MHR Newsletter October 30th, 2026

Eric Fay

From the Principal’s Desk


Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,


I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow!


Our Winter Porch Pot fundraiser starts Nov 1st. Please see the attached flyer. This was a well-received event last year and the School Advisory Board will again bring this wonderful event to share some holiday spirit with the neighborhood.


Do you know any families interested in joining us for the 27/28 school year? Tours have started! Share this link: https://www.mhrschool.com/new-student-registration-inquiry


Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay


Important Dates & Events

School Calendar 

  • October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties
  • November 2 Candy Collection for Troops
  • November 4 Fall Picture Retakes
  • November 5 11:30 AM Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • November 5 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Parent Teacher Conferences
  • November 5 Teacher Lunch for PTC
  • November 6 ArchDiocese Teacher Training - No Student Attendance 
  • November 11 8:30 AM Veteran's Day Mass 8th Grade Hosts 
  • November 18 End of Trimester One
  • November 22 10:30AM Family Mass 5th Grade Hosts 
  • November 25 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
  • November 26 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
  • November 27 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
  • November 30 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration


Faith & Formation

As our eighth graders prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, one meaningful part of their preparation is selecting a patron saint whose name they will take for Confirmation. Students research the lives of the saints, learning about their faith, virtues, challenges, and the ways they followed Jesus Christ. Each student prayerfully considers which saint inspires them and whose example they hope to follow in their own journey of faith.

Choosing a Confirmation saint is more than selecting a name; it is an opportunity for students to reflect on the kind of Catholic Christian they hope to become. Their chosen saint becomes a spiritual role model and a reminder that we are all called to holiness in our own lives. We are proud of our eighth graders as they take this important step in their faith journey, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them as they continue preparing to receive the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit through Confirmation.


Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

In grades 5–8, our students begin their creative writing classes with an intriguing question displayed on the front board. From imaginative scenarios to thoughtful questions about life and the world around them, these prompts invite students to think creatively, reflect, and express their ideas. Students take a few minutes to write their responses in their journals using good old-fashioned pencil and paper before sharing their thoughts with their classmates.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, there is something special about putting pencil to paper. Handwriting encourages students to slow down, organize their thoughts, and engage directly with their ideas. Regular journaling also strengthens vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and written fluency while helping students develop their own voices as writers. Just as importantly, sharing responses builds speaking and listening skills, encourages students to consider different perspectives, and fosters confidence in expressing their ideas in a supportive classroom environment.

Sometimes, the most powerful learning begins with a simple question and a few quiet minutes to think. At MHR, we are proud to give our students opportunities to be curious, creative, and thoughtful communicators which are skills that will serve them well in every subject and throughout their lives.


Spotlight On

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

(Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cultural tradition celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American communities on November 1 and 2. It is a time for families to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away, celebrating the lives they lived and the lasting impact they continue to have on those who love them. Traditional celebrations often include photographs, flowers, candles, and special items that reflect the lives and memories of those being honored.

Our Student Council is bringing this meaningful tradition to MHR by creating an altar in the hallway near the main office. The altar will help our students learn about this cultural celebration and reflect on the importance of remembering those we love. As a Catholic community, we are reminded during this time of year of the Communion of Saints and the hope we share in eternal life. We invite our families to take a moment to view the altar and reflect on the people whose love, faith, and example continue to shape our lives.


Reminders

  • Halloween Movie Night. Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family. Purchase your tickets here! Friday, October 30th. Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM! MHR Parking Lot. $20 per Family. Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!
  • Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats. Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30. Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation. Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies
  • We're accepting leftover Halloween candy for donation to Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops program. Soldiers' Angels collects candy to share with veterans. Donated candy will be collected from November 2nd-5th at MHR. Please contact Parents Club (parentsclub@mhrschool.com) if you have a MHR parishioner that is active duty and would like candy to be sent to them.


Social-Emotional Learning

Halloween is an exciting time for children, and it’s also a great opportunity to practice making safe, responsible choices. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, remind your children to stay with their group, follow their family's plans, use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing streets, and remain visible to drivers by using reflective items or flashlights. Parents should accompany younger children and establish clear expectations for older children about where they can go and when they should return home. It's also important to remind children to wait until a trusted adult checks their treats before eating them. Most importantly, talk with your children about looking out for one another and making choices that keep everyone safe. A fun Halloween is a safe Halloween, and a little preparation can make the evening enjoyable for the whole family!


