This Week at St. Patrick – Week of December 5

Hi Team,

As we begin the second week of Advent, I find myself intentionally trying to focus on and prioritize time for prayer. Before we think intently and purposefully about the great act of prayer, it helps to ask ourselves a very simple question: Why? Why do we pray? Why are we doing this? What do we hope to achieve?

We can have many personal reasons for praying, but prayer basically boils down to three things: praise, petition, and thanksgiving. More often than not, when we hit the ground on our knees to have a word with God, it’s for one of those three reasons.

Frankly, the most beautiful way to offer a prayer is simply to pray, not for what we want, but for what God wants. It is to place ourselves trustingly in his hands and say, “Thy will be done.” We should pray that we can accept whatever that will might be. We see the most powerful and self-sacrificing form of that prayer in Mary’s response to Gabriel at the Annunciation: “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). How many of us have been able to say that to God? If you want to talk about a work in progress, consider how much work most of us have to do to even come close to that kind of surrender, fidelity, trustfulness, and love. To be able to do that is to approach the serenity of the saints.

Later this week, we will celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception – consider Mary, who received this free gift of grace from God. Think about how that grace prepared her to say yes to his invitation to be the mother of Jesus and how it affected everything she thought or did. And then thank the Lord that he has given you a share in that very same grace!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way:

If our prayer is resolutely united with that of Jesus, in trust and boldness as children, we obtain all that we ask in his name, even more than any particular thing: the Holy Spirit himself, who contains all gifts. (2741)

This is another way of saying that prayer supplies what we need: God’s Spirit and his abundant grace. We are all works in progress, praying that God brings us to completion, as he has promised (Philippians 1:6). Indeed, the act of prayer is the hammer and nail of the work we undertake—tools for erecting a life that is not only whole but holy. I will hold you, your loved ones, and your intentions in prayer. Will you pray for me this week?

As we near the end of this semester, students should be finalizing their assignments and making preparations for our comprehensive semester exams which will be administered December 14-16.

Check out the full list of events we have planned for this week in the Calendar section below. Also, be sure to read each member of our leadership team’s section below for lots of updates and excellent information.

Let’s make it a great week!

Go Irish!
Dr. Matt Buckley

John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Darkness is more than a symbol, it is a pervasive way of living and viewing the world. Darkness is the place of deception, evil, crime, predators, sin, and death. To follow Jesus means to bring him our heart and let him cast from the darkness that plagues us on the inside so we don’t have to be afraid of the darkness on the outside. In this way, Jesus gives us light, but it is a light that does more than fill a dark room with light. This is a light that illumines the heart.

Holy God who lives in glorious and irrepressible light, I praise you for sending Jesus to cast away the dark fears that so easily envelop me. I pray for strength and courage to not only live in the light, but show others their way to the light. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

Ashley, Jaron
Lott, Cooper
Redmond, Kensleigh
Smelley, Frank
Stawarski, Taylor
Steele, Nathan
Van Aller, Courtney
Williams, Brayden
Wimberly, Ethan

 

Monday, December 5
Cloudy | 70° | 64° | 11%

7:30am Holy Half – Eucharistic Adoration
8:30am Logistics Team Meeting
2:15pm Leadership Team Meeting – Advancement
4:30pm 7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Vancleave (Home)
5:30pm JH Women’s Soccer- vs. North Woolmarket (Home)
5:30pm 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Vancleave (Home)
6pm Band and Choir Concert
6:3pm 8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Vancleave (Home)
7pm JH Men’s Soccer- vs. North Woolmarket (Home)
7:30pm 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Vancleave (Home)

Tuesday, December 6
Mostly Cloudy | 73° | 63° | 24%

Today is a jean dress day for all students and staff. Everyone may wear jeans with any Christmas shirt or sweater and closed-toe shoes. St. Patrick shirts and outerwear may also be worn.
10:55am PTO – Pictures with Santa Claus
3:05pm LEGO Robotics Work Session
3:05pm Quiz Bowl Meeting
5pm JV Women’s Basketball- vs. Stone (Home)
5:30pm Varsity Women’s Soccer- vs. Hancock (Away)
5:30pm Robotics – Disney Parent Meeting
6pm Varsity Women’s Basketball- vs. Stone (Home)
7pm Varsity Men’s Soccer- vs. Hancock (Away)
7:30pm Varsity Men’s Basketball- vs. Stone (Home)

Wednesday, December 7
Partly Cloudy | 77° | 63° | 12%

7:30am Holy Half – Eucharistic Adoration
7:45am Art Honor Society Meeting
7:45am Mu Alpha Theta Meeting
8am DC US History – Capstone Trip to the WWII Museum
8:15am PTO Meeting
9am Band and Choir – Partner Elementary School Concert
3:05pm Choir Practice
3:05pm Key Club Meeting
4pm Bowling Match
5:30pm Faculty/Staff Meeting

Thursday, December 8
Partly Cloudy | 76° | 63° | 21%

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  We will follow the liturgy bell schedule today, and students should dress in their liturgy uniform including blazers and ties.
7:30am Choir Practice
7:30am Peer Minister Training for Irish Province
9:40am Mass
11:30am Student of the Month Luncheon
3:05pm MathCounts Meeting
3:05pm Drama Guild Meeting
3:05pm eSports Meeting
3:05pm Mock Trial Meeting
3:05pm Peer Minister Training for Irish Province
4:30pm 7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Creekbend (Away)
5:30pm JH Women’s Soccer- vs. Stone (Away)
5:30pm Varsity Women’s Soccer- vs. Sacred Heart (Home)
5:30pm 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Creekbend (Away)
6:30pm 8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Creekbend (Away)
7pm JH Men’s Soccer- vs. Stone (Away)
7pm Varsity Men’s Soccer- vs. Sacred Heart (Home)
7:30pm 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Creekbend (Away)

Friday, December 9
Partly Cloudy | 76° | 57° | 18%

We will follow the liturgy bell schedule today.
7:45am English Honor Society Meeting
7:45am Science Olympiad Meeting
9am Leadership Team Meeting – Operations
9:40am Irish Provinces – Advent
3pm Dance State Competition
3:05pm Film Club Meeting
5pm JV Men’s Basketball- vs. West Harrison (Home)
6pm Varsity Women’s Basketball- vs. West Harrison (Home)
7:30pm Varsity Men’s Basketball- vs. West Harrison (Home)

Saturday, December 10
Partly Cloudy | 71° | 58° | 12%

8am Wrestling- District Meet @ St. Martin
8am ACT
8am Girls Powerlifting- Meet @ Vancleave
9:30am Varsity Women’s Basketball vs. Forrest County AHS @ D’Iberville Classic
11am Varsity Men’s Basketball vs. Gautier @ D’Iberville Classic
5pm Band Christmas Party
6:30pm Cheerleading State Competition

Sunday, December 11
Showers | 70° | 56° | 58%

10am Science Honor Society – Blood Drive
6pm Cross Country Banquet

 

Monday | Hot Lunch: chicken tortilla soup with tortilla chips, macaroni salad; Fresh salad bar; Loaded baked potato; Fresh ham, turkey, and cheese sub sandwich with chips; Grill Items: pizza, french fries, hamburger, spicy chicken sandwich

Tuesday | Hot Lunch: chicken parmesan, green beans, garlic toast ; Fresh salad bar; Loaded baked potato; Fresh ham, turkey, and cheese sub sandwich with chips; Grill Items: pizza, french fries, hamburger, spicy chicken sandwich

Wednesday | Hot Lunch: corn dog, macaroni and cheese, field peas; Fresh salad bar; Loaded baked potato; Fresh ham, turkey, and cheese sub sandwich with chips; Grill Items: pizza, tater tots, hamburger, spicy chicken sandwich

Thursday | Hot Lunch: shepherd’s pie, peas, roll; Fresh salad bar; Loaded baked potato; Fresh ham, turkey, and cheese sub sandwich with chips; Grill Items: pizza, french fries, hamburger, spicy chicken sandwich

Friday | Hot Lunch: chicken and dumplings, green beans, cranberry sauce, roll; Fresh salad bar; Loaded baked potato; Fresh ham, turkey, and cheese sub sandwich with chips; Grill Items: pizza, french fries, hamburger, spicy chicken sandwich

 

Welcome to another excellent week of Catholic education here at St. Patrick Catholic High School!

We are winding down our semester with exams taking place next week on December 14th, 15th and 16th. The exam schedule is as follows:

December 14th – 1st and 2nd period exams – Full Day of School
December 15th – 3rd, 4th and 5th period exams – Full Day of School
December 16th – 6th and 7th period exams – Dismissal at 12:30

This week teachers will be completing the semester’s content and preparing to review topics covered throughout the semester in anticipation of the semester exams.  Teachers have the option for how they prepare students for exams, so please encourage your student to be as attentive as ever, ask questions and engage in the class lectures to get the most out of their time with the teachers.

All missing assignments should be made up for the semester no later than the end of this week. You may view your student’s missing assignments by clicking on each of their Canvas courses, select ‘Grades’ and scroll down to see which assignments say MISSING.  Do not hesitate to contact your student’s teachers if you have any questions regarding these missing assignments.

Lastly, the second semester begins on January 3rd.  This current semester and next semester will average together for a yearly grade.  (There are a few courses that are only semester courses which will end on the 16th of December.)

 

We are quickly approaching the end of the first semester! Please remember that we will check eligibility following the conclusion of the semester – in order to be eligible for athletics and extracurricular activities for the second semester, students must maintain at least a 75 cumulative average.

This week will be extremely busy:

On Monday, our Junior High Basketball teams will host Vancleave, beginning at 4:30pm. Also, our Junior High Soccer teams will host North Woolmarket. Come out and support your Fighting Irish players and coaches! At 6pm we will also have our annual Band and Choir Christmas Concert in the Auditorium. Please stop by and enjoy!

Tuesday during the day we have a LEGO Robotics Work Session, a Quiz Bowl meeting, and a Robotics Disney Parent Meeting. Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball will play host to Stone County on Tuesday evening, while Varsity Soccer travels to Hancock.

We have multiple club meetings on Wednesday, with Art Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club all having meetings during the day. Our Band and Choir will also be going to our partner elementary schools during the day to spread some holiday cheer!

On Thursday, MathCounts, Drama Guild, Mock Trial, and eSports all have meetings, while Junior High Basketball travels to Creekbend, and Junior High Soccer travels to Stone. In the evening, our Varsity Soccer teams will host Sacred Heart in crucial district games, beginning at 5:30pm. Come out and cheer on our teams!

Friday, we have English Honor Society, Film Club, and Science Olympiad meetings throughout the day. Also during the day our Dance team will be performing at the State Championships in Jackson. Please show your support for our young ladies! Friday night our Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball teams will host West Harrison. Go Irish!

Saturday is equally busy, as our Wrestling team will participate in a district meet at St. Martin, our Girls Powerlifting will compete in a meet at Vancleave, our Varsity Basketball teams will play in the Renee Ladner Classic in D’Iberville, and our Cheerleaders will compete in the State Championships in Jackson. Good Luck to all!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at tbailey@stpatrickhighschool.net. Let’s finish strong!

Listed below are last week’s results from our athletic teams:

11/28- 7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. North Woolmarket- St. Patrick 32-6
11/28- 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. North Woolmarket- St. Patrick 35-11
11/28- 8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. North Woolmarket- St. Patrick 31-26
11/28- 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs. North Woolmarket- North Woolmarket 21-19
11/28- JH Girls Soccer vs. North Gulfport- St. Patrick 5-0
11/28- JH Boys Soccer vs. North Gulfport- St. Patrick 1-0
11/28- Bowling Match @ Cypress Lanes- 1st Place
11/29- Varsity Women’s Soccer vs. Resurrection- St. Patrick 7-0
11/29- Varsity Men’s Soccer vs. Resurrection- St. Patrick 3-0
11/30- JV Men’s Soccer vs. Harrison Central- St. Patrick 2-0
12/1- 7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. East Central- St. Patrick 28-9
12/1- 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. East Central- East Central 41-19
12/1- 8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. East Central- St. Patrick 42-12
12/1- 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs. East Central- East Central 25-20
12/1- JH Girls Soccer vs. Creekbend- St. Patrick 7-1
12/1- JH Boys Soccer vs. Creekbend- St. Patrick 7-1
12/2- JV Men’s Basketball vs. Harrison Central- Harrison Central 44-32
12/2- Varsity Women’s Basketball vs. Harrison Central- Harrison Central 69-30
12/2- Varsity Men’s Basketball vs. Harrison Central- Harrison Central 64-46
12/2- Varsity Women’s Soccer vs. OLA- St. Patrick 3-1
12/2- JV Men’s Soccer vs. St. Stanislaus- Tie 1-1
12/2- Varsity Men’s Soccer vs. St. Stanislaus- St. Patrick 5-3
12/3- Wrestling @ St. Andrews Invitational- 8 wins, Two 3rd Place Medals; One 4th Place Medals

 

Thank you Amelie Million ’19 for speaking with our sophomores and juniors about her experiences and opportunities as a current student attending the United States Naval Academy.

🎥 Video: Luck of the Irish Raffle Drawing
📸 Photo Gallery: Junior High Girls Basketball vs. North Woolmarket
📸 Photo Gallery: Junior High Boys Basketball vs. North Woolmarket
🗞️ News: December Senior Standard
📸 Photo Gallery: Junior High Soccer vs. North Gulfport
📸 Photo Gallery: Fighting Irish Wrestling District Duals at St. Andrews
📸 Photo Gallery: Christmas Senior Luncheon

 

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Luke 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

“Advent invites us to a commitment to vigilance, looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.”     – Pope Francis, Angelus, 2018

Class of 2024, the Coolidge Scholarship Application is now available.  This scholarship is a full ride, four year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university  in the United States. For more information, please go to this website.

Class of 2023, there are new scholarships listed on our website.

While the applications for both federal aid, FAFSA, and state aid, MAAPP, can seem daunting, the process is relatively simple and only requires a few pieces of information from your 2021 filed taxes. The applications can be completed during a student’s second semester, but the earlier the applications are submitted, the better it is financially for the student. There are some programs, grants, and scholarships that are given out based on a student’s completion of FAFSA and MAAPP applications. If a student waits too long, funds for those specific grants and scholarships may no longer be available. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about FAFSA and MAAPP:

FAFSA – types of federal aid that can be received by completing the FAFSA are pell grants, work-study, and student and parent loans.

The application is free!

The website for FAFSA (studentaid.gov) opened on October 1.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the application.

There are priority deadlines around FAFSA for college scholarship eligibility.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

The student and parents must both complete the FAFSA using filed taxes from 2021.

FAFSA is required for many merit aid awards from colleges and universities.

It is based on income.

Applicants can receive lower interest rates on loans through FAFSA.

EVERYONE needs to complete FAFSA because it is a requirement for many types of aid and scholarships for college.

Fill out the Mississippi Financial Aid application after completing the FAFSA – there will be a link at the end of the FAFSA application for msfinancialaid.org.

Students can receive money from only one state grant program, such as the MTAG, MESG, or HELP grants, and must enroll in and earn at least 15 credit hours per semester to keep aid. Students must also maintain a specific GPA in college to receive the grant each year.

You do not have to accept any grants, loans, or any other type of aid received through FAFSA or MAAPP. You will be asked to click accept, accept partial, or decline in your account as aid is awarded.

Your school counselor will complete the counselor portion of the application in January.

 

Show your school pride this Advent season by purchasing a Bella + Canvas long-sleeve St. Patrick Christmas shirt! Now available with Mrs. Holliman in the front office.

The 2022 St. Patrick ornament is in just in time for Advent and the celebration of Christ at Christmas! They are on sale for $20 in the front office with Mrs. Holliman or by clicking this link.

New winter sports and general merchandise is available for sale in the front office! Please see Mrs. Holliman to purchase your St. Patrick gear today!