Class of 2025 Grad Events

8th GRADE QUICK LINKS

MAY EVENTS
The May events calendar is shared here. Please see below for a detailed description of each event, including attire, attendee guidelines, and event details.

MEN'S CLUB ESSAY CONTEST - Thursday, May 1, 3pm - 5pm in the Media Ceter
Coordinated by St. Barnabas Parish Men's Club & St. Barnabas School
The Kevin G. Barron Scholarship awards one-year partial high school scholarships to 8th-grade students continuing their education at a Catholic high school. In order to be eligible for contest participation, all interested students must pre-register by noon on Tuesday, April 29.

Time: 3pm - 5pm
Location: St. Barnabas School Media Center
Attendees: Student only
Attire: School uniforms
Contact: Mrs. Kathleen Davies - [email protected]

RIBBON MASS - Sunday, May 4
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students gather at the 10am parish mass to receive a blessing and a commemorative ribbon for classmates to sign.

Time: 10am
Location: St. Barnabas Church
Attendees: Students + Families
Attire: Church Attire
Contact: Mr. Patrick McGowan - [email protected]

MAY CROWNING - Friday, May 9
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Prayer service honoring the Blessed Mother. The 2nd-grade and 8th-grade students participate in the all-school service, and the 8th-grade Student Council Commissioner of Religious Affairs will crown Mother Mary.

Time: 1:45pm prayer service (student outdoor procession begins at 1:30pm)
Location: St. Barnabas Church
Attendees: Students + Families
Attire: Dressy Church Attire. For girls, a modest, knee-length (or longer) dress (or jumpsuit) in keeping with the reverence of the occasion. Wearing a white dress, as is often a May Crowning tradition, is optional. For boys, suit and tie, or dress shirt and dress pants.
Contact: Ms. Grace Sadowski - [email protected]

SOCCER PACK THE PARK - Saturday, May 10
Coordinated by St. Barnabas Athletic Board & The 8th Grade Parent Committee
Parents are encouraged to attend the daytime event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games. Bring your tents, chairs, and school spirit as we cheer on our Buckeyes. Fat Tommy's will be on-site selling food. Learn more.

Time: 9am 8th Grade Varsity, followed by younger grade level games.
Location: Prairie Park “St. Walter’s Field,” 11625 S. Oakley
Attendees: Athletes, families and fans
Attire: Athletes: uniform; Fans: SB Spirit Wear
Contact: Amber Tinio - [email protected]

ARTS & ATHLETIC BANQUET - Thursday, May 15
Coordinated by St. Barnabas Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee

Optional Dinner and Awards banquet honors students for their achievements over the years in St. Barnabas arts and athletics. The host will collect an additional $40 per person fee for attendees, which includes the cost of dinner. Learn more and RSVP by May 8

Time: 6:30pm - 9pm
Location: Ridge Country Club
Attendees: Students + Parents/Guardians
Attire: Business casual/Sunday best
Contact: Amy Liss - [email protected]
Payment: $40 per person, including dinner and dessert (cash bar). Please make payment via Membership Toolkit or check made out to St. Barnabas Parish. DUE MAY 8.
Additional: Families are asked to submit 3 photos of the child participating in athletic and/or arts activities. submit (and RSVP) via the Google Form

DINNER DANCE - Saturday, May 17
Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
An off-campus evening of dinner and dancing for students. Learn more and view the invite!

Parent/Guardian Volunteer needed! Please consider helping out with set-up, break-down and during the event. Sign-up here.

Time: 6:30pm -10pm; 7pm class picture
Location: The Vineyard, 95th Street
Attendees: Students + Dance Committee Chaperones
Attire: semi-formal attire.
Contact: Lucy Hubbird - [email protected] and Amber Tinio - [email protected]

WHITE SOX GAME - Wednesday, May 21
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School & The 8th Grade Parent Committee
Class trip to 1:10pm White Sox vs Mariners game. Students and chaperones will travel by Metra train. Lunch and tailgating prior to the game.

