Catholic Schools Week
We celebrate Catholic Schools Week beginning with Mass this Sunday at 9:00am. Our Academy has grown tremendously through the years. We should all be very grateful to our Principal Kate O’Brien, Assistant Principal Laura Clark, the amazing faculty, engaged students and supportive parents who all play a role in making Holy Family Catholic Academy truly unique.
The Academy’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience has led to growth, enhanced programs, and an expanded vision for the future.
1. Enrollment Growth and Program Expansion:
• Our school has experienced an increase in enrollment, reflecting the growing trust and confidence families have in the quality of education at HFCA.
• To meet the demand, we expanded our preschool offerings, ensuring that families have more options to choose from, tailored to their needs.
2. Academic Enhancements:
• The addition of reading specialist resources demonstrates our dedication to academic excellence, supporting students in developing strong literacy skills.
• The reintroduction of the Middle School House Program fosters a sense of community and collaboration among our students and staff, enhancing their overall school experience.
• Our successful Scholastic Bowl teams showcase the intellectual achievements of our students, contributing to a vibrant and competitive academic environment.
3. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidacy:
• Being accepted as a Candidate for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme is a testament to our commitment to providing a globally focused education from preschool through middle school.
• This prestigious recognition aligns with our goal of developing students into global thinkers and leaders grounded in faith.
4. Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement:
The Academy has made progress in implementing its Strategic Plan, which was rolled out in the fall. Specifically, they have:
• Retained an enrollment specialist to guide us in the development of a comprehensive enrollment strategy that highlights the many ways HFCA is distinctly unique among Catholic, private, and public schools. We thank those who have shared their feedback with our consultant in either a one-to-one interview or as part of a focus group.
• Developed a Service Learning Program, which provides an age-appropriate guide to seamlessly incorporate Catholic Social Teachings into our International Baccalaureate units will be implemented this school year.
Experience, continuous improvement, and international recognition distinguish HFCA from other area schools. HFCA’s passion, innovation, and worldwide best practices of their International Baccalaureate World School build a strong foundation and smooth transition from preschool through middle school. But all of this comes at a cost.
While we hoped Illinois’ Tax Credit Scholarship Program which provided scholarship money to qualifying families would be extended, it expired at the end of 2023. Despite this setback, our dedication to supporting families in need remains unwavering. Please consider helping our parish school bridge the financial gap left by the expiration of the Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Your tax-deductible donation directly to our Academy will ensure that deserving students are given the opportunity to experience the enriching environment of Holy Family Catholic Academy and become global thinkers, leaders grounded in faith.
For more information or arrange a tour of our school, please contact Kate O’Brien (Kobrien@holyfamilyparish.org)
Fr. Terry’s Morning Scriptural Prayer
I have been crafting and re-crafting the following prayer since my first 30-Day Silent Directed Retreat in 1994. Here is the latest version inspired by my retreat this past summer. Some of you have requested a copy. I hope it helps you to begin your day and, particularly, to reflect on scripture passages.
God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.
Thank you for this day, Lord. Give me the grace of
discernment and the courage to act on it,
especially the discernment of good and evil.
As I read this scripture passage and go through my day,
may your grace re-illumine (re-animate, re-emphasize or similar word)
something that I have noticed before, that you want me to notice again NOW.
May your grace magnify something
that I have not noticed before, even something small,
that you want me to notice NOW.
May your grace diminish anything distracting me from
noticing what you want me to notice NOW.
Help me to see what you want me to see,
to hear what you want me to hear
and to feel what you want me to feel. Amen.