In this week’s Gospel, we read the Passion of our Lord. We are reminded of Christ’s journey to the cross. As we begin this most holy of weeks, may we grow closer to Christ as we reflect on his suffering and sacrifice.
Congratulations to Father Arthur on receiving the Monsignor Richard Guastella Award presented by Project Hospitality. Father Arthur’s selfless contributions truly embody the spirit of this esteemed award. We are thankful that we have Fr. Arthur and our other priests to help us to grow in our faith.
Our PreK students were resplendent in their Easter finery and bonnets and hats during their Easter Parade! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated team of teachers, aides, and staff: Mrs. Haley, Mrs. Tricomi, Mrs. D’Ambrosio, Mrs. Plaza, Mrs. Spensieri, Mrs. Siewert, Ms. Vella, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. DeMartino, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Gavin, Mrs. Powers, Ms. Kneeshaw, Mrs. Vella, and Mrs. Abruzzo, for orchestrating such a fantastic experience. Special appreciation also goes to Mrs. McEvoy and Mrs. Amerose for their beautiful decorations, and of course, a big thanks to the Easter Bunny for making a memorable appearance!
Congratulations to class 5-1, winners of the dress-down day for donating the most food items, with 260 items donated, to our Bread of Life Food Drive. Students in class 5-1 may dress down on Monday, March 25th. No ripped jeans, cropped tops, or slides please.
School Chromebooks will not be available for borrowing during the upcoming state tests as students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 8 will participate in computer based testing (CBT) this year. Grades 6 and 7 will take the exam on paper. The schedule is as follows. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Congratulations to our cheerleaders on their dynamic performance at their competition this weekend. The girls did a great job with our Minis starting the day with an outstanding performance followed by a 2nd place finish by our Varsity, a 1st place finish by our Biddy team and a 4th place finish by our Debs. Our Biddy team also captured a Grand Champion award! All students who participate in a school team are invited to wear their team warm-ups on Monday, April 8th when we return from break.
Please be sure that students are sent to school with enough water for the whole day and snacks if applicable.
The Art Fundraiser for students in grades PreK 3 - Grade 6 will be sent home on Monday. Orders must be returned to school no later than April 10th.
Radio Bingo is sure to be a fun time for all. Be sure to send in your reservations soon as the event is filling up.
Mrs. Contino has been bitten by the Solar Eclipse bug! She has been busy making plans so that the students will be able to safely experience the eclipse on April 8th. Be on the lookout for a Flocknote with more information. Thank you, Mrs. Contino for helping us to safely experience this awe-inspiring event!
Reminder: There will be no bus service on April 22nd and April 26th. Please mark your calendars.
Students in grades 1 - 8 will participate in a Triduum service on Wednesday during which we will recall Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The service will be live streamed as this event is for students and faculty only. The live stream can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@StClareChurch
There will be a parish car wash benefiting our sister church in Haiti on Holy Saturday, March 30th from 9:30 - 1:00 p.m. in the Cardinal Cooke Center Parking lot. The fee is $10 per car.
Our Easter break begins this Thursday (Holy Thursday). We will return to school on Monday, April 8th at which time students may switch to the spring uniform.
Parish Holy Week and Easter celebrations are as follows:
Holy Thursday - March 28, 2024 9:00 a.m. Tenebrae (Chanting of Psalms and the “Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet) 8:00 p.m. (Church) Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by a procession to the Repository in the chapel. The chapel will remain open until midnight for personal prayer
Good Friday - March 29, 2024 9:00 a.m. Tenebrae (Chanting of Psalms and the “Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet) 3:00 p.m. Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (Church) 7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross (Church)
Holy Saturday - March 30, 2024 9:00 a.m. Tenebrae (Church) There is no 5:00 p.m. mass on Holy Saturday 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil (Church) Easter Sunday - March 31, 2024 Mass 7:00 a.m.; 8:30 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. in the Church. If necessary 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. overflow in the chapel There is no 7:00 p.m. mass on Easter Sunday
Please see the list of upcoming events below.
Have a blessed week!
Mrs. Olsen
Upcoming Events
3/28/24 No School--Holy Thursday
3/29/24 No School--Good Friday
4/1 - 4/5/24 No School Easter Break
4/8/24 Mass of the Resurrection led by 8th grade
4/9 - 4/12 ELA State Test (check with your child’s teacher for specific dates)
4/13/24 Mother Daughter Tea
4/13 - 4/14 Parish Bake Sale
4/16 - 4/26 Mathathon
4/20/24 Father Son Fun
4/22/24 NO BUS SERVICE
4/23/24 Report Cards Posted
4/26/24 NO BUS SERVICE
4/27/24 Radio Bingo
4/30/24 8th Grade Group Graduation Picture; Kindergarten Graduation Picture