The school auditorium doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 17 for our annual Christmas program. The program this year promises to be spectacular. The classrooms and hallways have been filled with the beautiful sounds of children’s voices over the past few weeks as children have been working hard in preparation. Come join us!

Don’t forget to use the GoodShop website to click through to your intended online store. Doing this one extra step will help generate funds for St Frances of Rome School without costing you anything.

Whenever you plan to shop online, please remember to use our GoodShop link!

Also remember that every online search you do looking for the perfect gift can generate money for SFR School if you use the GoodSearch link.

Thanks for your support and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With the holidays approaching, it is a wonderful time to reflect on all the gifts God has blessed us with. It is also a time to share God’s love by caring for those who are less fortunate than us. In our community, there are many people, especially in light of current economic conditions, that are struggling to provide basic necessities for their families including food and toiletries. There are many community organizations that help to raise awareness of needs in our community and also work to alleviate the conditions associated with poverty.
 
Catholic Charities is one of these organizations. They work to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities in Cicero and throughout the western suburbs in addition to Chicago. They provide food, clothing, shelter and counseling to those in need. The Catholic Charities West Suburban Regional Office is located on 14th Street and Austin Boulevard. They serve over 2,000 people each month, helping those most in need within our community.
 
This year the 7th grade class did a fabulous job organizing the Scavenger Hunt for the Hungry that collected close to 3000 items that were brought to the food pantry at Catholic Charities. The items collected will directly benefit families with our community. Our mission statement includes the line – Through education and  the love Christ has for us, we strive to better ourselves and strengthen the community in which we live. Our efforts on behalf of those in need with our community indicate strongly that the love of Christ is alive within us as we work in the service of others.

St Frances of Rome Parish and Our Lady of Charity Parish welcome Jana Alayra for a Family Concert on Sunday, November 8 from 4-5PM in the SFR School Auditorium at 1401 S Austin Blvd, Cicero, IL. Admission is only $5.00 per person at the door.

Jana Alayra is an artist with whom many can identify. She is a wife, mother, and friend, busy with the daily routine of tending to the lives of her three young daughters and producer husband, Ron. In the midst of this ordinary life, Jana answers the call to a unique ministry of leading worship, both to adults and children. Whether leading a small group with her guitar, or singing for a thousand children and their families, Jana's enthusiasm and love for Christ are evident, sincere and inspiring. When people leave one of Jana's concerts or testimonials, they often say that not only were they entertained and encouraged, but they felt they made a new friend.

Jana's music can be heard on various Christian radio stations across the country and is now available in Christian bookstores as well. All facets of her ministry continue to grow and expand. You can listen to some of her music on her website at http://www.janaalayra.com.

Jana's CDs and T-shirts will be available for purchase at the concert. For additional information, contact Sue Talbot at Our Lady of Charity School.