"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served."
1 Corinthians 12: 4-5

National Vocation Awareness Week is celebrated the week of January 11-16, 2004. It is a time set aside for all of us to reflect on God's vocation call to marriage, consecrated religious life, priest-hood, and single life.

John Paul II shares this important message to parents, "Families are called to play a decisive role for the future of vocations in the Church. The holiness of marital love, the harmony of family life, the spirit of faith with which the problems of daily life are confronted, openness towards others, especially towards the poorest, and participation in the life of the Christian community form the proper environment for their children to listen to the divine call and make a generous response."

As parents, you are the first and best teachers of your children. We need you, those closest to our children, to help us make them aware of each of the vocations possible to them. Working together we need to teach them to pray and listen reflectively, to look at their gifts and talents, and to decide how God may be calling them to serve the family of God.

SAFETY CONCERN

During the holiday season our nation once again faced a heightened state of alert because of a potential terrorist threat. Please be assured that we at Cardinal Mooney High School have a crisis plan in place and emergency supplies on hand to provide for the safety of our students. In the next few weeks, all of our families will receive a letter similar to the one we sent last year outlining the procedures we will follow if we ever face a Red (most severe) alert.

BUILDING EVACUATION

As you are aware, last Friday we briefly evacuated the building when one of our custodians noticed that a propane tank on a floor buffer was leaking. As a safety precaution, the Fire Department was called. The firemen removed the tank and deter-mined that the building was safe. The staff and students are to be commended for their cooperation and serious response to the situation.

YEARBOOK ADS

It is time once again for the yearbook staff's annual Senior Ad Sale. Show your senior how proud you are of them by pur-chasing an ad. The deadline for these ads is March 31, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. See the enclosed flier for more information.

PARENT WORKSHOP

All of our parents should have received a flier announcing a parent information meeting on drug abuse prevention and Internet safety sponsored by "The 224 Connection". The meeting will be held on Monday, January 26 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Boardman High School Performing Arts Center. Many community organizations have collaborated to sponsor this event. All of our parents are encouraged to attend.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMENORATION EVENTS

Two special events which are free and open to the public are being sponsored by the Martin Luther King Planning Commit-tee. The first is a Community Service of Worship on Sunday, January 18 at 3:30 p.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church on Hillman Street. The second is a Community Workshop on Monday, January 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church on Wick Avenue. For additional information call the Jewish Community Relations Council (330-746-3251).

OPEN HOUSE

In conjunction with our Catholic Schools' Week celebration, Cardinal Mooney will have an Open House on Sunday, February 1 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Hopefully, many of you will be able to join us. This Open House enables us to display our quality academic programs, our facilities, and our extracurricular activities. It also provides an opportunity to visit informally with our faculty and administration. Please bring a guest, especially those interested in a Catholic education. Our parents and stu-dents are our best marketing tools! A special feature this year will be a drawing for two $500 tuition grants to Cardinal Mooney High School - one for a current eighth grade student and one for a current seventh grade student. This drawing is sponsored by our Alumni Association. You must attend to qualify!

SPAGHETTI DINNER

The Cardinal Mooney High School Home and School Association is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, February 1 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. (during Open House) in the school cafeteria. Prices are: adults $5.00 and children $4.00. Take outs will be available.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards for the second half term will be mailed at the end of the week of January 26. Please note that tuition pay-ments must be current in order for a student's report card to be released.

CARDINAL'S NEST

The Cardinal's Nest is open weekly during the following times:

Tuesdays and Thursdays
7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
and
2:45 - 3:20 p.m.

Fridays
7:30 - 8:00 a.m.

Many items that meet our dress regulations are available in the Nest!

SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

As announced in our calendar, school will not be in session on January 19, 2004. Also, Friday, February 13 is a free day for students but a professional day for teachers. In addition, Monday, February 16 is a free day for students and faculty. The school office will be open on February 13 but will be closed on January 19 and February 16.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Application forms and materials explaining the tuition assistance program at Cardinal Mooney High School will be available in the school office after February 1 This aid is made possible through the Bowers Scholarship Trust, The Winter's Student Fund, grants from the Cardinal Mooney Alumni Association, and the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, as well as through efforts of our parents and several local organizations. We are very grateful to all of these sources and their support of our efforts here at Cardinal Mooney.

