The document is a Thanksgiving edition newsletter from Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School. It discusses reflecting on blessings and being thankful, even during challenges. It encourages maintaining a close relationship with God and remembering that God provides what is needed, though not always what is wanted. The newsletter wishes readers a blessed Thanksgiving and thanks them for their support of the school through prayers, donations, and well wishes.

1. Spiritual Journey
Thanksgiving Edition
November 13, 2011
challenge. I need only to turn to you for your
grace, guidance and peace. Keep me close to
you, and I won’t worry so much about what lies
ahead.” The spirit of thanksgiving makes heavy
hearts lighter. It’ll clear your head of a
thousand worries and concerns. One thing
alone is important: your personal relationship
As we approach Thanksgiving 2011, our thoughts with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If your
turn to the many blessings we have received relationship with God is right, everything can be
from God. Even if, for some reason, we cannot going wrong in the world, as it seems to be, and
be with family members, our thoughts turn es- you will soar above it all. In fact, did you know
pecially to our family, both the living and the that academic studies show that thankful peo-
Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School
dead. In the context of recalling the many gifts ple have higher vitality, more optimism, and
which God has given to us in our family, two less stress and depression than the population
gifts stand out as most to be treasured: the as a whole? How great is it that something we
gifts of life and faith. should do anyway actually makes us healthier
Enter His Gate with
and happier. What a wonderful legacy we can
Thanksgiving also offers an opportunity to re- leave our children by teaching them to be
flect. Where have we been, where are we go- thankful each and every day of their lives. The
ing? And what gifts have we received from the families of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School
Thanksgiving
Lord. Sometimes our sights can be set on what want to wish each of you and your families a
we don’t have or on what we think we need - very blessed Thanksgiving Day.
what we want. On Thanksgiving, we are asked
to look at what we already have – the things we We also give thanks to God for all that He
perhaps take for granted. And so, as you, pre- does for us. We give thanks for His faithfulness
pare for the “big dinner” and find yourselves throughout many generations here at Our
running around with grocery lists in your Mother of Mercy Church and School. Finally,
hands, remember that the frantic pace isn’t but not least, we sincerely thank you for all you
“what it’s all about.” This Thanksgiving “thank do for Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School
God for God!” God is in charge! Don’t forget from your prayers to your donations to your
that. God is all-good, all-merciful, all-loving, and well wishes. We are so grateful for your help
all-powerful. He will fight the enemies for what with the endeavor to keep our school on the
is true and good, reminding us of scripture, “If strong foundation of Jesus Christ.
God is for you, who can be against you!”
Take some time to offer thanks: for family, Peace and Blessings to you,
friends, life, love- most especially for your Faith
that sees you through so many of life’s chal-
lenges. Always remember that Jesus gives us
what we need, although it might not be what we Dorothy Wheaton
want. Somewhere, in the middle of confusion, Principal
Jesus is trying to make us ever more aware of
his presence: calling us to a greater depend-
ence on Him. If nothing else, stand before a cru-
cifix and say: “Thank you, Lord, for what you
have done for me. Your death has given me life.
I know that with you by my side, I can face any

2. Revised Mission of School
Mission Statement
(Revised November, 2011)
Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School Family provides a safe, loving, spirit-filled, disci-
plined environment that promotes high academic standards, educates and empowers each
child socially, morally, and physically. Every child who enters the halls of Our Mother of
Mercy Catholic School will leave to serve and will achieve their destined greatness that is
pre-determined by our Almighty God.
If your child is not registered at our mother of mercy catholic
school, why?
Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School
July 1, 2010—June 30 2011 School Year
Financial Breakdown
Total Revenues: $970,606.44
 Tuition $170,893.02
 Registration/Books/Other Fees $43,839.24
 Ordinary Gifts/Donations $25,534.67
 Extraordinary Gifts/Grants/Donations $685,488.30
 Parish Subsidy $16,703.07
 Diocese Subsidy $1749.46
 Mardi Gras Fundraiser $16787.34
 Bazaar Fundraiser $9610.84
Total Expenditures: 779,747.90
 Salary $354,909.90
 Salary Expenses (FICA, retirement, & W/C) 161,644.55
 Bank/Accounting $4987.74
 Advertising $5078.00
 Office Supplies/Equipment $21712.70
 Plant/Maintenance/Janitorial/Lawn $19,592.95
 Building Insurance $25,588.02
 Plant Utilities $20,748.07
 School Materials/Books/Equipment/Training $27,240.75
 Loan Payment to Diocese $138,245.22
Page 2

3. Sponsor a Child
Our Mother of Mercy Students
need you…..or a Child
Our Mother of Mercy is seeking individuals, families, corporations, churches, or other
groups to sponsor students. You may sponsor one or more students.
Academics Essentials
Tuition $2650.00
Book Fee $300.00
Registration $75.00
Library Book $35.00
Tutoring (2 days per week-$15.00) $900.00
Non-Academic Essentials
Lunch (for one child yearly) $630.00
Uniforms (4 Uniform shirts, $114.00
Spirit Shirt, Tie, 3 bottoms)
Aftercare (180 x$10.00) $1800.00
Student Sponsors will receive:
 A photo of the student(s) sponsored
 Invitation to attend special programs
 Recognition on website and newsletter
 A special thank you from your student(s)
ture or graphic.
Caption describing pic-
Thanksgiving is a time for giving to those in need.
Th an ks gi vi n g Ed i t i on Page 3

4. IN-KIND NEEDS
WHEN THESE ITEMS ARE DONATED, IT COMES OUT OF THE BUDGET
Prepackaged Snacks: We need donations of pre-packaged snacks that can be served to our students in the
mid-afternoon. Suggestions are peanut butter or cheese crackers, trail mix, nuts, pretzels, goldfish or wheat
thin crackers, or animal crackers.
Copy Paper: We use many reams of white 8.5x11 copy paper. We cannot have too much paper do-
nated! We also need 8.5x11 colored and white card stock.
First Aid Supplies: band-aid of all sizes (plain if possible - if they have superman or other designs on them
every child develops a need for a band-aid!), gauze pads, digital thermometer and disposable thermometer
covers, antibiotic cream, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol wipes, disposable gloves
Office Supplies: 68 or 69 black and color ink; HP 564 black and color ink, post-it notes of all sizes, dry
Erase Markers, and white board cleaner; sticky-tack, time cards, etc.
Manning Gift Cards: These will be used to buy supplies (other than paper and ink) for classrooms, par-
ticularly for learning centers.
Cleaning Items: We need Clorox Wipes, Baby Wipes, and Hand Sanitizer for our classrooms
Paper Goods: Boxes of Kleenex, paper towels, &napkins
Happy Thanksgiving
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Enter to Learn...Leave to Serve
Don’t Forget Our Annual Gala
A Legacy of Education for 84 Years
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
MCM ELEGANTE HOTEL
COCKTAILS @ 6:30 P.M.
HONORING
Most Rev. Curtis J. Guillory
Mrs. Mildred Clement
Dr. Rahn Bailey
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT
Soprano Cecelia Chaisson
$50.00 per person
Reservations: (409) 892-1274 or (409) 679-2954