Our uniform closet is bursting at the seams!  Please remember to check out our used uniform inventory on the school website or just visit the closet anytime before or after school!

I look forward to seeing our 8^th graders and their parents tonight at the Confirmation meeting at 7:30.

PUTTING OUR FAITH INTO ACTION:  A HUGE congratulations to our sixth graders who, as part of a Religion project, collected $600 in donations for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Thanks to all who contributed, and especially to the sixth grade students for their energy, enthusiasm and generosity.  They are making a difference in the life of someone in need, and I am SO proud of all of them!

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH:   Baby Bottles for Life:  A letter is included in today's packet.  Thank you in advance for your prayers and support for the good works happening every day at WomanCare Services in Berwyn and at other crisis pregnancy centers in our neighborhoods.  As any soldier can tell you, the front line is the most dangerous place to be in a battle.  It is where the heaviest action takes place and where the greatest danger lurks. The front line is where life can become death in an instant.  It is also where death can be averted and life restored, if crisis intervention comes soon enough.  Death can be averted--if we say the right words, reach out with enough compassion, and offer real solutions to this child's mother and family in their time of distress.

 "We are not some casual or meaningless product of evolution.  Each of us is the result of a thought of God.  Each of us is willed.  Each of us is loved.  Each of us is necessary."

COMPUTER BASICS - FREE WORKSHOP:  This workshop will provide a basic understanding of hardware, software, and computer maintenance.  It gives an overview of computer parts and peripherals such as scanners and printers.  Topics include data storage, installing software, file maintenance, and cleaning your computer.  An interactive mouse tutorial is included.  You have a choice of days:  St. Barbara School ’s computer lab on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Queen of the Universe Computer lab, 7130 S. Hamlin, Chicago, on Thursday, October 27, 2005 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Call our school office to register for either class.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:   We encourage our families to spend time together in prayer in our church on Mondays between 2:00 & 9:00.  This is a special time to give our Lord in adoration and prayer as a family.  This is a great opportunity to teach your child(ren) about Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.

CASINO NIGHTS FALL 2005:  Coming to you November 4^th and November 5^th,  6pm - 1am.  Make sure to spread the word to your friends and family to come out for a fun filled evening at Casino Nights!!!   We need to get the dates and times out to people so we can hopefully beat our attendance record from last year.  Without your support, this event would not be possible to continue to keep our tuition costs down.

BINGO:  A big thanks goes out to the 7^th and 8^th grade families who worked bingo in September and October. Bingo could not continue to operate without the help of our volunteers. Just a reminder that each family is required to work at least one bingo this school year. It's a small commitment to make in an effort to keep our tuition costs down. Just a few hours is all it takes. Next month, November 11^th, is 6^th grade's turn up to bat! Please mark your calendars now. Reminders will be sent home the first week of November, followed by a phone call to see when you will be available. Our bakers for November are the 3^rd grade and Preschool 4, please watch for your reminders too.

NEEDED: BROWN PAPER BAGS!  Bingo is again in need of brown paper bags. Please send them to the school office if you have any to spare.  Thanks!

CASINO NIGHTS ’05 UPDATE:    We are still in need of more blackjack and poker dealers.  If you have not volunteered yet, please contact us as soon as possible.   Please contact the Casino Nights volunteer coordinator as soon as possible.

RAFFLE UPDATE:  Congratulations to the Schwerin Family, winner of the October 14^th raffle drawing!! As of this month’s drawing, we have sold 1606 tickets! Way to go!! There are still 8 drawings remaining and tickets are still on sale. If you need more tickets, please call the school office. Don't forget, each ticket after the first 10 you sell is worth $5 off your commitment or tuition! Those tickets can really add up to big savings!!!

FOOD DRIVE:  The holidays are coming and the cupboards are bare!  Please help to replenish the St. Barbara Pastoral Care Center.   We suggest the following: