Letter from Sister John Paul

January 17, 2025
Memorial of St. Anthony

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! I pray that 2025 is off to a blessed start for each of you and your families.

What a year this will be! As you know, this year is a Jubilee Year, a Holy Year with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. We also know that during this year our patron, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, will be canonized in August. Praise God! 

I’ve been frequently thinking and praying about this Jubilee Year, especially what it means to be a pilgrim of hope. Have you been on a pilgrimage? I’ve been blessed to make several pilgrimages and each one has humbled, taught, challenged, and filled me. And I love being a pilgrim - being on pilgrimage. 

To keep this letter short, I’ll share just one of the reasons I love being a pilgrim: the backpack. Seriously. The backpack keeps us focused on what really matters. Every night and every morning the backpack requires our careful attention. At the end of the day’s journey, the backpack is emptied and its contents evaluated and sorted. The next morning the backpack is prepared for the day. As I fill it, I am painfully aware that I am carrying that backpack all day. Just the two of us, all day, and it is obedient to only one master - gravity. So, I’m exceptionally discerning about what goes in the backpack and what does not. Only the true necessities for the day get in and absolutely nothing extra. If it’s not there, I have to trust that God will provide. 

How great would it be if we could live with this “backpack mentality” every day, even when we’re not on a pilgrimage? We’d be free from carrying around all the “stuff” that we don’t need. We’d evaluate our “baggage” more frequently and with more care. In the end, we’d be more free and more reliant on God. All good things as we make this pilgrimage on earth on our way to eternal life.

May God bless you and your families abundantly, especially during this Jubilee Year. 

In Christ,

Sister John Paul, O.P.
Principal

Important Information

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

• January 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School, Office Closed
• January 23, International Travel Information Session, 6:30pm, Assembly Hall
• January 25, High School Placement Test (prospective students), 8am
• January 25, Texas Rally for Life, (Learn more under "Campus Ministry")
• January 26-February 1, Catholic Schools Week
• January 30, International Travel Information Session,5:30pm, Assembly Hall
• January 31, Tuition Assistance Applications Due for 2025-2026 (Learn more under "Enrollment")
• February 3, Frassati Family Holy Hour, 6:30pm, Assembly Hall
• February 7, 11:30am Early Dismissal
• February 8, Steps for Students, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
• February 8, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter Dance, 7-9pm, Assembly Hall
• February 14, No School, Inclement Weather Makeup Day
• February 17, No School, Presidents' Day

Inclement Weather Tracking and Plan

The administrative team is monitoring the possibility of sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and the effects of winter weather early next week. Students, faculty, and staff have been notified that should we need to announce an inclement weather day next week, students will receive asynchronous learning assignments to complete during the day. The asynchronous learning would negate the need for an inclement weather makeup day later in the semester. The administrative team will send notifications to all families if an inclement weather day is necessary.

International Travel Information Sessions

In 2026, we will offer our first academic international travel opportunity to Greece during spring break supporting the History department, led by Mr. Brent Lamers. Families who are interested in learning more are invited to evening information sessions about 2026 travel opportunities on Monday, January 27, at 6:30pm in the Assembly Hall, and Thursday, January 30, at 5:30pm in the Assembly Hall. International travel during the 2026 spring break will be open to sophomores through seniors (current freshmen through juniors).

Please click here to see our new International Travel Statement which outlines the Frassati Catholic vision for international travel.
 

Catholic Schools Week - Frassati Family Association Meals for Faculty & Staff 

From the Family Association: Catholic Schools Week is January 26-February 1. The FFA needs community members to deliver one meal during the week to each of our wonderful faculty/staff and their families. We’d like your help in showing our gratitude for the Catholic faith and values they include in the college preparatory curriculum for our students. Every year they have responded with such great appreciation for this special charity provided by parents. If you are able to help, please pick someone from the list of faculty/staff provided in this message and deliver a complete meal (main dish, sides, and possibly a dessert) any day during Catholic Schools Week. Once you’ve made your selection through the sign-up, you will contact them directly by email and can plan together to consider any food allergies, preferences or limitations as well as the best day, time and place for delivery. Thank you for giving them a night off from kitchen duty. Let’s come together once again this year and show them how much they are appreciated! Sign up here!