Please note that all tuition assistance will be given on the basis of family financial need as shown in the Confi-dential Student Aid Form (PSAF) which parents must file directly with the Private School Aid Service. When completing the form, please note that a completed copy of your most recent (2003) Federal Income Tax Return must accompany your application. The tuition aid form is the application form for all tuition grants and should be mailed to the Private School Aid Service no later than April 15, 2004.

Applications for the job program at school will also be available and should be returned to the Cardinal Mooney High School office by April 15. Anyone applying for a student or parent job must also file a Student Aid Form with the Private School Aid Service before he/she can be considered for the job program.

Please note that a form requesting assistance must be completed each year. Only families meeting the April 15 deadline will be notified of grants in June.

If you have any questions regarding the tuition assistance program, please feel free to contact Sister Jane Marie at school.

YOUNGSTOWN DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

We have received application forms for the Youngstown Diocesan Catholic School Scholarship Fund which was established in honor of Mary Ellen Cushwa Wolsonovich. Students who have demonstrated an academic initiative and require financial assistance to attend a Catholic school are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

To apply for this scholarship, a family must complete the school financial aid form (PSAF) and a special single sheet for the Diocesan Scholarship. A copy of your most recent tax form (2003) is required and a single filing fee covers both applica-tions.

The application form for this scholarship can be obtained in the school's main office. To be considered for the Diocesan Scholarship Fund, the application forms must be submitted no later than March 22, 2004.

CMHS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

A flier describing the criteria for selection for each of the scholarships available at Cardinal Mooney as well as the application form will be available in the school office after February 1, 2004.

COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2004-2005

All present ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students will receive informa-tion, course registration sheets, and description booklets for next year's classes on Tuesday, January 20. The selection sheets are to be completed and returned no later than February 27. This time of course registration is extremely important. Therefore, we ask all parents and guardians to go over the choices and information very carefully with their sons and daughters to insure that their programs will be challenging and will meet their future needs and plans.

Decisions on number of classes to be offered next year are based on this February registration. Therefore, students who change their course choices after this deadline cannot always be accommodated. The guidance counselors are available to assist in any way and will meet with each student to go over his/her schedule.

PRE-FRESHMAN REGISTRATION

Beginning the week of February 2, Mrs. Joanne Carney Smith will be visiting our feeder elementary schools to register stu-dents for the ninth grade. If you know of an eighth grade student who does not attend one of our feeder schools but is interested in attending Cardinal Mooney, please have him/her contact Mrs. Carney Smith at school to set up a time to complete the registration process. Public school eighth graders may also register during our Open House.

PLACEMENT TEST

A make-up placement test for any incoming freshmen who have not yet taken the test will be held on Saturday, February 28 at CMHS. Students should arrive at 9:00 a.m. and have two sharpened No. 2 pencils, a calculator, and their social security number with them. Parents are asked to call Cardinal Mooney to make a reservation (330-788-5007). The test will be fin-ished at 11:45.

CLASS RINGS

The representative of Herff Jones will be at school on Wednesday, February 4 during the lunch periods to take orders for the official Cardinal Mooney class ring. Order brochures will be distributed to sophomores prior to that date, but certainly juniors and seniors are also welcome to place orders.

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

Winning two rounds in September, Cardinal Mooney's Academic Challenge team advanced to the elite eight and will compete again on Sunday, February 8, 2004 against Springfield Local High School. The team, made up of seniors Elyse Healey, Zac Liptak, Dan Finnerty, and Jay Dehghani bested Champion 220-210 and Union 320-290 in the early rounds of the tournament sponsored by WYTV, Channel 33 and Youngstown State University. Mooney's battle with Champion will be aired on Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. on WYTV and the semifinal and final rounds will be shown later in the spring. Alternates on the team include junior Rob Wyman and sophomore Cassandra Pallai, Dan Rotar, Michael Perry, Justin Ginnetti, and Joshua Ginnetti. Faculty advisors for the team are Eileen Bacha, English and Karen Wright, Science and Math.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Cardinal Mooney High School invites you to join us at our twelfth "Athletic Hall of Fame" dinner to be held at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman, Ohio on Sunday, February 15, 2004. There will be a dinner buffet and open bar from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the program to follow at 8:00 p.m.

