Weekly Update 17 – January 22, 2026
Calendar of Events |
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|---|---|
| Th. 1.22 | 6:00 PM School Advisory Mtg |
| Fr. 1.23 | School Not In Session - Staff Development |
| Sa. 1.24 | 6:00 PM Evening to Affirm Life (Doran Hall) |
| Su. 1.25 | 10:00 AM Mass to begin Catholic Schools Week 11:30 AM Learning Festival & Pancake Breakfast (school) |
| Su. 1.25-Fr. 1.30 | Catholic Schools Week-see schedule and out-of-uniform info below |
| Mo. 1.26 | NO BUS SERVICE |
| We. 1.28 | 6:00 PM Ignite 5th-8th grade youth (youth room) |
| Th. 1.29 | $1 Mustard Seed Communities Charity Spirit Wear Day |
| Fr. 1.30 | 8:00 AM K-8 Mass (church) |
Looking Ahead |
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| Mo. 2.16 | School Not In Session: Presidents' Day |
| Fr. 2.27 | School Not In Session: Staff Development Day |
| Su. 3.1 | Last day to get Bash tickets at a discounted price |
Dear St. Charles Parents!
My first wish of the day is to see you at the Parents Night Out tonight! Yes, it will be cold outside, but I double-checked, the saloon has a fancy indoor area that is heated just for us!
Taking a couple of hours out on a weeknight for some community time might be just what you need to get you to Friday.
Enrollment season is in full swing with the Kindergarten Round Up and Preschool Parent Nights in the books. Please consider sharing the school information business cards with people you know. Consider sharing our social media page with friends and making a call to tell them to schedule a tour. I love showing off our building to people who have never seen the likes of St. Charles. My second wish of the day is that you fill up my January – March schedule with tours! Have at it, Chargers!
Next week is Catholic Schools week beginning with the Mass and the Learning Festival this Sunday. Mass is at 10:00 AM in the church, and I’ll be saying a few words at the end of each Mass this weekend. The parish does a lot when it comes to supporting the school, and this is one way we show them the return on their investment! Please show up and show your support. The Learning Festival begins right after Mass, about 11:30 AM. The Knights of Columbus will be making and serving breakfast in our cafeteria, so show up hungry!
Tomorrow, our staff and the parish staff will be gathering for a retreat and prayer time in the morning. We will be praying for our students, parents, school, community, city, state, and country. My 3rd wish is that you pray for us tomorrow as we make this retreat. The afternoon will provide time for us to meet as a faculty and prepare for the Learning Festival.
Today, we arranged coverage so that many of our staff could attend the funeral of Craig Vana. Craig began his career as a teacher at St. Charles in 1969. His career was in education as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent of the Minneapolis School District. His life was dedicated to his family, his students, his parish, and Jesus Christ our Lord. Please keep Craig’s soul, his family, and his friends in your prayers.
God bless you,
Danny Kieffer
St. Charles School Principal
New Student Applications Open for the 2026-27 School Year!
Please spread the word! Apply here.
K-8 Catholic Schools Week: January 25-30
- Savor our students’ hard work throughout the school
- Enjoy the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast
- Find a great book at the Usborne Book Fair: 50% of your purchase will be matched with FREE books for the school library and classrooms!
- Support ProLife Across America by shopping at the Bake Sale in Kenney Commons.
- Check out the Home & School Shop in 104 for new spirit wear, used uniforms, and a chance to reclaim your student’s lost items!
See the Catholic Schools Week schedule and dress code for each day for out-of-uniform days and the overall plan for Catholic Schools Week!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SCHEDULE
Concession Stand Help Needed!
Volunteering is a super fun way to meet new people, support our school, and help families who attend these events. It’s also a great opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to volunteer alongside a parent and earn required service hours. If you’re able to help out for a shift, we’d love to have you – your support makes a big difference!
If you’ve never volunteered at the concession stand or would like a refresher training, please leave a comment when you sign up, and we’ll be sure to have a seasoned team member there to train you and work with you. Thank you!
Updated: Borromeo Bash~April 25, 2026
Registration is live NOW, and Early Bird Pricing ends March 1st.
We are currently seeking donations and sponsorships for the Bash. Popular items include:
- Sports, concert, or event tickets
- Experiences such as cabin stays, vacation rentals, fishing or hunting charters, flight vouchers, or other local adventures
- Gift cards (restaurants, shopping, entertainment, services)
- Wine, beer, or spirits
- Toys, arts & crafts, jewelry, handbags, and other unique or fun items
- Family-friendly packages (museum, zoo, or attraction passes)
- Wellness and beauty items (spa treatments, salon services, fitness classes)
Donations may be dropped off at the school office. Thank you for helping make the Borromeo Bash a success!
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
Evening to Affirm Life Pasta Dinner ~Saturday, January 24
The annual Pasta & Meatball Dinner will be held on Saturday, January 24th, in Doran Hall following the 5:00PM Mass. The guest speaker will be Pam Baker from Abria Pregnancy Resources, and she will be speaking about how “Courage is Contagious.” There is no charge, but a free will offering will be accepted for Abria Pregnancy Resources. Families are welcome! Seating is limited, so please register HERE.
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.
- In thanksgiving for a successful surgery for Christophe, father of students Côme, Inés, Amaury, and Zita. And now for his complete and speedy recovery and for the well-being of his family during this time.
- For healing and good medical care for Bob, brother of staff member Cindy Brown-Kasel.
- 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