Help Needed - Parent Volunteers to Prepare Our Capital Campaign Mailer 

We are nearing the public launch of our next Capital Campaign for Frassati Catholic, and we can't wait to share the exciting news with the community. We will be preparing a mailing including campaign materials for all our families and donors to be mailing in the coming weeks, and we need parent help to prepare! The Advancement team is looking for volunteers to work in shifts on Friday, January 25, to help as we prepare mailers. If you're interested in getting a sneak peak of the campaign by helping prepare the mailings, sign up here!

Steps for Students 

What: Help Raise Funds and Awareness for Catholic Education! Steps for Students 5K is an annual Archdiocesan-wide event that raises awareness of Catholic education and provides much needed funds for our Catholic Schools. Steps for Students is an opportunity for all members of the Faith community to work together to support education of mind, heart, and spirit in the many Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

When: February 8, 2025
Where: Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Registration is open now!
Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer at Steps for Students- click here. 

Annual Mother/Son, Father/Daughter Dance - A Night at the Rodeo, February 8, 7-9pm

The Mother Son Father Daughter Dance " A night at the Rodeo" is on Saturday, February, 8, from 7-9 pm. City Points for attendance! Come in your best Western Wear, and you'll have the opportunity to win Cafe 21 Gift Cards. This Frassati Catholic tradition will have all things western, including a Mechanical Bull! Tickets are on sale NOW - $20.00 for Parent and FCHS student, purchase ONLINE (click here).

Risse Brothers School Uniforms

Our New Uniform Supplier is Risse Brothers School Uniforms and they are ready to serve our community with our Uniform needs. Please contact: Margie Sanford our Uniform Rep at [email protected] with questions. The online store looks to be open within the next week.

Junior Ring Ordering

Are you interested in a Class Ring for your junior? Junior Ring Ordering Packets are available at the front desk. 

Student Driver Parking Tags 

Students, please ensure that your Student Parking Tag is hanging from their rearview mirror and visible while your vehicle is on campus. Failure to display the parking tag could result in a loss of parking privileges. Do you have a new student driver and need to purchase a tag? Fill out the Campus Driving Agreement form. After completing this form and making payment, a tag will be available for pickup at the Front Desk.

Partner Schools and Parishes

St. Edward Catholic School Open House 

Make your mark as a Monarch! If you're interested in St. Edward Catholic School for your child, join us for our Open House for potential new families on Sunday, January 26, following the 11:30am Mass. We would love to meet you!
New Family Enrollment is open now! Get more information here: https://www.stedwardschool.org/registrationinformation - and see their informational flyer (click here)!

Academics

ACT Practice Test

The practice test scheduled for January 19 is canceled due to a mixup in our dates with the Woodlands Test Prep. There will be one more SAT practice test this semester on February 2. See the information about that opportunity.

Free SAT Practice Test

Are you interested in taking a free practice SAT? If so, The Woodlands Test Prep is offering our students an opportunity to take a digital SAT on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 11-4pm. Please see the details in this link. The deadline to register is January 29, 2025. The limit is 25 students, so register early or you will be placed on a waiting list. Personnel from Woodlands Test Prep will let you know if you end up on the waiting list. Registrations will be first come, first served. If you have questions about testing or testing with accommodations, please follow the links provided in the announcement.  

Parent Assistance Needed for Junior Formation Day - February 26

On February 26, from 12-3pm, we'll invite parents to speak about their careers with juniors during their formation day. If you would like to participate, click here to enter your info into our SignUpGenius, or contact our College Counselor, Mrs. Lakeisha Petty at [email protected].