This twelfth "Hall of Fame" class will include the following inductees:

Jim Boniface '81 - football
Jim Colla '70 - football
Melanie Congemi Stitt '86 - track
Devlin Culliver '86 - football
Jamie Dunn '68 - basketball
Mike Giambattista '82 - football/
baseball
Jim Halloran '64 - football
Tony Hayek '84 - tennis
Kathy Keffler Apple '82 - basketball
Dennis Misko '63 - basketball
Nancy Shugart - significant
contributions
Mark Stoops '85 - baseball/
football

All proceeds from the evening go directly into the Ron Stoops Scholarship Fund which was established by the Stoops Family in memory of Ron. These scholarships are given to assist students to attend Cardinal Mooney.

Tickets are available at school for $60 or $480 for a table of 8.

THEATRE DEPARTMENT

The Cardinal Mooney Theatre Department will present the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Cinderella. Dinner theatre will be offered on opening night, March 18. There will be additional performances on March 19, 20, and 21. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Contact Mrs. Joanne Carney Smith for more information.

The Theatre Department is looking for volunteers to help with costumes for Cinderella. Anyone willing to help should con-tact Mrs. Carney Smith.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE CLUB

The Service Club is sponsoring a carnation sale for Valentine's Day. Students can purchase a red carnation for $1.00 to be delivered Thursday, February 12 during 4th period. A note can be attached to the carnation with a colored ribbon. The ribbon colors indicate are: red- love, pink- friendship, yellow- have a good day, blue-secret admirer.

There will be Service Club members in Room 113 during Open House (February 1, 2004) for any parent who wishes to send their favorite Mooney student a carnation. The cost is $1.00 and all proceeds will benefit the Service Club's many projects.

The Service Club had 6 members help out at a Christmas dinner at the Youngstown Developmental Center. The director called the school with nothing but praise for the way they represented our school.

We also had 8 members work at The Easter Seals Festival of the Trees. Again, we are proud of the way our student volunteer their time for these community agencies.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE NEWS

For most of us, Christmas is a time for friends, family, gifts, warm food and happy homes. But many in our area do not en-joy such blessings. In the true spirit of Christmas, the Cardinal Mooney family reached out to many in our area who are in need.

· Several of our school clubs went Christmas caroling around our community.

· Seniors in the Christian Service Class handmade counted-cross stitch ornaments for residents in area nursing homes. Other members of the class assisted area preschools and nursing homes in their holiday preparations and programs.

· As has become our tradition, we collected new socks for Fish Samaritan House, an inner city clothing store. This year 1,986 pairs of warm socks were distributed to the poor, In addition, ten large bags of new toys were collected to be given out by Santa at the Fish Samaritan House.

· As an entire school, we adopted families for the Christmas season. All first period classes received a name of a child from Catholic Services. There were 112 children who were recipients of beautiful gifts from our generous Mooney family. Bikes, computer games, dolls, and warm clothing were just a few of the many gifts brought in for this project. It was a powerful scene as 20 drivers from the Christian Service class made their way to St. Edward's Hall where the gifts were distributed.

Blessings upon all those who so generously responded to the call of Jesus Christ to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT

. . . Sacrament of Reconciliation
On December 15 and 16, each class gathered to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We gathered in a com-munal prayer and then students were invited to receive the sacrament. Special thanks and blessings to Reverend Terry Hazel and to all the clergy who joined us:

Monday

Reverend Martin Celuch
Reverend Richard Brobst
Reverend David Weikart
Reverend Edward Noga
Reverend Joseph Fata
Rev. Monsignor William Connell
Reverend Regis Heufchkel

Tuesday

Reverend Martin Celuch
Reverend Phil Rogers
Rev. Monsignor David Rhodes
Reverend Michael Swierz
Rev. Monsignor Peter Polando
Reverend Maciej Mankowski
Reverend Daniel Venglarik


. . . Advent Morning Prayer

On December 19 we gathered for an Advent Morning Prayer Service. Mrs. Susan Doyle Trewella, our Campus Min-ister, was the presider. During this prayer, various students did dramatic readings from the point of view of those pre-sent at the birth of Christ. The music ministers blended their voice beautifully as they sang sacred music. The entire prayer touched our souls and truly prepared us for this most Holy Season.

