Daily Prayer & Announcements

PRAYER & DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS for November 6, 2025

Good morning JCA family. This is Senior Ella Fredericksen and today is Thursday, November 6th, 2025.

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Nuno Álvares Pereira (puh-RAY-ruh), a courageous knight and devoted servant of God who exemplified chivalry and piety. Though renowned for his military expertise and strategic brilliance, Nuno felt a deeper call. After a life of service to his country, he renounced his wealth and titles, entering the Carmelite Order as a humble lay brother. Saint Nuno Álvares Pereira reminds us that true strength lies in humility and that God can be found in the clamor of battle as well as the quiet of the cloister.

Let us pause for a moment and remember that we are in the presence of God,

Almighty God, you raised up Saint Nuno Álvares Pereira as a model of courage and humility, showing us that true strength lies in surrendering to your will: Grant me his unwavering loyalty, that when I am tempted by the desire for power and recognition, I may, like him, choose the path of service and selflessness; that when I face trials or uncertainties in my own life, I may remain steadfast in my devotion to you, Trusting in your protection and seeking your wisdom; may I use my gifts to defend the weak and promote justice, this day and all my days, through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen.

· OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL…. pray for us.

· ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI……. pray for us.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The term "wampum" is derived from the New England Algonquian word "wampumpeag," which means "white strings of shell beads." Wampum were used to create belts. Wampum belts were used as a memory aid in oral tradition and were sometimes used as badges of office or as ceremonial devices in Indigenous cultures, such as the Iroquois. The museum had a large collection of wampum belts.

The Writing Lab will be closed 5th period today through the end of the week. If you need assistance, please reach out to your English teacher. (Kairis)

The Pop Tops for Ronald McDonald House collection continues through November. The class competition is going strong in the homerooms and in the cafeteria. Thank you for helping us with this project! Remember - the Class that brings in the most will have a Spirit Day - date to be announced. (Stoiber)

Got leftover Halloween candy? Please consider donating to Key Club and Junior Student Council. We are collecting leftover Halloween candy to donate to Military Troops and Willow Falls Nursing Home. We are collecting till Wednesday! All donations can be dropped off in room 229. You will get 1 hour of service for any medium size bag of candy! (K.Budz)

WJCA NEWS:

Congratulations to Mary Kate Moran '27, Angels Cross Country runner, who heads to state this weekend! Zac Harrison '28 had the opportunity to meet with her and talk to her about her season. Check out today's WJCA Special Report

SPORTS NEWS & RESULTS:

The Boys Volleyball Team will have an open gym tomorrow 11/7 from 9am-11am. Please see Mr. Budz in the IRC with any questions!

Anyone interested in Wrestling the first practice is Monday, November 10^th at 3:00 p.m. in the wrestling room.

Boys Basketball Tryouts:

Monday, November 10^th – Varsity/Sophs: 3:00-5:00 p.m.; Freshmen 5:00-7:00 pm SAC

Tuesday, November 11^th – Varsity/Sophs: 3:00-5:00 p.m.; Freshmen 5:00-7:00 pm SAC

PRAYER & DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS for November 5, 2025

Good morning JCA family. This is Senior Lindsey Alcantar and today is Wednesday, November 5th, 2025.

Today we celebrate the feast of Blessed Frances d'Amboise, a remarkable woman of faith who found her true calling in the service of God. Born into French nobility in the 15th century, she was married to the Duke of Brittany at a young age. Though surrounded by wealth and power, Frances felt a deeper calling. After her husband's death, she embraced a life of prayer and service, founding Carmelite convents and eventually becoming a nun herself. Blessed Frances d'Amboise reminds us that holiness can be found in all walks of life, even amidst the grandeur of a royal court.

Let us pause for a moment and remember that we are in the presence of God,

Almighty God, you raised up Blessed Frances d'Amboise as a model of devotion and service within your Church, showing us that holiness can flourish even amidst worldly distractions: Grant me her unwavering faith, that when I am tempted by the allure of earthly possessions, I may, like her, choose the path of simplicity and selflessness; that when I face challenges or uncertainties, I may remain steadfast in my commitment to you, trusting in your providence and seeking your guidance; that so, being inspired by her example, I may use my gifts to serve others with generosity and compassion, this day and all my days, through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen.

· OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL…. pray for us.

· ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI……. pray for us.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Our Native American Heritage word of the day is pecan. The word "pecan" originates from the 1712 French word "pacane," which is derived from an Algonquian word meaning "nut." This term specifically refers to the North American pecan tree or related hickory species. My grandmother likes to serve Pecan Pie at Thanksgiving.

