THANK YOU! This week we extend our thanks to Fr. David Harris, Fr. Rob Glasgow, Fr. Volney DeRosia, Fr. John Grace, Fr. Ray Labrie, Fr. Marcos Gonzalez, and Fr. Paul Bouchard for spending time at the upper campus yesterday hearing the confessions of those students who desired the sacrament of reconciliation!
TOMORROW! St. Patrick’s Free Dress – Irish eyes (and everyone else’s, too!) will be smilin’ tomorrow for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17! Students are invited to wear green and white in celebration of the day! Please be sure that students dress according to our free dress day dress code…thank you!
THIS FRIDAY! March 18 No School Day - Please note that there will be NO school THIS Friday, March 18 so teachers can participate in the Diocesan professional development being offered that day.
NEW! Earth Day T-Shirts - Earth Day is April 22! This year, we are selling Earth Day T-shirts. The shirts are $10.00 each. If you would like to purchase an Earth Day t-shirt to wear for free-dress please place your order before March 23rd using the link HERE. The t-shirts are black, 100 % pre-shrunk cotton, and feature a fantastic elephant design!
All shirt orders will be billed through Incidental Billing in your Family Portal.
Children's Scholarship Fund and Education Freedom Accounts - Applications for the Children's Scholarship Fund and the Education Freedom Accounts are now open! Apply for the CSF HERE by May 6 and HERE for the EFA by July 15.
NEW! Yearbook Group Photos - Yearbook photos of all student groups on both campuses will be taken during the school day on Wednesday, March 23. Students should wear their regular school uniforms. There will be no retakes for illness or other absence.
UPDATED! End of the Year Dates - June may seem like a long way away, but it will come quickly! We have scheduled the following important dates and events for our last two weeks in June:
- Thursday, June 9
5:00 PM – 8th grade Baccalaureate Mass at St. Christopher Parish (graduate and two parents only)
6:30 PM - 8th grade dinner at the upper campus (graduate and two parents only)
- Friday, June 10
Last day of school for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
- Tuesday, June 14
Last day of school for 5th and 8th grade students. This will be a half day for 5th and 8th grade students. 8th grade will be released at 11:30 and 5th grade will be released at 12:30. Please note: Bus transportation home for these students will NOT be available, so parents will need to arrange transportation.
5:30 PM - 5th grade Convocation
- Friday, June 17
11:30 AM - Early release and last day of school for grades 6 & 7
12:30 PM - Early release and last day of school for grades 1-5
7:00 PM - 8th grade Graduation at the upper campus
ENDING SOON! Annual Fund - Have you made your Annual Fund donation yet? The drive is ending soon! We are currently at $55,600 and would love to break $60,000 for the benefit of all our students. All donations made by March 31 will be included in our summer Honor Roll of Donors published in the summer News and Notes and online. To see last year’s 2020-2021 Honor Roll of Donors, please click HERE. To donate please click HERE!
STEM Day Speakers - Are you in a STEM field? Would you like to share your love of or experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math? We have begun planning for this year’s STEM Day, to be held on May 24. We are looking for speakers to virtually present to students about their interest and/or careers in any STEM-related field, whether as a professional or hobbyist. Presentations will be approximately 20-30 minutes in length. If you are interested in speaking, please email Carol Fiore at [email protected].
Hot Lunch Volunteers - Thank you to all of our Hot Lunch volunteers! The schedule below is for the next week of Hot Lunch volunteers on both campuses. Volunteers are asked to check the list carefully so you do not miss your shift. If you can not make your shift, please email those on the sub list as well as Marta at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Thursday, March 17
LC: Blaise Bizimana, Katie Osborn, Erica Lilley
UC: Bethany Dionne, Ron Currier
Friday, March 18
NO SCHOOL
Monday, March 21
LC: Loni Rooney, Andrea Rugg, Jen Liba
UC: James Poovathummoottil, Melanie Dohoney
Tuesday, March 22
LC: Jess Hickey, Tina Bruno, Amanda DeWitt, Stacy Driessen
UC: Eileen Kelly
Wednesday, March 23
LC: Tina Bruno, Elizabeth Cyran, Carol Cyran
UC: Becky Kosterman, Claire Bryson
Recognizing Excellence Award Nominations - Nominations for the 2022 Diocese of Manchester’s Teacher of the Year and Clergy of the Year awards are now open! Nominations are due by March 30, 2022.