Time: 7:45am regular arrival. We anticipate a 5:15pm arrival back to school.
Location: Rate Field
Attendees: Students, Staff + Sox Committee Chaperones
Attire: White Sox or St. Barnabas spirit wear
Food details: Lunch will be provided during tailgating prior to the game. If students wish to purchase additional food and beverages while inside the park, they should bring spending money. Please note: Sox park is cashless. If your child plans on purchasing items within the ballpark, please ensure they have a debit/credit card or Apple Pay.
Bag Policy: Please review the bag policy at Rate Field. Backpacks are not allowed; only clear single-compartment tote bags (12” x 12” x 6” or smaller), clutch purses (9" x 5" x 2" or smaller) are permitted.
Contact: Sarah Peterson - [email protected] and Bill Peterson - [email protected]

CLAP OUT - Thursday, May 22
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Last full day of school for 8th-grade students. Students walk the halls and are “clapped out” by the younger students. Parents/Guardians are welcome to join us at the Main Entrance as students exit the building.

Time: Students should arrive for regular morning bell (7:45am). Clap Out will take place around 2:45pm, just prior to regular dismissal
Location: St. Barnabas School Main Entrance
Attendees: Students and parents/guardians, and extended family welcome
Attire: 8th-grade class t-shirt with uniform bottoms (skirt or navy pants)
Contact: Ms. Sue Connolly - [email protected]

SPIRIT DAY - Friday, May 23
Coordinated by The St. Barnabas School FSA
Annual day of student games. All grade levels attend.

Time: during the school day, 7:45am - 11:50am
Location: St. Barnabas School
Attendees: All grade levels of students, parent volunteers
Attire: St. Barnabas spirit wear
Contact: Mrs. Sue Connolly - [email protected]

GRAD WEEK: Tuesday, May May 27 - Friday, May 30
8th grade students do not attend traditional classes this week and are on an alternate schedule. Please do not order Hot Lunch for 8th grade students this week. All younger grade levels follow the regular school week schedule.

CLASS OF 2024 RETREAT - Tuesday, May 27
On campus from 7:45am - 7pm
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students will spend a day in prayer, reflection, community building, and fun. The goal of the retreat is to strengthen their relationships with God, themselves, and one another as they prepare for this important transition in their lives.

Time: 7:45am regular arrival (check-in at homerooms). Dismissal from school parking at 7pm.
Location: St. Barnabas School & Church
Attendees: Student only
Food details: Snack, lunch, and dinner will be provided (students should bring a water bottle)
Attire: High School t-shirt with casual bottoms (dress for the weather) indoor and outdoor activities are planned.
Contact: Mrs. Molly McGowan - [email protected]

GRADUATION PRACTICE & PICNIC - Wednesday, May 28
On campus from 10am - 1:30pm
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Student graduation practice at the Church, followed by a student picnic and games on the convent lawn. Students should bring a picnic bag lunch.

Time: 10am student arrival at the Church. 1:30pm dismissal
Location: St. Barnabas Church
Attendees: Student only
Attire: St. Barnabas spirit wear
Contact: Ms. Grace Sadowski - [email protected]

AWARDS CEREMONY - Thursday, May 29
On campus from 9:45am - 12pm
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Student achievements are celebrated.

Time: 10am ceremony; we encourage 9:45am arrival for students
Location: St. Barnabas Church
Attendees: Students, parents/guardians, and extended family welcome
Attire: Church attire (collared polo-style or button-down shirt for boys preferred, sundress or dress pants for girls)
Contact: Ms. Grace Sadowski - [email protected]

YARD SIGN PICK-UP - Thursday, May 29
Coordinated by The 8th-Grade Parent Committee
We celebrate the graduates with a custom St. Barnabas yard sign!

Time: Pick-up after the awards ceremony
Host: 8th-grade Parent Committee
Location: on the Rectory lawn
Contact: Ted Kiper - [email protected]

LEGACY PHOTO - Friday, May 30
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students and parents and/or grandparents who are alumni of St. Barnabas School are invited to the rectory porch for a legacy photograph. Please note: alumni aunts, uncles, and older siblings are not part of the legacy photos.

