Crusader Connection; August 30, 2018

Crusader Connection Lancaster Catholic High School

Dates to Remember

Picture Day!

Friday, August 31st: Picture Day Monday, September 3rd Labor Day- No School Tuesday, September 11th: Mass Back To School Night Wednesday, September 12th: No School (Faculty In-Service) Saturday, September 15th: Catholic Schools Night at the Clipper Magazine Stadium Monday, September 24th: 2nd Annual Crusader Legacy Golf Classic Tuesday, September 25th: Fine & Performing Arts Concert and Lecture SeriesPenn Square Music Festival

Picture Day for the 2018-19 School Year will be tomorrow, Friday, August 31st!

A Letter from Lancaster Catholic’s President and Principal August 29, 2018 Dear Lancaster Catholic Parents, Alumni and Friends: As those entrusted with leadership of Lancaster Catholic High School, we believe it necessary to address with our students, as we did with the faculty and staff last week, the reports of abuse in our Church that continue to dominate the headlines. We will do so primarily through dialogue and discussion with our students in their Theology classes, guided by helpful resources provided by the National Catholic Education Association. During these discussions, our objective will be to share the following: • That all of us feel the horror of the atrocities committed by priests and religious—a couple of whom worked at our school many years ago--and are scandalized by the manner in which they were covered up by some Church leaders. These actions were criminal, completely inconsistent with everything our School and Church stand for and extremely damaging to the victims.

• That, on behalf of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Bishop Gainer expresses his profound sorrow for the atrocities detailed in the Grand Jury Report and apologizes to the survivors of child sex abuse, the Catholic faithful and the general public. The Diocese acknowledges that serious mistakes were made, in the past, and we know there are no words that will ever heal the hurts which have been inflicted.

• Assurance to our students that we remain vigilant and fully committed to doing everything we can to protect them by vigorously implementing all of the many safeguards put in place over the last several years. The Diocese of Harrisburg and everyone at Lancaster Catholic High School take the protection of youth in all school and Church related activities and programs very seriously. o FACT: The vast majority of incidents occurred years ago, prior to the year 2000, after which there have been aggressive safeguards in place including a zero tolerance policy for youth sex abuse. o FACT: Each clergy member, teacher, coach, employee or volunteer at Catholic High and any other Diocesan program is required to submit to a series of background checks and screenings. o FACT: an aggressive safe environment program has been in place for years with a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, employees or volunteers and prevention of future acts of abuse, including the Diocese of Harrisburg Youth Protection Hotline (800.626.1608); and the county Children and Youth Agency. Failure to report suspected abuse to civil authorities is in violation of canon, civil and criminal laws.

• The suggestion that despite the justifiable anger and disillusionment at the horrific, unconscionable failures of some of the leaders of our Church, we are called to also respond in a specifically Christian manner by supporting those victims scarred by those shocking, appalling abuses. We are called to pray for healing and consolation for all victims and practice the compassion Jesus displayed by weeping with those who weep, and to seek opportunities to help victims bear this very heavy cross.

However, in faith and with humility we must also accept that we cannot heal these wounds and plead for the intervention of God—the only one who can.

• The belief that the vast majority of our clergy have and continue to be good, holy priests, faithful to their vows, who are working every day to do the work of the church.

• The assertion that the Church—like all other human organizations---contains sinful members at all levels that violate the God-given laws they espouse, but that their sins do not invalidate the truth of those laws.

• We will suggest that—hard as might be—we need to distinguish between the sinners in the Church and the sinless essence of the Church—the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

• The hope that our students will choose not to let the sinful actions of some get in the way of their faith.

• Our trust in Jesus’ promise to Peter in chapter 16 of Mathew’s Gospel: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Students expressing deep concern or anxiety over this tragic situation will be encouraged to speak with any or all of the following: us, a trusted teacher, a member of our school counseling department or our campus ministry team. Our Theology Department and Campus Ministry team are also prepared to explore and discuss with anyone, deeper spiritual issues as well. On behalf of our Chaplain, Fr. Arena, and all the Pastors in our deanery, we will let them know they also are all open and available for spiritual counseling.

Yours in Christ,

Timothy Hamer, President

Terry Klugh, Principal

If you love Lancaster Catholic and Bingo, we found the perfect evening for you! On September 28th, this Designer Bag and Power Tool Bingo supports the William J. Cunningham Tuition Assistance Scholarship that is given to a student attending Lancaster Catholic.

New Student Orientation

Click here for more information about the event!

Parking Passes!

Parking passes are still on sale for any licensed LCHS student. Any student who drives to school is required to park in the LCHS parking lot. Parking on the street is not allowed.

Passes are $50 for the entire year and can be purchased in the main office.

Coach Harbach Induction Ceremony

Is your Emergency Contact Information Updated?

Did you receive a phone call and email about the Heat Protocol Day? If you did not, please contact Mr. Kevin Carver in Advancement to update your email and phone number.

Automated Phone Call Tips • In the case of bad weather (snow/heat), unexcused absences or emergencies, an automated phone call is sent out to parents and guardians.

• The automated phone systems phone number is 717-696-0007. We would recommend saving this number in your phone. This phone number is not connected to the main office.

• When the automated phone system calls you and is answered, it is looking for you to say hello or to speak.

The recording can be delayed.

Diocesan Student Accident Insurance Program If you are interested in obtaining accident insurance for your child or Crusader athlete, click here for more information.

New Cell Phone Policy New this academic year, Lancaster Catholic has established a policy that all students will be expected to place smart phones and smart watches in cell phone caddies that have been placed in all classrooms.

Upon entering a classroom, students will place phones in a pocket provided for them for the duration of the instructional period.

The chromebooks and ipads provided by the school will be the only device needed by students to perform class work and research.

Students may use their personal smart devices during non-instructional time throughout the school day.

Parent Stewardship Lancaster Catholic Parents are one of the school’s greatest assets. They bring a wealth of time, treasure, and talent that is extremely valuable to the success of the school and as a result their children.

Please take a few minutes to consider being a Parent Volunteer at Lancaster Catholic. Click here to volunteer with Lancaster Catholic High School.

Volunteer

The Athletic Department needs your help!

• Soccer Games • Football Games • Volleyball Matches