Christmas at SB
BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON! December is a time of great joy and excitement at St. Barnabas School. We are grateful to experience the awe and wonder of Christmas through our students' eyes, and we feel fortunate to celebrate the Christmas season together as we rejoice in Christ’s birth.
To help you prepare for the season ahead, we share details of many of our events. Here you'll find a printable calendar for the month, followed by a detailed description and clickable links for each event. We will send additional reminders and details as each event draws closer.
We know navigating the holiday season can sometimes feel hectic for parents. We encourage you to savor the moments, cherish the memories, and let us extend ourselves grace. Join in these events as much or as little as your schedule permits. Embracing our faith and sharing love and kindness should always be the most important item on the Christmas calendar.
Ongoing Christmas Initiatives
Staff Stocking Stuffer, Parish-wide eventFriday, December 12 - final day to contribute
Contact Patricia Lewis at [email protected]rg or Kacey Kelly at [email protected]
The Staff Stocking Stuffer is a joint effort of the FSA and Men’s Club. Proceeds from the Progressive are combined with Stocking Stuffer donations to provide a Christmas bonus for our entire staff. This easy, time-saving tradition ensures that every staff member, including specials teachers and those without homerooms, receives a Christmas gift from our school community. No need for parents to shop for individual presents, simply contribute, and we’ll take care of the rest! Whether your donation is big or small, it makes a meaningful impact and helps us say “thank you” for the countless ways our teachers nurture, guide, and inspire our students every day. Contribute online in Give Central, or cash or checks may be dropped off at the school’s Main Office. Contribute online.
Christmas Luminaries, Parish-wide eventSunday, December 14 - pickup from 11am - 1pm at school; advance ordering is recommended.
Contact Mrs. Molly McGowan at [email protected] or Tiffany Polanek at [email protected]
Warming our hearts and brightening the way, the Christmas Luminaries are coordinated by the 8th-grade students, families, and staff. Candles are displayed throughout the parish on Christmas Eve, lighting the path home after Christmas Eve mass. Proceeds benefit The Sheridan Fund, which supports St. Barnabas families experiencing hardship by offering financial assistance, comfort, and strength. Order a kit for your house or block.
Parish Red Tag, Parish-wide eventSunday, December 15 - final day to contribute
Contact Amanda Lodwitch at 773-882-2293
Through the Red Tag Program, St. Barnabas Parish has contributed thousands of Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children for decades. Last year, we contributed 1,200 gifts! We invite all families to take part in this heartfelt parish program. Pick a tag up in the back of the church, or contribute online through Give Central. Learn more.
Advent Resources, Parish-wide eventNovember 30 - Christmas
Contact - Mark Piper at [email protected]
The Mission and Ministry Committee has put together Advent Resources for families. We encourage you to explore this helpful guide for activities and actions to deepen your faith during this Christmas season. View the Advent Resources.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Sacrament of First Reconciliation, 2nd Grade students + families
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30pm at Church
Contact - Mr. Patrick McGowan at [email protected]
Our 2nd graders will make their Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Please keep the students in your prayers on this special evening. Learn more
Santa's Secret Shop, School-wide eventWednesday, December 3 & Thursday, December 4, student-only during the school day.
Contact - Patricia Wirtz at [email protected]
The FSA is hosting Santa's Secret Shop! Students will visit the shop with their homeroom and shop for modestly priced items they can gift to their family and friends for Christmas. Students can use cash, or parents can purchase an online gift voucher in advance. We are looking for parent volunteers for set-up on Tuesday, December 2, and to work at the shop on December 3 and 4. Volunteer sign-up and homeroom visit schedule coming soon! View all the details.
Christmas Luncheon, 8th grade students + guestsFriday, December 5, 12pm at the Gym
Contact - Jill Dennihan at [email protected]
8th Grade students are encouraged to invite grandparents, special senior friends, and neighbors to a luncheon in the Gym. Students will act as hosts for the day, and families are asked to help contribute desserts. Learn more.
8th Grade Prayer Service, 8th grade students + guestsFriday, December 5, 2pm at Church
Contact - Mrs. Molly McGowan at [email protected] or Ms. Sadowski at [email protected]
Opportunity for reflection and prayer before the Saturday morning High School Entrance Exam. Guests attending the 12pm Christmas Luncheon are encouraged to join the prayer service.
8th Grade Bowling Party, 8th-grade students + parent volunteersSaturday, December 6, 1:30pm - 3:30pm at Arena Lanes
Contact - EJ Jones at [email protected]
Class of 2026 students are invited to come celebrate after the high school entrance exam with an 8th Grade Bowling Party! Students, please wear t-shirt or sweatshirt from the high school you're planning to attend. Learn more and RSVP by Nov 28
Progressive Mixer, Parish-wide eventSaturday, December 6, 6pm, beginning at the Gym
Contact - Patrick Doig at [email protected]
The 19th Annual Men's Club Progressive event benefits the Staff Stocking Stuffer Christmas bonus. This is a beautiful night of community bonding and meeting new friends that helps to fund the Staff Stocking Stuffer Christmas Bonus. Tickets are $90 per person, and advance purchase is required. Purchase your tickets.
