MASS SCHEDULE

All masses are held at 9:00am at St. Joseph Church in Pierz, unless otherwise indicated.

12/19 Mrs. Miller's 4th Grade- rescheduled from snow day

01/09 Mr. Wolters' 6th Grade

01/14 Ms. Cherne's 5th Grade- Wednesday

01/23 Mrs. Miller's 4th Grade

UPCOMING EVENTS

December

17 K-6 Birthday Lunch

18 Grades 3-6 ExL

19 Glow Dance 11:45-12:45

19 Early Release @ 1:00pm

22-31 No School Christmas Break

January

1-2 No School Christmas Break

5 Classes Resume

7 Toddler Class 6:00pm

12-15 NWEA Testing

16 No School - End of Quarter - Teacher Wksp

19-23 NWEA Testing

21 Toddler Class 6:00pm

25-31 Catholic Schools' Week

STUDENT SAFETY

As the weather has gotten colder, we’ve noticed an increase in cars being left unattended in the parent drop-off lane near the flagpole doors. On several mornings, multiple vehicles have been parked—and sometimes left running—in this area while parents walk children inside. This causes the drop-off line to back up toward the bus zone and makes it difficult for parents who are using the “drive-up, drop-off” process to safely let their children out near the doors.

For the safety of all students, we ask that parents using the drop-off lane remain in their vehicles and keep the line moving. If you need to walk your child into the building, please park in the church parking lot rather than the drop-off lane.

Your cooperation helps ensure that all students can enter the building safely and that cars can move through the line smoothly.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety reminder!

DECEMBER SAINTLY SERVICE

CSCOE's December Saintly Service is based on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who lived charity not just as a feeling, but as a daily choice. Whether she was caring for her children as a young widow, opening her home to those in need, or founding schools for children who had no other opportunities, Elizabeth’s heart was always turned outward in love. Her charity was practical, creative, and courageous; it met real needs with compassion and hope. Her legacy continues in the many schools, charities, and ministries inspired by her life of service and love.

Nominations are due by December 15, 2025.

Submit your nominations here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf05eB-lvyguF7GhENI1nsWV8q7SceGgVOd0PuFUwE2bJJZWg/viewform?usp=preview

SPREAD THE WORD & MARK YOUR CALENDARS

ECE Open house for the 2026-27 school year will be on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 4-6 pm. (Come when it works for you.) There will be a sandwich supper, take home gifts and special prizes!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026

Catholic Schools Week is coming soon! A sheet was sent home with each family regarding weekend mass participation. Please return that ASAP.

On January 28, students are invited to celebrate our faith and the lives of holy role models by dressing as a saint for our “Saints Day” dress-up. Encourage your child to choose a saint who inspires them. Please have students research their chosen saint to find out what the saint wore,  how these individuals lived their faith, and any symbols or objects usually pictured with them (for example, St. Peter often with keys). Thank you for joining us in honoring tradition and faith‑filled role models!

More specific details about all the CSW activities will come in January!

A NOTE FROM MRS. LITKE

What a joy it was to gather together for our beautiful Christmas program this week. Our students used their voices, reverence and excitement to share the story of Christ’s birth with our school community. I am so proud of the hard work they put into preparing, and I am deeply grateful to our teachers and staff, especially our music teacher Ms. Becker, whose dedication made the evening so special. Thank you as well to our families for your support, your presence, and the love you pour into our school.

As we continue our journey through Advent, may these moments of celebration remind us of what this season is really about; preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus. Advent invites us to slow down, notice God’s blessings, and make space for hope, peace, joy and love. I pray that the light of this season fills your homes and hearts in the days ahead. Wishing you a blessed and grace-filled Advent.

RAFFLE CALENDARS

The office has been going through all the calendars that were returned. If there are any missing or questions, the office will reach out directly as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TIMES 2026

Thank you to all who responded to the survery. The results are posted below. 

37 people chose 6 pm

33 chose 6:30 pm

15 chose 7pm

This tells me that most would like to go earlier, but there are still 48 that wanted a later time than 6pm. Therefore, we will try for 6:30 pm for next year. Thank you for input!

CATHOLIC Q&A

If you have a question to ask, please use the link for the google form here:

https://forms.gle/VSw2GLGHKJpkc53r8

Question: Who was Our Lady of Guadalupe?

Answer: Our Lady of Guadalupe is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary after she appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City. Mary revealed herself as the Mother of God and the Mother of all people, offering comfort, hope and a message of God’s love. As a sign of her presence, she left her image on Juan Diego’s tilma, a miraculous cloak that remains visible today. Our Lady of Guadalupe is especially honored as the Patroness of the Americas and a powerful symbol of unity, protection, and compassion for all God’s children. This is a short summary that doesn't come close to describing the miracles and wonder of what happened after her appearance. I have included some videos from FORMED.org. The parish has a subscription, so just enter in your name and the name of one of our parishes in the ACC, and you will have access to numerous resources and many on Our Lady of Guadalupe! Here are the links to a couple of them.

For older viewers: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/578780

For kids: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/578445

GIVING TREE

Thank you to those who have brought in gifts. Please leave gifts for the Giving Tree near / under the tree (not in the box for Jared's Toy Drive).

Monetary donations / gift cards should be sent to the office.

All gifts are due by Friday, December 12, 2025.

JARED'S TOY DRIVE

HTCS is once again a drop off for the 20th Annual Jared Tomala Toy Drive. Jared was a student at HT  while battling cancer.

Today donations can be brought to the school and placed in the bin near the Giving Tree.

Monetary donations should be brought to Farmers & Merchants Bank in care of the Jared Tomala Toy Drive Account.

All gifts are due by Friday, December 19, 2025.