Zacchaeus was not a popular man. The short, wealthy chief tax collector was probably one of the most despised men in the community. The tax collectors in Israel were known for “taking a little off the top.” And they were working for the oppressive Romans who were taxing the Jewish people. Little wonder tax collectors were at the very bottom of the popularity list of the time.
Unpopular as Zacchaeus would have been, this is precisely the person whom Jesus seeks in this week’s Gospel reading. The Gospel of Luke tells us that as Jesus was passing through the city of Jericho, Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus. He climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better look, and to his surprise, it was not just Zacchaeus who was seeking Jesus but actually Jesus who was seeking Zacchaeus! Jesus tells Zacchaeus that he will come to his home, much to the shock of Zacchaeus and the whole crowd.
This gospel offers great insight into the nature of God. Jesus tells Zacchaeus that he wants to dine at his house. Imagine the expressions of the other people in the crowd that day. “What kind of a prophet is this?” Going to the chief tax collector’s house was not a recipe for Jesus’ popularity! But God isn’t after popularity; he’s after people’s souls. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus changes his life. He comes down from the tree with joy. He confesses his sins of extortion and pledges to restore whatever he had stolen. Jesus says in the Gospel passage that he came to “seek and save what was lost.” In Zacchaeus’ case, he has great success!
The Service Club is sponsoring a Toiletry Collection Drive to donate to our local Veterans in the VA Hospital in Northport. Please bring donated items to the school this week through November 7th. Please, no soaps or products with pump dispensers. They leaked all over Mr. Colon’s truck last year. The following items are needed and assigned by grade.
In addition to the Veteran’s Day Drive, our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will be in effect. The following items for the St. Agnes Food Pantry have been assigned to each grade. Please bring in these items by Monday, November 7th.
Halloween is coming to St. Agnes!
Grades K-3 get ready for a parade and have some fun!
October 31st at 9:00 A.M.
Monday, October 31st is our Halloween Parade and Magic Show for grades K-3 hosted by the Mothers’ Club. Thank you to the chairs of this event, Mrs. Jessica Daddona and Mrs. Natalie Dagostino. The students should wear their costumes to school with their gym uniforms OR Halloween-themed shirts and pants/ black and orange, under their costumes. Students should bring a bag to school to put their costumes in after the morning’s festivities. The parade route is attached. The Parade starts at 9 A.M. Click on the link below for the Parade Route.
An orange/black dress-down day for students in Grades 4-8 will be in effect. Please, no ripped jeans, crop tops, low necklines, or inappropriate t-shirt sayings.
On Tuesday, the students in Grades 1-8 will attend Mass in observance of the Holy Day of Obligation, All Saints Day. They will engage in special religion lessons that focus on the Holy Day.
On Wednesday, November 2nd members of the DRVC Education Department will be here at St. Agnes to visit classes.
Thursday, November 3rd, the 8th Graders who are part of the Academically Advanced and Enrichment classes are participating in a trip to the courts in Mineola.
Friday, November 4th, is a half day for the teachers and I to meet for our monthly faculty meeting.
TACHS Exam
Please keep the 8th Graders in your thoughts and prayers as they take the TACHS Exam on Saturday, November 5th. 8th Grade parents, please ensure that you have planned a workspace for your child to take the exam and have installed the Proctorio on the device for your child to take the exam. Remember, this exam cannot be taken on an iPad.
Proctorio Installation Instructions
Middle School Sports
Girls Soccer
Game: Tuesday 11/1 vs. St. Josephs @ 3:30
Location: Tighe Field
Game: Wednesday 11/2 vs. St. Williams @ 3:30
Location: Anchor Park - Massapequa
Game: Thursday 11/3 vs. Kellenberg
Location: Kellenberg
Boys Soccer
Practice: Tuesday 11/1 @ 4:00
Location: Reverend Days Field
Game: Wednesday 11/2 vs. St. Mary’s Manhasset @ 3:30
Location: St. Mary’s High School
Early Dismissal at 2:25
Game: Friday 11/4 vs. Our Lady of Lourdes @ 3:30
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes
Girls Volleyball
Practice: Tuesday 11/1 @ 3:00-4:30
Location: Stags Gym
Game: Wednesday 11/2 vs. St. Aidans @ 4:00
Location: St. Aidans
Game: Thursday 11/3 vs. Kellenberg @ 4:00
Location: Kellenberg
Cross Country
Championships: Sunday 10/30 @ 9:00 AM
Location: Sunken Meadow State Pa
Please email the coaching staff, Mrs. Brower (mbrower5546@stagnes-school.
School Board
It’s Back! After a 2-year hiatus due to the Pandemic, our Annual Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday, February 4th at the Long Island Marriot in Uniondale.
We are OFF to the races!! Come join us at St. Agnes Racetrack! Bring some friends and cash to bet on wooden horses as they race around the track with each toss of the dice! Please join the St. Agnes Mothers’ Club and Fathers’ Club as they team up with the St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council 2548 for A Night at the Races! Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 7 P.M. in the Parish Center. $50 per person includes wine, beer, and food! Fun for individuals, couples, or groups.
Night At the Races Registration
Mothers' Club
St. Agnes Mothers' Club Holiday Craft Night - LAST CALL. Please join fellow St. Agnes Mom's for a night of creativity and fun, and make a beautiful winter piece for your home. Friday, November 18th at 7 P.M. in the Carlin Cafeteria We look forward to seeing you there! Please note reservations close 11/2.
Service Club Meetings: Please make sure you check the Service Club’s Google Classroom regularly for important updates.
November 7th: 3-4 PM: Carlin Cafeteria
Wedding Bells Are Ringing!
Congratulations to Ms. Katherine Bisceglia, our 7th Grade ELA and Religion Teacher as well as one of our Service Club Moderators on her upcoming Wedding this weekend! God Bless you!
Peace and Blessings to you and your families on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Mrs. Cecilia St. John, Principal