December 1, 2022

Dear Cathedral Family,

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike."-    Luke 10:21.

These words of the rejoicing of Jesus resonated with me as I prayerfully pondered this message, written for you as we begin Advent 2022. I suppose those of us who consider ourselves "wise and learned" may pause when reading this passage, but consider this: how children approach Advent and Christmas is so pure, so full of wonder and anticipation, even more so when juxtaposed with how many adults approach this season, with helter-skelter busyness and worry. With this in mind, I ask you to join me this Advent season in striving for "childlike wonder" in our approach to each day, up to and through the entire Advent and Christmas season. After all, here at Cathedral, we work with "big little kids" each day to transform them according to our Mission and Vision. But even with that transformation, we too can be transformed to be more like children in how we look at the world with wonder and awe. 

We certainly have much to celebrate and look forward to this month. This first semester has seen the return of our Theatre Department, aka CaTheatre, in full force. With two rousing productions and practically full houses for each, our theatre program is back! Jordan Fox and Michael Moffatt, our Theatre Directors, have brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and the students are flocking to participate in this program. The spring musical, Sponge Bob the Musical, is poised to be an even greater draw. Bravo and bravo again to Jordan and Michael!

We also are basking just a bit in the glow of our fourth National Blue Ribbon award, which we received in Washington, DC, last month. It was an honor for me personally to receive the award, along with Principal Julie Barthel, STEM Director Dr. Aarti Brooks, and Vice Principal for Academics Mark Matthews. In the ballroom for the actual presentation, they announced that 294 schools nationwide won the award, with 55 two-time winners, 15 three-time winners, and (pause for applause) two four-time winners! Yes, we were one of them, and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized nationally for our ability to teach and learn with the best. Hats off to us!!

Finally, a shout-out to our educators. I have heard it said that:
God created Teachers in His wisdom and His grace.

We see evidence of this each and every day here on the Hill. Guided by our Mission and Vision and led by our faith, our administrators and educators work together to educate hearts and minds. The challenges of our time are unique but not unprecedented; educating young people has always been a noble cause, and with the sublime teachings of Jesus and the model of Blessed Basil Moreau, and the teachings of Holy Cross, our work is truly full of grace. I am fully grateful for the top-notch educators on our team, and we are working as a team to improve every day. Please take time to thank our educators during this holy season.

I thank you for your partnership with us. If you're reading this message, you are part of our Irish family. May we all be as children in our wonder, awe, and joyful anticipation this Advent. May God bless you, your family, and dear old Cathedral.

Humbly in your service,

Robert Bridges, Ph.D.
President

Register soon!


Be sure and join us Saturday, December 10, for Art of Christmas: Breakfast with Santa. Two seating options are available: 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon. You and your family can enjoy a hot breakfast, cookie decorating, games, crafts, and of course, a visit with Santa. The Cathedral Choirs will be providing beautiful Christmas music for the morning. As a matter of fact, Art of Christmas: Breakfast with Santa benefits our fabulous choir program! Tickets range from $15 to $20. This link takes you to the registration page. This magical morning will surely get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. Hope to see you the morning of December 10 in Cathedral's dining hall, located on the lower level of the Innovation Center.

Class of 2027:
Still Time to Apply!


We mailed our first round of golden envelopes Thanksgiving week. Congratulations to the record number of students who have been admitted to Cathedral during priority admission.

As a reminder, the regular application deadline is December 15. It's not too late to visit campus and apply for the Class of 2027. You can go to our website to schedule a campus visit and start the application process. Greatness is calling!

Exciting
ShamrAuction News


Cathedral is proud to announce Indiana's homegrown country star Clayton Anderson is our special guest for the 46th annual ShamrAuction on Saturday, February 25. 

Cash Raffle
Want a chance to win $15,000 cash? The ShamrAuction Cash Raffle is open! The first early bird drawing is December 16.

Tickets are $100 each and can be procured by filling out the general flyer form at gocathedral.com/raffle. Please submit your form to the Cathedral Events Office. Contact Natalie Laskowski '13 Matthews at nmatthews@gocathedral.com with questions. [Due to Indiana Gaming Laws, raffle tickets must be purchased by check or cash. - License #03287]

Special thanks to this year's ShamrAuction co-chairs, Janine Burkhart and Brian Sanders. Saddle up! Let's enjoy the ride! 

Our Fall 2023 Holy Cross Award Winners

Congratulations to these outstanding students for earning a Holy Cross Award! Educators nominate students for the Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award or the Saint Brother André Bessette Award.

The Saint Brother André Bessette Award is given to students who provide generous service to others, involve themselves in student activities, and demonstrate Christian values. Award winners are in the front row and listed from left to right:
Gabe Bragg '23, Aubrie Wright '24, Anna Elpers '23, Mary Murphy '25, Willo McClain '25, Caleb Neal '26, Ethan Trobridge '24. (Not pictured: Sam Funk '26)

The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award is given to students who demonstrate leadership, excel in the classroom, and provide service to the Cathedral family and to their community. These award winners are in the second row and listed from left to right: Sincere Germany '23, Zach Meeks '24, Grace Sheddy '26, Maddie Kantner '25, Megan Hoppes '23, Alex Lozano '24, Sophia Beeson '25. (Not pictured: Michael Pugh '26)

Great job, CaTheatre!


Congratulations to our theatre department on another wonderful production, Puffs: or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic! We continue to be amazed by the talent and dedication of our cast and crew. Jordan Fox and Michael Moffatt lead our terrific theatre department.
Be sure the save the date for the spring production, Sponge Bob the Musical, April 20-23.

Forever Irish
Ladies Brunch

Rwandan genocide survivor, best-selling author, and motivational speaker Immaculée Ilibagiza was the special guest at this year's Forever Irish Ladies Brunch. She captivated the more than 300 ladies in attendance by sharing her journey, starting from the time she hid in a 3-foot by 4-foot bathroom with seven other ladies during the Rwandan genocide. She prayed and recited 27 rosaries a day while hiding in that tiny bathroom. After three traumatic months, she was finally able to leave that space, only to learn that her parents, two brothers, grandparents, and all of her friends had been killed. Her world would never be the same, but her faith was stronger than ever. After inspiring the ladies at the brunch, Immaculée Ilibagiza shared her story with students and educators in the Welch Activity Center. Special thanks to Board Chair Victoria Schneider '88 Temple for bringing Immaculée to Cathedral. Her visit is one we won't soon forget. You can read more about Immaculée on her website.

Coming Up on the Hill

December 4  - Concert Band Christmas Concert - 1 p.m.

December 6  - Cathedral Strings and Jazz Band Winter Concert - 6:30 p.m.

December 8  -  Immaculate Conception Mass - 10:15 a.m.
                         Cathedral Choir Concert - Sing Joy! - 7 p.m.
December 10 - Art of Christmas: Breakfast with Santa - 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

                         Winter Formal - 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. - Shiel Student Life Center
December 12 -  All-School Spanish Mass - 10:15 a.m. 

December 15-20 - Finals
December 21-January 3 - Christmas Break


School resumes with J-Term on January 4, 2023. We hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!


Please note the Band, Cathedral Strings and Jazz Band, and Cathedral Choir Concerts are taking place in the Joe O'Malia Performing Arts Center.


                                             

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5225 E. 56th St.              Indianapolis, IN 46226         317-542-1481        gocathedral.com      
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