Weekly Update 14 – December 18, 2025
Calendar of Events |
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| Th. 12.18 | 6:30 PM Middle School Band & Choir Concert (gym) |
| Fr. 12.19 | 8:00 AM K-8 Mass K-8 Bring something festive to wear OVER uniforms after Mass (sweater, hat, headband...) International Christmas Festival for K-8 students 9:00 AM Preschool Concert (cafeteria) 10:00 AM Pre-K Concert (Doran Hall) |
| Sa.12.20 | 10:00 AM Advent Penance Service (church) |
| Su. 12.21 | 4th Sunday in Advent |
| Mo.12.22 | Christmas Break begins - School Not in Session |
| Mo. 1.5 | School resumes Out-of-uniform passes may be used |
| We. 1.7 | Faith Formation Night 5:15 dinner (Doran Hall) 6:00 formation talk (church) |
| Th. 1.8 | $1 for Mustard Seed Communities Spirit Wear Day for Charity |
Looking Ahead |
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| Sa. 1.10 | Liz Hickmas/Sue McSherry Basketball Blast |
| Tu. 1.13 | 2025-26 Enrollment opens for current families & parishioners 6:30 PM Kindergarten Round Up (cafeteria) |
| Mo. 1.19 | Martin Luther King Day - school not in session |
| Tu. 1.20 | Enrollment opens for the general public |
Dear St. Charles Parents!
I have a lot to say today. I’ll try to be as efficient as possible. Today, the dollar donation is for tomorrow’s Audrey Puchtel basketball night. All proceeds from today and the basketball night go to the Annunciation School and community. Let’s remember to keep them in our prayers throughout the year. Please see below for more about the Audrey Puchtel basketball night.
Take your calendar and book your babysitter for Parents Night Out on January 22nd! There will be appetizers, beverages for every taste, and plenty of Charger fellowship. Please do yourself this favor and make Parents Night Out great by blessing us with your presence. Please see below for details.
Enrollment season is just about here, and St. Charles parents play a vital role in helping our school grow. Approximately 80% of our interest comes from referrals of current families. If you’re happy with the education we are providing for your children, we encourage you to share your experience with other parents you know in the weeks to come.
You can refer them to our website, suggest they call the school, or share our social media posts. Tell them about our Kindergarten Round Up on Tuesday, January 13, and Preschool Parent Information Night on Tuesday, January 20. Most importantly, invite them to tour the school with me. When parents come in and walk the halls during the school day, it is hard for them not to be impressed with what they see here and see a path ahead for their child at St. Charles. Thank you for your help – more to come!
We’re at the point in the winter sports season when we need volunteers at our concession stand! Please know that if you have never done this, we will make sure that someone will give you a quick training. It really is easy and set up well. Most of all, it is fun and a great way to meet new people! I always look forward to working concessions, and I hope you will consider it! The Liz Hickman Sue McSherry Basketball Blast is on January 8th-10th. There is a huge need for concession volunteers, and we hope you will consider signing up! Please click here!!
The Advent Prayer Service last week was fantastic as it always is. I attribute the warmer temperatures to that prayer service. 😉 This evening we have the Middle School Band and Choir Concert, and tomorrow we have the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Christmas Programs. I’m always impressed with our students and our staff at this time of year. I invite you, parents, to really take it in and embrace these times. I know that this time of year, with all of the events, can be overwhelming. I’ve reached the point as a parent where I realize these times are precious and they go fast. Our children will always be our children, but they won’t be like they are right now for long. Love them, hug them, and embrace these moments that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Tomorrow, we will go to Mass together and then celebrate our International Christmas Festival. We get a taste of what Christmas looks like around the world. Dismissal comes fast on this day, and we’ll be turning them over to you for a couple of weeks of memories.
From all of the staff and me here at St. Charles, God bless the rest of your Advent and have a Blessed and Merry Christmas,
Danny Kieffer
St. Charles School Principal
The 29th Annual Audrey Puchtel Basketball Night ~ THIS Friday, December 19
Audrey, a long-time St. Charles parishioner who worked in the school office for more than 20 years, passed away in 1994 after a courageous battle against cancer. Her children and grandchildren attended St. Charles School. Audrey generously supported our athletic program throughout her years at St. Charles. In her honor, we host an annual basketball event. Usually, the funds go to Audrey and Ted Puchtel’s favorite charity, Our Lady of Peace Hospice. This year, we have designated Annunciation School to be the recipient of the money raised.
6:00 PM: Girls Varsity vs. Annunciation
7:00 PM: Boys Varsity vs. Annunciation
Admission fee: $3.00 Adults/ $1.00 Students
Interested in helping out? Check out the concession stand opportunities!
The Liz Hickman Sue McSherry Basketball Blast~January 10
Liz Hickman was a student at St. Charles who battled cancer for 7 years and passed away in 2005. Sue McSherry was part of the St. Charles staff and a beloved mother of 8 kids who attended St. Charles. Sue passed away from cancer in 2019. Liz and Sue lived their lives with faith, courage, and joy. They were inspirations to all who were blessed to have known them. We are honored to celebrate their lives and to raise money for the St. Charles Sue McSherry Scholarship Fund and Make-A-Wish of Minnesota.
