Chesterton Weekly 4/1/22
“For the circle is perfect and infinite in its nature; but it is fixed for ever in its size; it can never be larger or smaller. But the cross, though it has at its head a collision and a contradiction, can extend its four arms for ever without altering its shape.”
- G.K. Chesterton
In this Issue:
Exciting Community Events
Admissions Open House - 6th & 7th Graders
Mexico Pilgrimage
Instabuy Items Still Available!
Coffee and Conversation
Student Retreats - All-School Lenten Retreat and Junior Retreat
Spring Swing
Save the Date for Graduation - All students required to come
Save the Dates
Exciting Community Events
We have some exciting events happening in our community! Juniors and seniors, join Fr. Kirby and Dr. Cech, from Carroll College, at the Comer house for a talk on the Theology of Adventure, a bonfire, and pizza next Friday! Join our beloved Mr. Ellison at St. James to talk faith and philosophy. And hear from Madonna Muscarello, one of our board members, on the sermons of St. John Henry Newman during Lent. Keeping reading to learn more about all the events and RSVP below!
Theology of Adventure
Dear junior and senior families,
You are all invited to a special event at the Comer home on Friday, April 8 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Fr. Kirby Longo, a priest from Carroll College who leads week-long adventure retreats in Montana’s wilderness, is visiting to present a talk called, “The Theology of Adventure.” Fr. Kirby will speak about what adventure means on a spiritual level; how it’s our longing for God, and the exciting journey of our life when we say yes to our calling. This is a very important message today as we live in a world that puts an over-emphasis on safety and has become complacent.
The event also features Carroll College’s president, Dr. John Cech, who would like to share some words on Carroll’s Montana campus, their Catholic Studies program, academics and athletics, and their spiritual formation. Carroll College has been around since 1909 and is one of only two diocesan colleges in the U.S. Under the leadership of Bishop Vetter, Dr. Cech, young priests like Fr. Kirby, and new faculty hires, the college is embracing its Catholic identity.
Pizza will be provided for everyone. Families are welcome. Please RSVP by filling out the Google Form Link. Since pizza is provided, please RSVP by Tuesday, April 5. Hope to see you on April 8!
Faith and Philosophy: How Christians Benefit from the Study of Philosophy
Our very own Mr. John Ellison will be giving a talk at St. James at Sag Bridge this upcoming Saturday, April 2, from 7-9 p.m. His talk is called Faith and Philosophy: How Christians Benefit from the Study of Philosophy. Our students rave about him in class, and now you can experience his expertise yourself. There will be wine, sparkling water, cheese, and great conversation. You can sign up here or reach out to Lisa Beecher at (630) 862-9236.
Cardinal Newman's Holy Week Sermons
During Holy Week, join Mrs. Madonna Muscarello in unveiling the beauty of Cardinal John Henry Newman's sermons. Mrs. Muscarello will give a talk on April 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. James at Sag Bridge. Mrs. Muscarello is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker. She is a member of our board of directors and has even served the school as a substitute teacher in the humanities. She is also an avid Chesterton scholar.
Click the link here for more information and to signup!
Admissions Open House - 6th & 7th Graders
This upcoming week we have an Open House for 6th and 7th graders. Join us on Wednesday, April 6, from 9 - 11 a.m. here on campus. And spread the word to all your friends and family! You can RSVP and find more information here.
Mexico Pilgrimage
Our senior class had a happy and holy time on their pilgrimage to Mexico and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe! They visited a number of holy and historical sites, as well as experiencing the colorful culture. Stay tuned for a few stories from our pilgrims on their amazing experiences.
Instabuy Items Still Available!
There is still time left to participate in our silent auction by purchasing Instabuy items! Our auction this year was a huge hit and helped us reach our financial goal for this year’s gala! However, there is still an opportunity to add to that final number and help us keep our mission going strong. Check out the Instabuy items that we still have available here. From self-defense class, to an intriguing guys' night, to saints playing cards, you won't want to miss out.
Coffee and Conversation
Join us for coffee and a Socratic dialogue among fellow Chesterton parents on April 13 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. in the Chesterton room! This month's conversation will be led by Mr. Jacob Taylor, a science and math instructor. The topic is G.K. Chesterton as a convert. This is sure to be a riveting discussion as Mr. Taylor is a recent convert to the faith! You can RSVP here.
Read more about Mr. Taylor and his conversion story here: https://chestertonacademyoftheholyfamily.com/news/2021/8/19/meet-jacob-taylor-one-of-our-newest-hires
Student Retreats
All-School Lenten Retreat
Our all-school Lenten retreat will take place at the National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese this year on April 12. All students should arrive on our campus at 7:30 a.m. We will bus them to the shrine and then back to school. Pickup time back at school at the end of the day will begin at 3:30 p.m. as usual. The retreat will be led by Fr. Ryan. There will be a light breakfast and a full lunch provided for all students. If your student has any dietary restrictions, please let us know here. All students must come in full uniform. We are looking forward to a fruitful day, especially during Holy Week!
Junior Retreat
Our junior retreat will take place on April 26 at Notre Dame Parish in Clarendon Hills. All juniors are asked to arrive on campus at 7:30 a.m. and will be bused to and from the parish. Juniors, please bring a bagged lunch. No meals will be provided on this trip. All juniors must come in their full uniform. We are looking forward to a great day with our juniors!
Spring Swing!
Mark your calendars for our annual all-school dance, the Spring Swing, on April 23! The dance will take place on April 23, on campus, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The dance will be hosted by the House of Athanasius along with the junior class.
Dress Code: Gentlemen will wear dress pants, collared and button-down shirts, dress socks, and dress shoes. Ladies should wear a nice dress or skirt and blouse and follow the uniform policy in the handbook. Dresses must be modest and at the knee or below. Dress shoes should be nice and comfortable--not higher than 1 1/2" so you can dance the whole night long! All of our out-of-uniform expectations are in effect of course.
Cost: $10 per person.
Permission: Next week we will send each family a permission slip. It must be turned in with payment.
Save the Date for Graduation - All students required to attend
Graduation is less than 2 months away! On Thursday, May 26, at 6:15 p.m., our seniors will have their baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremony at Ss. Peter and Paul in Naperville. What a bittersweet day! We are excited to watch our senior class graduate, but we will miss them sincerely! Due to COVID in the last two years, graduation has not been our traditional all-school event, but this year, we look forward to getting back to it! Traditionally, the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are the choir for the baccalaureate Mass so be sure to save the date and make sure your gala/choir attire is in good condition and still fits well. All students and their families are warmly invited to both the Mass and the ceremony. However, our students are only required to stay for Mass. Please mark this date on the calendar and keep an eye out for more information!
Junior parents, our tradition is also for you to help out with any volunteer jobs so that senior parents can focus on enjoying the whole evening. Please keep an eye out for a Signup Genius with many different ways you can pitch in to make this a beautiful event.
Save the Dates
4/6/22: Admissions Open House
4/12/22: All-School Lenten Retreat
4/13: Coffee and Conversation
4/14-18/22: Easter Break
4/21/22: Fine Arts Festival
4/23/22: Spring Swing
4/26: Junior Retreat
4/30/22: Parent Supper Club
5/5-7: Senior Play
5/13: May Crowning on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
5/26: Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2022
5/27: Last Day of School