1.  A special thank you to the OLC staff for incorporating inspirational Christmas
        Pageants into our last week of school before our Christmas break!  After our Sunday
        Noon Pageant, our K Kiddos presented theirs on Monday at 6:30 P.M. and the full
        throated K-Kids presented a marvelous concert along with their traditional "Let's Make
        Christmas Meaningful Alphabetically" vocalized superbly by the selected duos/trios of
        future "OLC'S GOT TALENT" contestants!  Not to be out done, on Tuesday morning
        beginning at 8 A.M. our 3-year-old Pre-K classes (A & B) were followed by Pre-K 4A, 
        4B, & 4C respectively at 9, 10, & 11:AM!  Needless to say they were spectacular and
       absorbed the adulation of their captive (literally) audiences!  Cuteness abounded as
       well as spontaneity, especially from the wee siblings in the audience who interjected
       their version of how the songs should be sung, from time to time!  Father Babowitch,
       Mrs. Costello and moi, not only survived 6 pageants, but were so immersed in the
       Spiritual Joy of Christmas generated by our Farm Team, their teachers, aides &
       families, that our smiles were firmly in place to "infinity and beyond."
  2.  Congratulations to the following students awarded scholarships to Father Judge:         
       Jordan Press (8C) $18,000 ($4,500) as well as Anthony Herb (8A) also $18,000
       ($4,500) adjusted upward from a previous announcement.  We commend Jordan and
       Tony, their loving and supportive parents, and the teachers who have guided them over
       the years!  Class of '23 Scholarship Total: $699, 300!
  3. Thank you so very much for the various donations sent in for Veterans, Senior Sisters, 
       St.John's Hospice, and the Holy Redeemer Food Cupboard.  All items were picked up
       and/or delivered and with much gratitude from the recipients!  You're the best!
  4.  The Connelly Foundation has notified the Neumann Scholars throughout the
       Archdiocese and we were not able to add to our total of 34 from its inception, however,
       the Connelly Foundation will continue with the Josephine C. Connelly Achievement
       Awards.  Based upon our present 8th grade enrollment, 5 students will be eligible for
       this award as long as they they meet the criteria of the Foundation which requires a
       strong desire to attend an Archdiocesan High School, overall grade average of 80 or
       above with no final grades below 70, a maximum of 10 absences & late arrivals. They
       should also have attended a parish school for their entire 7th grade.  Other
       considerations are financial need, community service, school spirit, moral character
       and involvement in school activities.  The Foundation offers 4-Year grants of 50%  of
       the annual tuition for Archdiocesan High Schools, including Mercy Career & Technical
       Hign School and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. Applications will be available for
       the eligible students when they return January 3rd. 
  5.  Continue praying for the safety of all families and travelers this Christmas holiday
        season, as well as peace among nations and non-violence in our cities.

  Quote:  "Because of His boundless love, Jesus became what we are that He might make
                 us to be what He is."  St. Irenaeus