This is the 21st year of celebrating Liz and the 7th year of celebrating Sue. Please join us for a fun-filled day of basketball, a silent auction, and honoring Liz and Sue! If you have items for the Silent Auction, please drop them off in the school office on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday after Christmas break.
St. Charles Alumni and Friends Basketball Tournament Jan. 8-10
We are accepting teams for the basketball tournament that will be held during the 21st Annual Liz Hickman-Sue McSherry Basketball Blast. The first eight teams to submit the $125 registration fee will be counted for the tournament.
Who are eligible teams/players?
- St. Charles School parents
- The St. Charles alumni
- The St. Charles parishioners
- Both men and women from the St. Charles School and Church community
- Individuals may also sign up. We will try to place them on a team
Format: two 20 minute halves with 2nd half stop-clock at two minute mark.
- Thursday, January 8, Four Play-In Games (5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, & 8:30 PM)
- Friday, January 9, Semifinals (7:00 PM & 8:00 PM)
- Saturday, January 10, Championship Game (approximately 4:30 PM)
Deadline: Checks (made out to St Charles School) must be received by Friday, December 19, 2025.
Submit the $125 registration fee to the school office or mail it to St Charles School, 2727 Stinson Blvd, St. Anthony, MN 55418
Questions? Contact Elmer Gavino at er.gavino61@gmail.com
Intramural Basketball Schedule
Intramural basketball for grades 2-3 kicks off on Saturday, January 10. Check here for the schedule for practice and game times.
Mark Your Calendar~Parent Night Out~January 22, 2026
Come enjoy a night out and meet other St. Charles parents! One complimentary drink and appetizers are included. Hope to see you there! Contact Andrea at andrearichardson99@gmail.com with any questions. For all the details and to RSVP by January 10, click below:
Save the Date~Borromeo Bash~April 25, 2026
Save the date: The Borromeo Bash is set for April 25, 2026! Registration will go live on January 1st, and Early Bird Pricing will end on March 1st.
The Borromeo Bash is our school’s largest fundraising event of the year! We are returning to the Hollywood Theater! Thank you, Andrew Volna, for the donation of this amazing location! This year we will be raising funds towards the historic front steps of the school (original to 1938!), expand services for students with special needs, and the Gary Wilmer Scholarship Fund. Visit the Borromeo Bash website (below) for all the details of this event, including how to donate to or sponsor the event! There will be great food, specialty drinks, fantastic silent, and live auction items to bid on, the best dance party, and so much more!
Thank you for your generosity, as we could not have a successful event without YOU!
St. Charles Playgroup & Coffee Break
The parish and school of St Charles warmly invite you and your little one(s) to a playgroup and coffee break weekly on Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM. We usually meet in the Youth Room of the church. Sign up here to receive email updates. Get rejuvenated and inspired in your vocation as a parent! More info here.
Parish Updates and Events
Advent Penance Service ~ Saturday, December 20th
The Advent Penance Service will be on Saturday, December 20th, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. There will be multiple priests available to hear confessions. Confession is also available Tuesday – Saturday 8:30 – 9:00 AM, Wednesdays 5:00 – 5:30 PM, and Saturdays 3:30 – 4:30 PM, or by appointment.
Parish Movie Afternoon ~ Saturday, December 20th
On Saturday, December 20th, bring a snack or drink to share, your cozy folding chair, and wear your favorite Christmas sweater, and come to Doran Hall at 1:00 PM to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a parish family. Please RSVP HERE.
Christmas Schedule
- Wednesday, December 24, Prelude starts at 4:30 PM, and Christmas Vigil Mass begins at 5:00 PM
- Thursday, December 25, Christmas Morning Masses at 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
- Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, December 31 Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM & January 1st Mass at 9:00 AM
A Hymn Sing (Carols Edition)~ Tuesday, December 30th
On Tuesday, December 30th, at 6:30 PM, Peter Vanderwaal, director of music/organist, and the St. Charles Schola are going to lead a night of singing and will be taking requests! Come enjoy the beauty of the Christmas music and the decorated church!
The Meal Train Ministry
Would you like to help provide meals for a person or family in their time of need? OR do you or someone you know have a short-term need (due to a birth, surgery, illness, etc.) for meals to be delivered to your home? Contact Joan Conlin if you are interested in this ministry.
Prayer Corner
If you would like to add someone to our prayer corner, please email the information to Danny Kieffer.
- For a successful December 30 back surgery and speedy recovery for 2025 graduate, Robert, brother of student June.
- For the repose of the soul of Dennis, grandpa to students Macallan and Maeli. May he rest in peace, and may his family be comforted in their time of sorrow.
- For the family of students, Côme, Inés, Amaury, and Zita, in thanksgiving for the arrival of a healthy baby and for a successful January surgery for Christophe.
- For quick and complete healing after a car accident for Don and Alaime, grandparents of student Henry.
- For complete healing for our former, beloved teacher, Anne Flynn, who is battling cancer once again. For healing for Mrs. Flynn and guidance and strength for her family.
- For comfort and healing for the Annunciation Community.
- For the peace of Christ to reign in our hearts, our homes, our community, our world.
Helpful Links for Parents – Community Events & St Charles Links:
★ Weekly Update article deadline: Wednesday, 9:00 AM – Send submissions to mwappes@stchbs.org