. . . Christmas Liturgy

On January 8 we gathered as a school community to celebrate our Christmas Liturgy. Father David Weikart from St. Christine's Parish was our celebrant. We thank him for his liturgical presence.

PARENT PLEDGE

Additional names to add to our listing of names of parents who have made the commitment to follow the Parent Guidelines in monitoring the social gatherings our young people attend:

Attorney & Mrs. Al Palombaro
Mara - Grade 9

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Doinoff
Courtney - Grade 9
Cassie - Grade 11

FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES

Whenever a class or organization plans a field trip sponsored by the school, parents will receive and be asked to sign an official field trip participation form. This is true for school-sponsored activities both during or out of regular school hours. The form will list pertinent details of the trip as well as the name of the adult chaperone(s) for the activity. Activities for which you do not receive such a school form are not school sponsored.

LOTTERY CALENDARS

Calendars are still available and students can still turn them in. Contact Mr. Paul Gregory at 330-788-5311 for more infor-mation.

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC ROOM

. . . Alumni

Any Band alumni who would like to receive the Music Department Newsletter should contact Mrs. April Wood with their addresses. You are also invited to send stories to be published.

. . . Auxiliary

On February 5, 2004 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Music Room, there will be a mandatory Parent/Student Information Meeting for all students interested in flag or dance line and feature twirler positions for the 2004 line. Returning as our instructors are Janet Gbur and Phemie Colonna.

Audition Date
Tuesday, March 23
4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Dates
Twirler
Friday, March 5
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Dance Line
Friday, March 12
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 19
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Flag Line Rehearsals
Friday, March 12
5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, March 19
5:00 to 6:30p.m.

Auxiliary members are also able to receive a band scholarship. The amounts are the same as for the Band Class.

Any interested grade 8-11 student should contact Mrs. Wood for more information.

. . . Band

Concert Band is starting soon. Any students who would like to join the band class should see Mrs. Joanne Carney Smith to change their schedules and become part of this exciting team. All students already signed up should come to see Mrs. Wood for equipment information. This is a great opportunity to practice for the Drumline.

April 1, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. is the first meeting of the 2004 Cardinal Pride Band Marching Drum Line! Positions are available for students to join as part of the band class or during the mentoring period. Scholarships offered are as fol-lowed:

Band Class
1st year $250
2nd year $300
3rd year $350
4th year $400

Mentoring Period
1st year $125
2nd year $150
3rd year $175
4th year $200

All scholarship application forms must be in by July 1, 2004.

. . . Choir

Congratulations to the CMHS Chorus for a job well done on all our concerts.

. . . Music Boosters

Next meeting is February 5, 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room. The agenda is Choir scholarships, Drumline, and auxiliary recruitment.

The CMHS Music Banquet is Monday, May 17 at the Georgetown. Awards will be handed out at this time.
GIANT EAGLE / SPARKLE / TOPS PROGRAMS

This year's school-business partnership programs are lagging behind other years. Please review the details below and par-ticipate in these plans that help us to update our audio-visual equipment as well as adding additional computers and software for student use. The programs will not cost you anything but a little time.

The Sparkle Market program is the same as it has been for many years: save the green register tapes and send them into the school. These tapes will be issued by the local Sparkle Markets from September 28, 2003 until February 14, 2004.

Each time you shop at Giant Eagle using your Giant Eagle Advantage Card®, you will earn points for our school - if you take a moment to register. Call 1-800-474-4777. Give Cardinal Mooney's School Number -0145. Each purchase amount will automatically be credited to our school.

The 2003/2004 Giant Eagle Apples For The Students program will run from November 2nd, 2003 through March 20, 2004.
Encourage your families, neighbors and friends to save their Sparkle Tapes for you and send them into the office or the Information Center. They can also register their Giant Eagle Advantage Cards to benefit our school.

The TOPS MARKET (near Eastwood Mall) is also participating in cash redemption for schools turning in their tapes. TOPS have no cut-off dates. Any tapes from over the summer will be accepted as well as those from this school year. They will give us $1 for every $600 in receipts. This cash will enable us obtain printer cartridges, lab supplies, VCR's and other audio-visual equipment without increasing the burden of cost to our students and their parents. Save your tapes and send them in.

