Body of Christ as members of our faith community. Through this union, we are able to share in the cleansing of sins, and essentially, our re-birth.

The gifts of the eastern Magi, allow us to remember that they offered what little they had (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh), and in return, Christ gave them Himself. This ‘exchange’ of gifts takes place for us whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, by the glorious power of the Holy Spirit!

Throughout the holy Christmas season, God fills us with joy and hope! By celebrating Epiphany and these wondrous gifts bestowed upon us by the Christ-child, may we, in-turn, use them to take a step closer to the Kingdom of God, in unity with His one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

Susanna Kaup and Kathleen Nguyen Religious Education Consultants

YouCat 4 Youth

Y4Y is a new youth ministry for those in grades 4 – 12 to explore the Youcat and know the depths of their Catholic faith by going through the catechism. Each night will start in a prayer, followed by a related game/activity, a themed teaching, discussion and then snack and finish off in a short prayer. This is a FREE program, so all are invited to attend! For more info contact the Youth Coordinators at the Parish office: youth@stmparish.com

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm

Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00

pm & 6:00 pm

Dom Savio Youth Group FREE food, fun, and much more! Everyone in Grades 9 – 12 is welcome

to Dom Savio Youth Group. It’s a great place to hang out, play games,

deepen our faith and grow together. We meet every week after the

6:00 pm Sunday mass in the Youth Room, from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. With

no cost, this youth group is open to all! Come and drop in!

Contact: Sara, Youth Coordinator: youth@stmparish.com OR 780-434-

6313 ext. 223

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion are offered to children in Grade 2. The final two drop-in

Registration dates are Saturday’s January 6th and February 3rd from 9 am to 11 am at St. Thomas

More Parish. Please see the green sacrament brochure in your Catholic school office or parish

brochure stand for the details. To prepare for the drop-in registration please read the green

brochure thoroughly and select the dates of the various sacrament meetings that you will attend

with your child.

Contact: Call Corina or Sara at the parish office for more information. 780-434-6313 ext. 237

Baptism: for children up to 7 years old

Children in grade 2 who wish to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion can

be baptized as late as just before receiving their 1st Communion as long as parents have registered

with Diane by the end of January.

Contact: Diane Middleton - Sacrament Assistant at the Parish Office - 780-434-6313 ext. 233

Confirmation

195 Students were Confirmed on November 19th. Confirmation 2018 registrations will start in May

2018, and will be for anyone who is 11 or older by November 2018.