- Teacher of the Year Award - The New Hampshire Catholic School Teacher of the Year views Catholic education not only as a profession, but as a vocation of service to students and to the greater Church. A practicing Catholic active in his or her faith, the award recipient brings a joyful witness to his or her ministry that inspires students to not only achieve academically, but to put their skills and knowledge to good use creating the Kingdom of God on Earth. Submit a nomination HERE.
- Clergy of the Year Award – The recipient of the Spirit of St. John Vianney Award is a member of the clergy who similarly provides inspirational support for Catholic education in the diocese. The faithful witness that the recipient of the Spirit of St. John Vianney award provides is inspirational to students as they go on to eventually discern their vocation in life. Submit a nomination HERE.
Anticipated Openings - Saint Christopher Academy is currently building an applicant pool for anticipated faculty openings for the 2022-2023 school year. Interested applicants are invited to submit materials as soon as possible so we may begin conducting interviews. We anticipate openings at both our lower campus (pre-kindergarten to grade 5) and upper campus (grades 6 to 8) this fall. Current teachers, new education graduates, and recently retired teachers are welcome to apply! For more information about qualifications and how to apply, visit our website HERE!
NEW! NH Department of Education 603 Bright Futures Survey - The NH Department of Education invites parents, educators, and community members to complete the 603 Bright Futures Survey regarding perspectives and experiences of New Hampshire schools. Read more about the survey in the WMUR story HERE.
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Auction News!
April 2, 2022
Alpine Grove Banquet Facility, Hollis
Get your tickets today! Tickets are $85 per person and include a fabulous evening of fun and food. All attendees also receive a complimentary $25 gift card from our Gold sponsor, Wireless Zone! Seating is limited, so get your tickets as soon as possible by returning the RSVP card from your mailed invitation or by clicking HERE.
Reserved Tables - Tables of 8 or 10 can be also reserved ahead of time by sending a list of attendees to Marta at [email protected].
Sponsors and Advertising: Sponsors of the auction receive a variety of benefits for their support, depending on their level of sponsorship. Advertising is also available in our evening program! Sponsorship information for individuals or businesses is available HERE and advertising information can be found HERE.
Extra special thanks to our Auction sponsors for their generous support!
Platinum Sponsor: MATRIX PMO
Gold Sponsor: Wireless Zone
Silver Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Insurance/Kevin Brown
Silver Sponsor: Wanderlust Therapeutic Services, PLLC
Silver Sponsor: Toyota of Nashua
Bronze Sponsor: Eleanor Dahar
Bronze Sponsor: Center for Physical Therapy and Excercise
Bronze Sponsor: Knights of Columbus NH State Council
NEW! Bronze Sponsor: Eastern Bank
Copper Sponsor: Kalil & Kress Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Copper Sponsor: Catholic Medical Center
Copper Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Council 13904 at Immaculate Conception Parish
NEW! Copper Sponsor: Refined Beauty Medical Spa
NEW! Copper Sponsor: Nashua Riverfront Dentristy
Item Sneak Peek: Wondering what items will be up for bid at the Auction on April 2? We’ve started our Sneak Peek page on the Auction website to give you a preview! We’ll be updating the page as items arrive, so check back HERE often to see what’s new!
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THIS SUNDAY! Upper Campus Open House for Prospective Students - From 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 20, the upper campus will hold an Open House for prospective new students and families! Tours will be available and families will have the opportunity to meet staff and faculty. Please spread the word!
CMC Casual for a Cause - As we have for the past several years, we are happy to participate in Catholic Medical Center’s Casual for a Cause fundraiser to support CMC’s “Reach Out and Read” program. On Friday, March 25, students and staff on both campuses can come to school in free dress for a donation of $2! All proceeds from the event will go to the Reach Out and Read program which provides books to young children at their annual physicals. What a great way to celebrate National Reading Month in March!
