March 12, 2026 – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey together, we are reminded that this sacred season is a time of prayer, reflection, and joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. During these weeks of Lent, our students have been growing in faith through prayer, service, and acts of kindness, and it has been inspiring to witness their sincere efforts to live out the Gospel each day. Even in the quiet and reflective moments of Lent, we are always reminded that the great joy of Easter is drawing closer with every passing day.

This Sunday, March 15th, we look forward to celebrating our next SPC Family Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. The Church celebrates this day as Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice.” It is a beautiful moment in the Lenten season when we pause to celebrate the hope and joy that come from knowing that Easter is near. In keeping with this joyful tradition, all of our students are invited to wear something rose-colored (pink) colored to Mass as a visible sign of this celebration.

We are especially excited that our PS–K students will be helping with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. It is always a blessing to see our youngest Spartans so joyfully participating in the life of our parish community.

At this time, we still need several readers for this Mass, as well as a few additional volunteers for roles that do not require reading. If your child would be willing and available to assist, please contact Sr. Pia at [email protected].

Looking ahead, from March 21st through March 31st, our parish is very excited to host a Shroud of Turin Exhibit, featuring a life-size replica of the Holy Shroud, the burial cloth of Jesus. This special exhibit will give our students the opportunity to learn more about the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and to reflect more deeply on the meaning of this sacred season.

Each afternoon, the exhibit will be open for students from 1:00–3:30 PM, and we warmly invite you to stop by and experience this powerful and prayerful encounter with the Holy Shroud. In addition to the life-size replica, the exhibit will feature interactive stations with replicas of historical items from the time of Jesus, including the crown of thorns, crucifixion nails, anointing oil, the titulus (the sign placed on the cross), the Sudarium (the cloth that covered Jesus’ face), and other meaningful elements connected to Christ’s Passion.

Thank you, as always, for the many ways you support our faith-filled community. I hope to see many of our SPC families gathered together this Sunday as we pray, celebrate, and rejoice together on this special Laetare Sunday.

Important Updates & Notables

We Need You!
5Essentials Survey: This is a reminder that the 2026 Archdiocese of Chicago 5Essentials Parent Survey opened on Feb. 17, 2026. The survey window will close on March 20, 2026. SPC needs at least 50% of parents to respond to reach our survey goal.
Please ensure you have completed the survey — your voice matters.

Financial Aid:
Applications for Financial Aid close April 17, 2026. Apply: HERE.

Calendar of Events

Friday, March 13:
- Spirit Dress Day
- Living Stations (Grades 3–8) at 1:55 p.m.
Sunday, March 15:
- PS-K will help with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. Please email Sr. Pia at [email protected] if your child would be willing and available to help at this Mass.
Tuesday, March 17:
- St. Patrick’s Day-Dress in Green
- 9:45 am All School Mass
Thursday, March 19:
- St. Joseph’s Day-Dress in Red
Friday, March 20:
- NO SCHOOL (Students)-Teacher Professional Development Day

Up and Coming

Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

As we walk through this Lenten season together, may we continue to model Christ’s love through our words, actions, and service. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. Let us keep one another in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

With gratitude and blessings,
James White
Principal

Junior & Mom Classic! – Last Chance to Purchase Tickets!
Join us for our inaugural 4th – 8th grade “Junior & Mom Classic.” Tickets can be purchased here until Friday, March 13th at noon.

Our next meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.

Join a Committee
We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.

More School News & Happenings

SPC Summer Camps
Reminder-The deadline to sign up is on Sunday, March 15th. We will not be taking any late registrations.

Little Flowers Girls’ Club
Our Little Flowers Girls’ Club recently learned about St. Veronica, the woman who compassionately wiped the face of Jesus during the Stations of the Cross. In response, the girls created their own “face print” of Jesus while reflecting on meaningful ways they can be the light of Christ to others.

Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.

Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.

For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].

Spring Clubs at SPC! – Click here to view and register.

Week of the Young Child 2026!

Click on the image to download the full schedule.

SPC Athletics

SPACE and Peaceful Homes.

Boy Scouts
The District is holding their annual Pinewood Derby on April 12th at Woodfield Mall.

Please click here to download the flyer with additional Information.

SPC Yearbooks
The deadline to order the 2025-2026 yearbook is Thursday, April 2nd!
Please click here for details and information.

Spring After School Clubs

The Stage School Premier Program – Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Wednesdays beginning April 1st.
Please click here to download the information.

Spring Spanish Club – Kdg-2nd Grade

From the Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.

Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ Weekly Letters

St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary!

The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!

Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.