Time: 6pm arrival; gather at the rectory porch.
Location: St. Barnabas Rectory porch
Attendees: students + alumni parents/guardians, grandparents
Attire: Dress Church Attire
Contact: Mrs. Sue Connolly - [email protected]

GRADUATION CEREMONY & LITURGY - Friday, May 30
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students should arrive in caps and gowns. The graduation is a liturgy and ceremony; balloons are not allowed in the Church. Extended family members are welcome; there is no guest limit. Seating is open throughout the Church and is not assigned or reserved in advance. Church doors open for seating beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Time: 6:30pm student arrival, 7pm - 8:30pm ceremony
Location: St. Barnabas Church
Attendees: Students, parents/guardians, and extended family welcome
Attire: Dressy Church Attire + Graduation Cap & Gown
Contact: Ms. Grace Sadowski - [email protected]
NOTE: Graduation cap and gown will be sent home with all students in early May

STUDENT & PARENT GRADUATION AFTER PARTY - Friday, May 30
Coordinated by The Wiers Family
Optional post-graduation party for students and parents. This event is not coordinated through the school and is an off-campus event. An additional fee will be collected by the host. Additional details and invite coming soon!

Time: after the ceremony, around 9pm
Location: The Wiers Family Home
Attendees: Students + Parents/Guardians
Attire: Personal preference, casual or graduation attire. Most kids choose to change at home prior to arriving at the party.
RSVP - coming soon
Contact: Jessica Scheller & Adam Wiers - [email protected]

Class of 2025 - Past Events

PAST EVENTS

HIGH SCHOOL FAIR, Tuesday, September 24
Student-only event. Area Catholic High Schools will present an admissions overview.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and the Archdiocese of Chicago

SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEER DAY, Thursday, September 26
Student-only event, off-campus event during the school day.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE AND SPONSOR NIGHT, Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm in Church
Night of Reflection for students and their sponsors (or parent/guardian); only students making their Sacrament of Confirmation are required to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish

CONFIRMATION PROMISES SACRAMENT MASS, Sunday, October 6 at 10am in Church
Confirmation Candidates and parents will come to a special Mass to make their Confirmation promises and be enrolled as Confirmation Candidates.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish, Director of Faith Formation: Patrick McGowan - [email protected]

HOMECOMING PEP RALLY, Thursday, October 10 at 10:30am
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School Athletic Board and Student Council
Event honoring Fall Sports student-athletes. 8th grade parents are welcome to attend.

HOMECOMING CAR PARADE AND FOOTBALL GAMES, Saturday, October 12, games begin at 11:30am
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Lauren Doig - [email protected]
Football Game Day Celebration at Beverly Park beginning at 11:30am. Varsity Game at 3pm.

8TH GRADE GRADUATION PORTRAITS, Wednesday, October 16 at School

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School - Mrs. Sue Connolly - [email protected]
Student-only event during the day. Pictures are chest-up only and will be taken in two styles: dress attire and school-issued cap and gown. Boys should wear a shirt and tie. Sport coats, suits, or sweaters are optional. Girls should avoid up-dos, turtleneck sweaters, or high-neck dresses. All students should avoid wearing shades of green as they will be photographed against a green screen. No payment is needed at this time. A proof will be sent home with instructions on how to view the pictures and place your order online.

PACK THE HOUSE: GIRLS BASKETBALL, Friday, October 18, School Gym

- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Kristin Hilburger - [email protected]
Evening event honoring girls basketball 8th-grade athletes at one of their final home games. Games begin at 5:30pm with 7A. The 8th-grade game begins at 7:10pm. All 8th graders who attend Pack the House are invited for pizza in the cafeteria until 10:30pm. Students are not permitted to walk home from the pizza celebration alone and must be escorted home by an adult guardian.

GRAD GOWN MEASUREMENTS DUE, Monday, October 21

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School - Mrs. Jeanne Reilly - [email protected]
submit measurements here

8TH GRADE HALLOWEEN DANCE, Friday, October 25 at School

- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinators Dawn and Jim Pfeiffer - [email protected]
Costume evening event for students + parent volunteers. RSVP & permission are due Monday, October 21.

CONFIRMATION FEE DUE, Friday, November 8
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas, Mr. Patrick McGowan - [email protected] and Mrs. Molly McGowan - [email protected]

The $55 Sacrament fee is payable to St. Barnabas Parish. Submit cash or check to Mrs. McGowan

ST. RITA HS CONFIRMATION RETREAT, Thursday, November 21

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas, Mr. McGowan and Mrs. McGowan - [email protected]

Students will spend the day at St. Rita HS. As stated on the Confirmation calendar, participation in the Confirmation retreat is mandatory for all Confirmation candidates. Please send a bagged lunch; all students should wear regular school uniforms (no gym uniforms, please).