CMC Hearts and Hands Scholarship - Catholic Medical Center (CMC) and the Diocese of Manchester’s Catholic Schools Office are excited to announce the CMC Heart & Hands Scholarship.The Heart & Hands Scholarship seeks to assist motivated, mission-driven middle and high school students access a Catholic education. This scholarship will award two scholarships to students entering grades 7-12 at a diocesan Catholic school in New Hampshire in the 2022-23 academic year. This opportunity is available in addition to—and is not a part of—a student’s financial aid package; however, financial need is not a requirement for this scholarship program. One of last year’s winners was our very own Kathryn Kieley!
Interested students must complete an application including an essay explaining their desire to lead and serve while making a significant impact in their community. Completed materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM on May 1, 2022
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The Saint Christopher Academy Drama Club
Presents
THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP MUSICAL
Book by Todd Wallinger
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Murray
Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado
Performances of this delightful musical fantasy will be presented
Friday March 25, 2022 at 7:00 PM and
Saturday March 26, 2022 at 2 PM
Performances will be in the Saint Christopher Upper Campus Gymnasium.
Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students (12th grade and below).
There is a maximum fee of $40.00 per household.
If a small child is to sit in a lap, no charge.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or pre-ordered from a member of the cast or from
Dr. Borden: [email protected]
“The Enchanted Bookshop Musical” concerns a struggling used bookshop owner, Margie, and her faithful cat, Bombalurina. They are beset by diamond smugglers who threaten to destroy all of Margie’s books. At the same time, a fairy has enchanted the book shop so that the characters in the books come to life. However, they must never leave the bookshop nor be seen by humans or they will disappear. Wanting to help Margie, they risk being seen by humans and disappearing back into their books forever. Don’t miss this fun and dramatic presentation by the students of Saint Christopher Academy.
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Lenten Schedule and Special Events - Lent is fast approaching! Fr. David and St. Christopher Parish invite school families to attend any of the many sacraments, activities, and special events during this most sacred time of the year in the Catholic church!
- Saturday Morning Holy Mass and Confessions – Saturdays at 8:00 AM
- Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions – Wednesday mornings after 7:30 AM mass and Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 PM (through April 5)
- Rosary – Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and Wednesdays after 7:30 AM Mass
- Confession – Monday through Thursday after 7:30 AM Mass, Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, and Saturdays 3:00 PM
- Friday Stations of the Cross and Mass – Stations at 5:00 PM with Holy Mass at 5:30 PM
FIRST Lenten Soup and Salad Dinner THIS FRIDAY! – The parish is sponsoring two FREE Lenten Soup Dinners during Lent! A meatless soup and salad will be served following the 5:30 PM Mass on Friday, March 18 and Friday, April 1. Please join us for Friday fellowship! We are also looking for volunteers to help set up and/or clean up after the Lenten Soup Dinners. The setup crew would need to arrive about 4:30 PM to set up tables and chairs and all should be done before 5:30 so you can go to Mass. The clean up crew would help during the dinner to bus tables, empty trash and after dinner break down the hall, clean up in the kitchen and empty the trash. If you or your family can help, please call the rectory or email info@ stchrisparishn.org.
How to Read the Bible Lenten Workshop with Fr. David – Are you a Catholic who wants to become more comfortable with the VERY BASICS of the Bible? Join Fr. David for this workshop to help you pray with the Bible, ask beginner questions, and better understand the readings at Mass. It will be informal and fun! The workshop will take place Mondays from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Church Hall. The schedule of topics include:
- March 21 - The Old Testament
- March 28 - The New Testament
We will have free Catholic bibles or you can bring your own. Attendance at all sessions is not required.
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NEW! From the Nashua Parks & Rec Department: We are happy to announce that our Summer Camps are officially open for registration!
Visit Nashua.recdesk.com to register and to see complete details on all the wonderful camps we will be hosting this summer!
Check out what else is happening with Nashua Parks & Rec!
- Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball
- Baseball – Ages 13-15
- Softball – Ages 7-14
- Registration closes soon. Sign up today at Nashua.recdesk.com!
- Spring Flag Football Clinic with 22:6 Athletics
- Learn the basics or polish your flag football skills before your Spring Flag Football season starts!
- Walking Club
- Partnering with the Senior Center, the Walking Club will be back up and running again on Fridays starting May 6th. All walks start promptly at 9 a.m. at the Nashua River Rail Trail. The Walking Club is for all ages and walking speeds!
- SummerFun!
- SummerFun will be back in full swing this summer! A complete list of events & activities will be released in April