Newsletter from Our Principal

December 18, 2025

Dear Families,

Part of what makes St. John the Baptist School special is the events and activities that bring us closer together, grow in our faith, and reinforce cultures and faith-based traditions. Last Friday we celebrated St. Lucia’s Day, and we followed a tradition found in Scandinavia, the festival of lights. Each town in Scandinavian countries chooses its own St. Lucia. Dressed in a white gown with a red sash, Angela Mang, was our St. Lucia. Addi Doncoes and Macy Pena were her assistants. The Scandinavian festival is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. Our Lucia shared that light is brought into darkness as she used a candle (battery operated) and a wreath adorned with candles to light the way in the classrooms. A baked good was provided to everyone. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, but now light is shining on them.” Isaiah 9:2   

I am grateful to all the families who joined us for Fr. Dan’s installation as the 12^th pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Your presence and prayers made this day truly special and was a beautiful reminder that ministry is not done alone – it is nurtured by the love, prayers, and support of families like yours. Your encouragement strengthens Fr. Dan and uplifts our parish.

Our Christmas musical, The Wonder Line Express, under the direction of Michelle Bucaro was incredibly successful and had such a meaningful message. It was amazing to see our students perform with such grace and confidence. They really were shining stars! Thank you, Mrs. Murray, for being our stage manager. It’s wonderful to see how our students come together to run the lights, help with sound, and ensure that scenes are ready with props and scenery for our talented actors! Thank you, Mrs. Galla, for your work with the cast as the choreographer. We are grateful for all your time and talent! The choreography was top notch! Thank you, Mrs. Woodbury, for your all of your time and work with them vocally. The voices sounded beautiful and the blending was gorgeous. Our theater department is a real treasure and truly a blessing to SJB. Thank you to all of the parents of the cast and tech crew for your fabulous gifts of time and endless support! Thank you to all who came to the performances! We were happy with the size of our audiences! 

It was absolutely fabulous to see so many parents, grandparents, and loved ones gather together in church on Monday night for our Christmas Program, “The Nativity Story” directed by our music teacher, Mrs. Spears. The program began with Jubilate Deo, which was especially fitting during the third week of Advent as it means Shout Joyfully to the Lord or Rejoice in the Lord. The night was filled with the gifts of beautiful music and song by your children, and certainly provided holiday joy and love. Many thanks to all for attending this annual event. A great sense of community was indeed seen and heard. 

Due to the inclement weather this afternoon, we were unable to bring our songs of Christmas cheer to the Winfield community. Our faith families still got together…some still sang together. Faith Families enjoyed their time together playing games like Would You Rather, Snow Bingo, or watching a holiday video. The hot cocoa was definitely a welcomed treat. Thank you, Mrs. Hardesty, for getting everything needed and for getting it ready for us. Thank you to Mr. Ivan and Mr. Tony for their help preparing and serving. Thank you also to Mrs. Rooney, Mrs. Spears, and Mrs. Wilson for their assistance serving hot chocolate. We did have one group sing yesterday afternoon. Our choir sang at the Young at Heart Christmas luncheon and provided some holiday joy. They were met with appreciation and gratitude for the music provided! 

Free Parish Christmas Concert Tonight 

Are you looking for a little Christmas cheer? Come to the church at 7:00 PM for a free Christmas concert for the parish to help us continue to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the coming of Christ. O come, o come, Emmanuel! You will be treated to performances by Gavin Coyle, Mary Mulligan and Ryan Smetana, who will inspire with the sounds of the season.

Save the Date Thursday, February 12 for Grandparents Day Mass and Visit

As shared at our Grandparent Bingo in September, we are going to have a Grandparents Day Mass and School Visit on Thursday, February 12. As you see grandparents during the holidays, please be sure to make them aware of the date. The time together will start at church with School Mass at 8:45 AM and then grandparents are invited to come back for a short program and visit to classrooms.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

Don’t forget that the last Knights of Columbus Advent Fish Fry is tomorrow from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. in Sebahar Hall. The West Chicago Chorus will be performing to provide some additional Christmas cheer as you dine. You can park in the Liberty Street Parking lot and walk across the street to Sebahar Hall, which is directly below our church sanctuary. Shrimp dinners, fish and shrimp combos, fish tacos, spaghetti dinners, pizza, enchiladas, and salads are also on the menu. There are several ways to order. Be sure to check out the posting for the ordering details. If you haven’t been to a KC Fish Fry, it will not disappoint! It is always a good time! If you are able, please join me! Bring some friends! Shout outs go to our third, fourth, and fifth grade classes for preparing silverware bundles for the Fish Fry dinners! Thank you for your help!

WILDCAT BASKETBALL 

Home basketball games will resume on Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 PM. Mark your calendars and come cheer them on to victory! 

School Mass Tomorrow at 8:45 AM and Christmas Parties Following

We will end the calendar year tomorrow at SJB with a school Mass. Mass begins tomorrow at 8:45 AM. Preschool classes will be joining us. I can’t think of a more beautiful way to begin the celebration of Christmas. Afterwards the class Christmas parties will take place. Thank you, Parent Club, for organizing these fantastic parties! We truly are grateful for the room parents’ time, creativity, and for the festive start to break! Students are able to wear a Christmas sweater/Christmas clothing tomorrow if they would like to do so.

This is just a reminder that we dismiss at 11:30 AM tomorrow and the school office will be closed during our Christmas break. The building will close at 11:30 AM and there is no After Care. School will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. 

As we draw closer to Christmas, I close with a quote from Pope Francis. “The Birth of Jesus brings us the good news that we are loved immensely and uniquely by God, and He not only enables us to know this love, He also gives it to us, He communicates it to us!” How precious it is to know that our Emmanuel - God, is with us. I pray that this Christmas you and yours are enveloped in our Lord’s love, blessed by time with family and friends, and enjoy a joyous, safe, and healthy New Year.

With joy,

Joanne