ACTIVITY FEE PAYMENT 2 DUE, Monday, November 25

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School: Mrs. Jeanne Reilly - [email protected]
If the activity fee balance was not paid in full in September, payment 2 of $162.50 is due. Learn More

VAN GOGH PICTURE RETAKES, Friday, December 6, during the day

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School: Mrs. Sue Connolly - sconnolly @stbarnabasparish.org
If you wish to have a retake of the Van Gogh Graduation Portraits, or your child was absent on the original day. Learn more

HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM PRAYER SERVICE, Friday, December 6 at 2pm

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School: Ms. Grace Sadowski - [email protected]
Student reflection at the Church, parents/guardians are welcome to join us.

HSPT, Saturday, December 7 at ~ 8am

- Coordinated independently by families and the high schools
High School entrance exam for Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic High Schools. Learn more about high admissions.

SKATING PARTY, Saturday, December 7, 3pm - 5pm at Tinley Park Roller Rink

- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Rachel Groth - [email protected]
Student event + parent volunteers celebrating the High School Entrance Exam. VIEW THE INVITE.
RSVP and Required Waiver due by December 2

CHRISTMAS LUMINARY SERVICE PROJECT, Volunteers Dates on December 10 and December 15

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Diego Gonzalez - [email protected]
The parish-wide Christmas Luminaries is an 8th-grade service project.
HELP WITH SALES - We invite you all to help spread the word and encourage luminary display for your block. House and block kits can be purchased on Give Central. Please share the purchase link with neighbors!
VOLUNTEER - We will need students and parent volunteers for two upcoming dates! Students who volunteer will receive hours towards their 8th-grade service hours requirement. On Tuesday, December 10, from 9:30am - 11:30am OR from 3pm - 5pm, gather to assemble the supplies. On Sunday, December 15, from 10am - 12pm OR 12pm - 2pm, help distribute kits in the parking lot. Sign-up to Volunteer!

SENIOR FRIENDS & GRANDPARENTS LUNCH, Wednesday, December 11, 12:30pm

- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Maureen Gainer Reilly - [email protected]
VIEW THE INVITE - please RVSP by December 8. Students are encouraged to invite grandparents and special senior friends and neighbors.

CONTRIBUTE - Families are asked to help contribute desserts. Small treats may be brought by the student during morning arrival or dropped off at school before 11am. Sign-up to contribute.

PACK THE HOUSE: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, date Friday, January 24, School Gym

- Coordinated by the Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Jen Jackson - [email protected] Games begin at 6pm, learn more!

PACK THE HOUSE: BOYS BASKETBALL, Saturday, February 8, School Gym

- Coordinated by the Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Lesli Jennings - [email protected] and Jim Jennings - [email protected]. Games begin at 5:40pm, learn more!

CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL, Tuesday, February 18 at 7pm in Church

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas, Mr. Patrick McGowan - [email protected] and Mrs. Molly McGowan - [email protected]
Mandatory Confirmation rehearsal for all student Confirmation candidates. Students should be accompanied by an adult, ideally the sponsor if he/she is available to attend. However, if a sponsor is not available, then another adult should be present with the candidate. The rehearsal will last approximately one hour.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION, Friday, February 21. 7pm Mass, 6:30pm student arrival, in Church

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas, Mr. Patrick McGowan - [email protected] and Mrs. Molly McGowan - [email protected]
Parents and families are welcome; all 8th-grade students are encouraged to attend mass.

CLASS PICTURE, Monday, April 7 at 1:15pm at School

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School & Erin Konrath Photography
School day, student only event. Students are asked to wear their Class of 2025 shirt. This is a group photograph and we're hoping for 100% attendance as there will not be a retake.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS, Friday, April 11 at 1:45pm in Church

- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School & Parish, Mr. Patrick McGowan - [email protected]
School event at the church; parents/guardians are welcome to join us.

PACK THE HOUSE: BOYS VOLLEYBALL, Friday, April 11, 8th Grade Games begin at 7:30pm, School Gym

- Coordinated by the Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee: Event Coordinator Danny DeHoyos - [email protected]
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend. All 8th-grade students are encouraged to wear their Pack the House tshirts to school on Thursday, April 10, paired with their uniform bottoms. Learn more