Campus Ministry

Texas Rally for Life - January 25

The annual Texas Rally for Life is just around the corner! Join us as we travel to Austin for a full day of prayer, fun, and community and help us make a difference in the fight to defend the dignity of all human life. Students of all grades are invited to join us (Juniors - This is a great way to get some of your spring service hours in!). There are limited spots remaining on the bus, so make sure to register by January 15 to claim your spot. Students can register by completing the following steps:

1. Join the Google Classroom (code: ux6w6ef)

2. Pay the $15 fee on our website (Covers lunch and bus transportation)

3. Fill out a permission form (Select “Fill a Copy” to get started)

All participating students should plan to attend a mandatory information session during flex time on January 17. 

State-Wide Diaper Drive for City Points! January 21-24

The annual Texas Rally for Life is just around the corner! If you can’t join us in Austin, you can still get in on the fun by bringing diapers and wipes to school NEXT WEEK as part of a state-wide diaper drive and city points competition. Come help us support parents in need by bringing diapers of any size to your City’s table in the Student Life Hallway. Wipes are also welcome, however, please note that we will not be doing a negative points system. All diapers and wipes will come with us to Austin next Saturday and go directly to help struggling parents choose life. Thank you in advance for your support!

February 3, Frassati Family Holy Hour with Father David Michael Moses

Join us for the February 3, Frassati Family Holy Hour, at 6:30pm in the Assembly Hall, for an evening of worship, prayer, and adoration. Father David Michael Moses will hear confessions and provide a benediction, and we'll have praise and worship music throughout, led by Mr. Chris Nolin, P'24, '25, '26. '28. Click here to view the program flyer.

Vocations Crucifix - Spring Semester

Join our Traveling Vocations Crucifix program this semester! This is a beautiful opportunity to pray as a family for a week, especially for vocations in our diocese, in thanksgiving to the Scanlan Foundation and our students' future vocations. Please review the available slots (Sign up Genius) and click the sign-up button.
At least one adult family member must be present at the 9:15 am All School Mass on that date to receive the crucifix with your student. Please return the crucifix to the front office by the following Thursday. Please email Kim Valdez ([email protected]) with any questions.

Enrollment

Tuition Assistance Application - Deadline to Apply January 31, 2025

The Tuition Assistance Application for the 2025-2026 academic year is open! This is the way for our current and prospective families to apply for aid. Visit our website at https://frassaticatholic.org/tuition-assistance to get started. Tuition Assistance Applications are due on January 31, 2025, and all applications submitted by the deadline will be evaluated in time for re-enrollment. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

New Student Applications - Rolling Deadline

Now that the priority deadline has passed, applications for the 2025-2026 remain open on a rolling basis. Visit frassaticatholic.org/apply for instructions, and begin the application in the SchoolAdmin admissions portal.

Yearbook Ads

The Journalism Class is excited to share that yearbook ads are now available for purchase for families. To purchase your ad, just visit the Josten's website (click here), scroll to the menu under "Show Your Pride", and click the "Shop" button under yearbook ads. Please read this informational flyer (click here) from the Journalism class for more information.

Additional Information for the Class of 2025

Class of 2025 Jostens Ordering

Jostens is taking online orders for graduation regalia. Please see the Frassati Catholic Class of 25 Graduation Information link so that you can place your order for Graduation Regalia (Cap, Gown, announcements, etc). Please note: If you are using a sibling cap or gown, you will still need to purchase a 2025 tassel. Questions? Contact Mike Sosa at [email protected].

Senior Portrait Retakes

Senior portrait retakes will take place on Thursday, January 23 in the gym. Contact Mr. Josh Moldiz, Dean of Students, with any questions.

Class of 2025 Jostens Ordering

Jostens is taking online orders for graduation regalia. Please see the Frassati Catholic Class of 25 Graduation Information link so that you can place your order for Graduation Regalia (Cap, Gown, announcements, etc). Please note: If you are using a sibling cap or gown, you will still need to purchase a 2025 tassel. Questions? Contact Mike Sosa at [email protected].
Frassati Catholic Email Address: Mr. Ryan Janise ([email protected])
Rank One forms or Athletics: Mrs. Christine Lazenby ([email protected]) and/or Coach Katie Hoff ([email protected])
School Uniforms: Mr. Josh Moldiz ([email protected])
SchoolAdmin/Enrollment Paperwork: Mr. Tim Lienhard ([email protected])