Ms. Mihelich's homeroom should report to the IRC. (Ka l;iris)

The Math Lab will be closed 4B. (Kairis)

The Writing Lab will be closed 5th period today through the end of the week. If you need assistance, please reach out to your English teacher. (Kairis)

This Thursday, November 6th, National Honors Society will be sponsoring a sock drive for the residents at Villa Franciscan. Please consider donating a pair of new skid-free grip socks, examples of which you can find on the informational flyers hung up around the school. Donations must be adult size skid free grip socks. Students who donate a pair will be allowed to dress in JCA approved spirit wear on that Thursday. For any questions, please speak to Mr. Palmasani in the counseling wing. (Palmasani)

Students attending Disney: your fundraiser forms and payments are all due this Thursday to Ms. Szynal. Please stop by her room or put it in her mailbox in the main office. (Szynal)

Student Ambassadors who signed up to work at this Thursday's Open House, will have a meeting today, Wednesday during 4B and 5A. Frosh/soph go to lunch 4A and then meet in chapel 4B. Júnior/Seniors please plan to meet 5A. All students must check in with your homeroom teacher first. (Ragusa)

LUNCH SPECIALS:

WEDNESDAY: BEEF QUESEDILLA AND FRIES

Beef and cheddar cheese quesadilla with salsa and sour cream served with crispy French fries for $7.50.

PRAYER & DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS for November 4, 2025

Good morning JCA family. This is Senior Lucas Simulick and today is Tuesday, November 4th, 2025.

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo, a towering figure of the Counter-Reformation and a shining example of episcopal leadership. Born into nobility in 16th-century Italy, he could have easily pursued a life of wealth and privilege. Instead, he dedicated himself to the Church, becoming Archbishop of Milan and a driving force for reform.

Let us pause for a moment and remember that we are in the presence of God

Almighty God, you raised up Saint Charles Borromeo as a beacon of light in your Church, guiding your people through times of darkness and uncertainty: Grant me his unwavering spirit, that when I am tempted by the allure of worldly comforts, I may, like him, choose the path of service and sacrifice; that when I face opposition or discouragement, I may remain steadfast in my vocation, trusting in your guidance and relying on your strength; this day and all my days, through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen.

· OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL…. pray for us.

· ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI……. pray for us.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Our Native American Heritage word of the day is Caribou. The word "chipmunk" originates from the Algonquian language, specifically from the Ojibwe word "ajidamoo," which means "red squirrel." It is also linked to the term "chitmunk," which translates to "head first," referring to the animal's habit of diving into its burrows. Chip and Dale are the names of the famous chipmunks in Disney animated cartoons.

Student Council members assisting with the food drive delivery. You need to bring money for lunch on Wednesday and your permission slip that morning. You will miss Third through the beginning of 7th period. Please let your teacher know. If you have any questions, see Ms. Szynal. (Szynal)

Students attending Disney: your fundraiser forms and payments are all due this Thursday to Ms. Szynal. Please stop by her room or put it in her mailbox in the main office. (Szynal)

The staff of 4188 Art Literary Magazine will meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in room 230 at 2:45. We will be discussing a Writing Contest theme, formatting our early entries for publication, and hopefully reading new submissions. (Stoiber)

Student Ambassadors who signed up to work at this Thursday's Open House, will have a meeting tomorrow Wednesday during 4B and 5A. Frosh/soph go to lunch 4A and then meet in chapel 4B. Júnior/Seniors please plan to meet 5A. All students must check in with your homeroom teacher first. (Ragusa)

PRAYER & DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS for November 3, 2025

Good morning JCA family. This is Mrs. Gura and today is Monday November 3rd, 2025.

Over the weekend we celebrated All Saint’s Day and, a time when we remember all the men, women, and children who followed Christ faithfully and heroically during their lives and who now enjoy the presence of God in heaven.

We also celebrated all Soul’s Day as we remember those, we love who have gone before us.

Let us pause for a moment and remember that we are in the presence of God,

How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord, which you give us for our eternal well-being. Your glory shines radiantly in your saints, O God In the honor and noble victory of the martyrs. The white-robed company follow you, bright with their abundant faith; They scorned the wicked words of those with this world's power. They bore their holy witness to you who were grounded deep within their hearts; they were sustained by patience and constancy. Endowed with your everlasting grace, may we rejoice forever with the saints in heaven.

Amen.

· OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL…. pray for us.

· ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI……. pray for us.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

November is known as Native American Heritage Month. In honor of this our word of the day is "Chicago." The name "Chicago" is believed to derive from the Algonquin word "shikaakwa," which translates to "smelly onion." This name reflects the area's rich natural resources, particularly the abundance of wild onions and garlic that grew in the region. The skyline of Chicago rises proudly along Lake Michigan, where the hum of the city meets the whisper of the waves.

Congratulations to our November Students of the Month:

Georgia Buza, Kiwanis Club of Joliet

Alondra Espino, Rotary Club of Joliet

Anthony "AJ" Perez, Joliet Noon Lions Club

The Math Lab will be closed 4B. (Kairis)

The Writing Lab will be closed 5A. (Kairis)

Students attending Disney: your fundraiser forms and payments are all due this Thursday to Ms. Szynal. Please stop by her room or put it in her mailbox in the main office. (Szynal)

The staff of 4188 Art Literary Magazine will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in room 230 at 2:45. We will be discussing a Writing Contest theme, formatting our early entries for publication, and hopefully reading new submissions. (Stoiber)

SPORTS NEWS & RESULTS:

Congratulations to the Angels XC squad for competing in the IHSA Geneseo Sectional. Mary Kate Moran will be advancing to the state meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday.