Student Progress Reports were distributed to all but eighth grade students in January. Our eighth graders will receive theirs the week of February 6th-9th. There are no classes on Presidents Day, Monday, February 20th. The first Confirmation Meetings will take place in the church on Tuesday, February 7th and Thursday, February 16th. All 8th grade students and at least one of their parents are required to attend one of these meetings. Msgr. Desmond will discuss the meaning of the sacrament and the requirements necessary to receiving it here next October. Our annual St. Vincent de Paul Supplies Collection will take place during the weeks of February 6th-9th and 13th-16th. Due to the continuing bad economy, the need this year remains great. Our children are asked to bring the following to class during those two weeks only: First Grade: Facial Tissue Second Grade: Toilet paper Third Grade: Paper towels Fourth Grade: Dish detergent/clean. supplies Fifth Grade: Laundry detergent Sixth Grade: Toothbrushes & paste Seventh Grade: Deodorant Eighth Grade: Shampoo/Conditioner Families interested in sending their 7th-12th grade children to a Catholic overnight camp this summer are encouraged to learn more about Camp Veritas. The website is www.campveritas.com. Our 7th and 8th grade students will receive a informational flier to take home this month. Communication is very important, so we try to maintain contact with you in many ways.

Please be sure to look in your child's folder or notebook after every class, for we frequently send home reminder announcements about meetings, upcoming activities or various charitable endeavors. Also, our catechists will often assign homework or tests to study for, and, therefore, write their own reminder notices. Finally, please remember to read the Faith Formation News in the weekly church bulletin and check out our parish website, www.blessedkateriparish.com. On Sunday, February 26th at a 6pm Mass, our newly named Cardinal Dolan will be visiting our parish for the first time. All 7th and 8th grade students and their high school aged siblings are particularly encouraged to attend this very special Mass geared to our parish teens. Parents, as the primary educators of your children we ask for your support. Weekly Mass attendance and daily recitation of the required prayers are very important practices and carry obvious spiritual benefits! We appreciate your cooperation in this matter! Tardiness, poor attendance and early sign-outs have become a matter of concern during these last several weeks. Please help us to optimize your child faith formation experience by making their weekly and timely presence here a priority. Two reminders are in order now that we have reached the halfway point:      1. Cell phone usage, including texting, is not permitted during class time.     2. Check your Parent Handbook for our snow cancellation policy. When Arlington schools close, so do we. Have a great month! Stay warm and well!