1.    Tomorrow is a holy day of obligation, the feast of the Immaculate
       Conception, the Patronness of the United States.  Masses are 6:30 and 
       8:00 A.M., Noon, and 7:00 P.M.
2.    Grades 7 & 2 may bring in orders for pizza ($1.25) & ice cream on Monday
       for their lunches on Tuesday.
3.    Grade 3 will have their Class Mass on Sunday at Noon, in the Upper
       Church.  Family & friends are invited.
4.    Grade 8 students had their retreat at the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel 
       today.  They were respectful & attentive to the guidance of the Sisters 
       of the Blessed Sacrament and the inspiring words of Father Babowitch at
       their Mass. Several guests visiting the Shrine approached me and remarked
       about how well-behaved your sons & daughters were and how impressed
       they were.  Our last activity was to visit the cemetery where the remains of
       St. Katharine's whole family were buried.  Her father was buried with his
       first wife who died shortly after giving birth to their second daughter, and 
       also his second wife who died from cancer and was the mother of his third
       daughter.  Mr. Drexel was devastated by these losses and fearing his
       daughters could be possible victims of suitors more interested in the
       Drexel fortune, stipulated in his will that after dividing his fortune among
       his daughters, upon the death of each, the inheritance would pass on to
       the remaining sisters.  Louisa, the youngest died in childbirth with her
       newborn son, and Elizabeth died in 1945.  Katharine received the rest of
       the fortune and used it for her ministry to Native Americans and African-
       Americans.  (Back to the 8th graders...) Aware of her family background,
       their visit to this gravesite became very personal and they were totally
       silent and prayerful.  We (teachers & I) became prouder of this class when
       Sister Pat told them right on the spot that they were the first group of
       students to visit this gravesite that did not have to be silenced, they were
       so in the moment (and there are tears on my keyboard...)
5.    After report cards were distributed the Honor Roll stands as follows for the
       First Trimester for students in Grades 4 to 8: First Honors: 191 students
       Second Honors: 74 and Honorable Mention: 22 Congratulations to all these
       students and everyone who did their very best!
6.    Girls interested in applying for a scholarship to Little Flower may request
       an application from the School Office.  Also, applications were distributed 
       to all students for the Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Award.  They are
       due in my office before the Christmas holidays.  Four students will be
       awarded 40% of parental tuition to an Archdiocesan High School for 4
       years. Students are expected to realize their full academic & human
       potential and demonstrate the morals and values of a good Catholic
       education.

Quote: "Forgiveness is a funny thing.  it warms the heart and cools the sting."
                                                                                              Bits & Pieces