While there are many who work to make St James the extraordinary place that it is, it seems that there are several elves working overtime this year. A special thank you to Lisa Cooper for her talents and MANY hours of service to bring us the amazing Kids Christmas Art. Beautiful! And thank you to our very own "Hat Lady," Christine Denny, for her great efforts to grow our Scrip Program—and grow we are!

The annual SJA Christmas program is tomorrow night, Thursday, December 17th at 7:00p.m. in the church. Church doors open at 6:45. Please do not arrive before 6:30. I have seen a dress rehearsal and the show is fantastic! A special thank you to Mrs. Oldham, her team and our staff for the many hours dedicated to bringing this very special performance to us.

Attached please find a more spiritual version of “The Night Before Christmas.” I hope you enjoy.

Boxes are in the office for gently used or new sweaters, blankets or coats. All sizes are welcome.

Just in time for Christmas, the St. James Spirit and Inspire Choirs are pleased to announce the release of “Listen to the Angels Sing”, a Christmas CD featuring a mix of Christmas and praise songs. Anne Marie Oldham and Grammy-Award winning Engineer and Producer Steve Churchyard assembled more than 40 St. James singers and musicians to perform on the CD. Proceeds will benefit St. James Academy, St. James Church and the St. James Youth Music Ministry Program. To listen to samples of selections from the CD, please visit www.saintjamesmusic.org. CDs are $17.00 including tax and preorder forms are available online or in the school office. Academy families may pick up preordered CDs or purchase CDs in the school office starting December 14th but must have exact cash or check made out to St. James Church.

Find out why we sing carols at Christmas in today’s "Why Do Catholics Do That?"

Financially supporting parishioners: If you have not already done so, your $500.00 parish contribution is due to the church no later than December 31st to retain your tuition status for next year.

Semester payments were due in the academy office December 1st.

Lost and Found drawers are overflowing again. Both drawers will be emptied on December 18th. Also, please check that your children have their uniform items and have not mistakenly taken home another student’s clothing.

School is out for Christmas vacation beginning at NOON this Friday, December 18th. THERE IS NO DAY CARE THAT AFTERNOON. See you back on January 4th.