First Sunday of Ordinary Time
Baptism of the Lord
On this, the first Sunday of Ordinary Time, we recall the Baptism of the Lord, but in addition to remembering this historical event, we also are asked to call to mind our own Baptism. Sometimes we think that Baptism is just one of those things from the past, perhaps from when we were infants, that doesn’t have all that much effect on our lives now. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Consider three effects of the Sacrament of Baptism. First, baptism washes away original sin and fills us with grace, which is Christ’s divine life in us. Baptism doesn’t remove or cancel all the effects of Original Sin. We still have a strong tendency toward sin. But through Baptism, we are filled with God’s life and are reunited with the Heavenly Father. Later in life, if we have fallen into sin (and we all do), we can experience the mercy of God in the Sacrament of Confession which restores us back into communion with God.
The second effect of baptism is that it emblazes an indelible mark on our souls. We become patterned after Jesus. Just as Jesus is the beloved son of God, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. Like Jesus, we can now refer to the first person of the Trinity as Our Father.
Finally, at our Baptism, the Holy Spirit is breathed into our souls. From that moment on, the divine presence of the third person of the Trinity is in abiding communion with us. Because of this indwelling of the Spirit in our hearts, minds, and souls, all the baptized are united in the Mystical Body of Christ.
Due to the cold weather predicted, the students may wear their gym uniforms instead of their winter uniforms to school every day this week Monday, January 10-- Friday, January 14th.
COVID-19 Reporting: Please continue to use the Google Form, embedded below, to report positive cases as well as direct contacts.
COVID Home Test Kits: The school has not received the COVID home test kits from NYS as of the writing of this announcement. As soon as they come in, I will announce the days and times for distribution.
Hallway Banner: Please send in a family picture by Friday, January 14th. In order to accommodate our many families, pictures may be no larger than 4”x 6”. Don’t be left out of our family picture!
Band Lessons: Paul Effman Band Lessons are in effect this Thursday, January 13th.
The re-registration form for the 2022-23 school year is embedded below. Please fill it out and return it to school by January 21st, the Feast of St. Agnes, if you are returning to St. Agnes Cathedral School next year.
The annual tradition of celebrating Catholic schools in our nation is coming up in a few weeks. Our theme this year is St. Agnes Cathedral School: We Follow the Son.
Opening Mass at 9:30 A.M. on Sunday, January 30, 2022
Children entering Kindergarten must be five years of age by Dec. 1, 2022. Children entering grades 1-7 must present their most recent report card and standardized test results. Applicants must present a birth certificate and baptismal certificate (if applicable) upon registration and $100.00 non-refundable registration fee for grades 1-7 and a $300.00 non-refundable registration fee for Kindergarten. Acceptance is contingent upon screening.
Tuition assistance is available through the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation. Applications will be available on the Foundation’s website this month: www.tomorrowshopefoundation.org.
Please call the school office at 516-678-5550 for information about registration.
Drama Club: I am happy to announce that Mrs. Kim Dufrenoy and Mrs. Laura Morr will be moderating the Drama Club once again this year. Mrs. Morr will be speaking to the 6-8th graders about the Drama Club on Monday, January 10th during lunchtime.
Sign-ups will be on Tuesday – Thursday, January 11th-13th.
Auditions will be on Tuesday, January 18th for grade 6
Auditions will be on Wednesday, January 19th for grades 7 and 8
Mrs. Morr will prepare the students for their audition. Auditions for the Drama Club will be scheduled by appointment and will be in compliance with all safety protocols. This year’s musical play has not been selected yet. It will be announced as soon as it is decided.
Middle School Sports Update
Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheerleading are on pause for the week of January 9th. Practices will resume the week of January 17th and games the following week.
Bowling
Practice: No practice
Meet: Friday, 1/14 @ 4:00 P.M.
Location: AMF East Meadow Lanes
**Please note that games and practices are subject to change based on the current COVID cases** Email the coaching staff or Mrs. Brower (mbrower5546@stagnes-school.org) with any questions.
Peace and Blessings to you on this First Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Mrs. St. John