PRINTER LASER AND INKJET TONER CARTRIDGE AND OLD CELL PHONE RECYCLE PROGRAM

Cardinal Mooney High School is helping to keep our earth green by participating in this innovative recycling program. The FundingFactory will reward our school with software and computer supplies for our participation. Please help us by sending your old inkjet or laser printer cartridges to the school office. Laser cartridges from office/business machines are also important contributions.

At this time of year, many families are changing cell phone plans. When you upgrade your cell phone, send us the old one for recycling. These programs will keep our landfills from filling with unnecessary materials - items that most people just throw away!

Any questions regarding these business/school programs may be directed to Mrs. Joan Ruffing in the Information Cen-ter/Library 330-788-4371

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

. . . Testing Dates

The following dates are remaining to take the SAT or ACT. The tests are not given in July, August, or September.

ACT

February 7, 2004
Late registration Jan. 16, 2004

April 3, 2004
Registration February 27, 2004
Late registration Mar.12, 2004

June 12, 2004
Registration May 7, 2004
Late registration May 21, 2004

Juniors should plan to take the ACT sometime by the end of junior year. Registration packets can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

SAT

March 27, 2004 (SAT only)
Registration Feb. 20, 2004
Late registration Mar. 4, 2004

May 1, 2004
Registration March 26, 2004
Late registration April 7, 2004

June 5, 2004
Registration April 30, 2004
Late registration May 12, 2004

. . . FAFSA

FAFSA's can be completed on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The FAFSA forms for college financial aid have arrived and may be picked up in the Guidance Office. Remember you may qualify for financial aid for college based on need.

Some points to remember on the FAFSA:

1. Use black pen or a #2 pencil (not blue ink).
2. Fill in the ovals - do not just put a line through them.
3. On the dollar blanks, fill in a "o" if not pertaining to you so they know you did not skip that question.

. . . Scholarships

For all the following scholarship opportunities, please stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

Bowling Green State University is offering scholarships to any academically talented minority students. The stu-dent must have a 3.25 GPA to qualify. Stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

The American Chemical Society Scholars Program is offering scholarships to minority students entering into chemistry or related fields.

Kent State University is offering a Leadership scholarship for those entering the Business field. The student must have a 3.0 GPA.

Junior Achievement is offering a scholarship. You must have a 3.0 GPA, personal essay, and letters of recom-mendation.

If you work at Wal-Mart, your sons or daughters qualify to apply for a scholarship.

For those students who have applied to Mount Union College, they have posted several scholarships available based on merit.

. . . Seniors

All senior students who have applied to colleges should: check with the admissions office and make sure they have your pertinent information (essays, transcripts, references, etc.). Check to see if there are any generic scholarships that apply to freshman at the university you have applied to. Also, if you have applied to a specific department, check to see if there are any additional scholarships that pertain to you.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Included with this newsletter is a flier describing the criteria for membership in the National Honor Society. Applications will be sent home to eligible juniors and seniors during the first week of February. Any student with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2, as calculated at the end of the grading period concluding January 17, will receive an application packet. Parents are encouraged to read the information packet with their students. Eligibility does not guarantee acceptance. The induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 12. Any questions you may have after you receive the information packet can be directed to Mrs. Tina Hughes, National Honor Society Advisor or Mrs. Norene Kenyhercz, co-advisor.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY CONTEST

The National History Day Contest is April 5 at Youngstown State University. The topic this year is "Rights and Responsibilities in History". The different categories include:

· Individual Historical Paper
· Individual or Group Exhibit, Performance or Documentary
· Multiple Choice Test on American History
· Any student in grades 9-12 can enter
· The deadline for entry is March 1
· The cost is $4 per student

Please see Mr. Dave Petty in Room 156 to enter or for more information.

FINDING A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER "ONE STEP AT A TIME"

On April 26 and 27, 2003, Miss Mary Pat Nally will be participating in the Avon Breast Cancer Marathon Walk in Washing-ton, D.C. All proceeds go towards breast cancer research. Miss Nally is in the process of raising $2,200 for this walk, and keeping a prayer list of all those who have battled this or any kind of cancer. If you have anyone you would like to add to this list, please send their name to Room 104. "The least I could do is walk, battling cancer is the hard part." For more informa-tion or to make a donation, please see Miss Nally or log on to www.Avonwalk.org