School Reconciliation, 3rd - 8th grade, student-only eventTuesday, December 9, during the school day
Contact - Mr. Patrick McGowan at [email protected]
Our 3rd - 8th grade students will have the opportunity to grow closer to God this Advent season with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Christmas Pageant, School-wide event, families welcomeFriday, December 12 at 1:45pm at Church
Contact - Mr. Patrick McGowan at [email protected]
Student-led telling of the Nativity story. 1st-grade students serve as angels and shepherds, 5th-grade students serve as the choir, and 7th-grade students are the actors. All families are welcome to attend this moving retelling of the First Christmas. Open seating will be available in the Church, behind the students. View the invite.
Christmas Dress Down, School-wide eventMonday, December 15 - Friday, December 19
Contact - Ms. Grace Sadowski at [email protected]
The final week before break, we will celebrate with a Christmas-themed dress down. Attire should be school-appropriate and in keeping with the chosen theme for the day. Thank you to our Student Council for organizing our Christmas dress-downs! These days are optional, and students are always welcome to wear their uniform as an alternative. Download dress down guide.
- Monday, Dec 15 "Cozy Christmas" Christmas or winter pajamas
- Tuesday, Dec 16 "Classy Christmas" dress up for school mass
- Wednesday, Dec 17 "Christmas Characters" character apparel from a movie, song, or book
- Thursday, Dec 18 "Fal-la-la-la" flannel clothing
- Friday, Dec 19 "Crazy Christmas" festive sweaters, accessories, hats
Christmas Around the World, School-wide event, families welcomeTuesday, December 16 at 10am in the Church Hall
Contact - Mrs. Gabriela Sanchez at [email protected]
After 8:45am school mass, the School Culture Club will host Christmas Around the World. Students will visit with their homeroom. Families are invited to stop by the Church Hall to see the wonders of Christmas as shared by Culture Club.
Preschool Pageant, School-wide eventThursday, December 18, 10am (school performance) and 6:30pm (family & friends performance) at Church
Contact - Preschool homeroom teachers
A heartfelt retelling of the Christmas story by our preschool students. All preschool students dismiss from school at 10:50am and will return for the evening performance. Seating Note: The school day performance has limited seating for adults. Evening performance has ample seating and viewing. Learn more.
Christmas Band Concert, School-wide event, families welcomeThursday, December 18, 7pm at Marist High School
Contact - Mr. William Gula at [email protected]
All are invited to join in this beautiful Christmas concert. Our school band will perform alongside students from other South Side Catholic grammar schools. Band students should plan to arrive at 6pm; the concert begins at 7pm.
Christmas Carol Assembly, Student-only event, during the school dayFriday, December 19
Contact - Ms. Grace Sadowski at [email protected]
Our annual tradition to kick-off Christmas break. Student Council leads the show as each grade performs a Christmas carol. Due to capacity restrictions in the gym, this is a student-only event.
Christmas Break BeginsFriday, December 19, 11:50am (11:40am for Preschool)
Contact - Mr. Jonathan Stack at [email protected]
Christmas break begins with a half-day dismissal; After Care is not available. The school's Main Office and classrooms will be physically closed during the break. School leadership, administrative support, and maintenance staff are reachable via email throughout the break. We look forward to welcoming the students back on Tuesday, January 6.
Christmas Mass Schedule, Parish-wideContact - Parish Rectory at 773-779-1166
Please join in Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass at St. Barnabas Church as we prayerfully rejoin in Christ's birth.
Please join in Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass at St. Barnabas Church as we prayerfully rejoin in Christ's birth.
Christmas Eve Mass - December 24, at 4pm, with Children's Choir musical prelude beginning at 3:30pm
Christmas Eve Mass - December 24, at 10:30pm, with musical prelude beginning at 10pm
Christmas Day Mass - December 25, at 10am, with musical prelude beginning at 9:45am
Christmas Eve Mass - December 24, at 10:30pm, with musical prelude beginning at 10pm
Christmas Day Mass - December 25, at 10am, with musical prelude beginning at 9:45am
Past Events & Activities
Advent Wreath Workshop, Parish-wide eventSunday, November 30, 11am in the Church Hall
Contact - Mr. Patrick McGowan at [email protected]
Gather for a family-friendly Advent wreath-building workshop immediately following the 10am mass. All supplies will be provided to create a wreath to be enjoyed in your home this Advent season. Advance registration is encouraged as spots are limited. Reserve Your Spot.