Final Word from Dr. Fay

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our Most Holy Redeemer family and for the many ways You are present in our daily lives. Help us to grow in faith, to recognize the dignity of every person, and to serve one another with the love of Christ. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our homes and school be places where faith is nurtured, kindness is shared, and every person knows they are a beloved child of God. Guide us in all that we do, and unite us ever more closely as one family in Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal


Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/


MHR Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/ 

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders 


Attachments

  • Porch Pot flyer
  • Candy for Troops flyer
  • Day of the Dead flyer



By Eric Fay • October 23, 2026
From the Principal’s Desk
By Eric Fay • October 19, 2026
From the Principal’s Desk
By Eric Fay • October 9, 2026
From the Principal's Desk
By Eric Fay • October 9, 2026
What a week for our Raiders! Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our MHR families, we have raised more than $41,000 through the Raider Run-a-thon! Even though the rain moved our Fun Run indoors, our students still celebrated with music, dancing, Kona Ice, and plenty of Raider spirit. Thank you to everyone who shared the fundraiser, encouraged our students, and helped make this such a tremendous success. I am so grateful for the way our MHR community comes together to support our children and our school. Thank you, MHR families! Sincerely yours in Christ, Dr. Eric Fay Important Dates & Events School Calendar October 12 Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day; No School for PK-Grade 8 October 15 First Communion Meeting October 18 Family Mass 4th Grade Hosts October 21 Living Rosary October 23 8th Grade Retreat October 26 Red Ribbon Week begins; Oct 26-30 October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest; Oct 26-30 October 26 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration October 28 First Responder Day October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties Faith & Formation October is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church as the Month of the Holy Rosary , making it a beautiful time for our school community to come together in prayer. To honor Mary and this treasured Catholic devotion, our students will participate in a Living Rosary . During a Living Rosary, our students become the beads of a giant Rosary. Each student represents a particular prayer, and as we pray together, they come forward and take their place, forming the shape of the Rosary. Our students will lead the prayers as we reflect on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection. There is something especially beautiful about seeing our children literally become a Rosary—a visible reminder that we are a school family united in prayer . We invite our families to join us for this special opportunity to pray together and to ask Mary to lead us always closer to her Son, Jesus. Classroom & Curriculum Highlights Cold-Weather Uniform (October 1st-April 30th) Bottoms Navy slacks or trousers with a leather belt. Shirts are to be tucked into pants with a visible belt. Pants may not be sweatpant material. Plaid jumper (2 choices available for Grades K – 4)* Plaid skirt or skort (for Grades 4 – 8)* Girls may wear solid black leggings or white/red/gray/black tights under their skirt during the cold weather months (October 1-April 30th) *NOTE: There is a choice in 4th grade as to whether a skirt or jumper is the preferred and most comfortable choice for daily uniform wear. That choice is entirely at the discretion of the parents and child. Tops White or gray Most Holy Redeemer polo shirt (short or long-sleeved) with red MHR logo or plain, white, collared blouse tucked into pants/skirt. Articles of clothing worn under the uniform shirt must be white, gray, or black—colored or printed shirts must not be worn under uniforms. Spotlight On Pack the House! Let’s come out and pack the house for our 8th grade girls basketball teams on Sunday, October 18! Games begin at 2:00 p.m. , with our 8th grade teams taking the court at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. We’d love to see our MHR family filling the stands, cheering loudly, and showing our 8th graders some school spirit! After the games, all 8th graders are invited to stay for pizza , with the evening wrapping up around 6:30 p.m. Come cheer on our girls and help us pack the house! Go MHR! Reminders As Most Holy Redeemer begins an important season of listening and discernment, we are grateful for the faith, people, families, and generations that have shaped our parish. Over the coming months, we want to hear from parishioners, school families, ministry leaders, alumni, and our broader community about what we value most and what we hope for the future of Most Holy Redeemer. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and share your thoughts, hopes, and vision. Your voice is an important part of shaping our parish’s future. Parish Survey Morning arrival procedures help keep all students safe and traffic moving smoothly, even in rainy weather. PreK–4th grade students should enter through The Porch, while 5th–8th grade students should enter through Briody Hall. Students walking or biking must use designated crosswalks, and bicycles must be walked on school/parish property. Families dropping off by car should enter from Lawndale, drop students off in the parking lot, and exit onto Millard; Millard Avenue is not a drop-off area, and parents needing to enter the building should use the Main Entrance and ring the bell. The volunteer commitment sign up offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year. Please review the available opportunities and select the commitment that works best for your family. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A4AD2DAAF4C52-65134848-202526#/ Social-Emotional Learning Every day at school is an opportunity for students to be their best selves . Not to be perfect, but to give their best effort, make good choices, treat others with kindness, and take responsibility for their learning. Parents can help by asking questions such as, “Did you give your best effort today?” or “How did you help someone today?” rather than focusing only on grades or accomplishments. Remind your child that being their best means showing up ready to learn, persevering when something is difficult, listening to teachers and classmates, and making choices they can be proud of. When we encourage effort, character, and growth, we help children develop the confidence and habits they need to thrive. Final Word from Dr. Fay Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beauty of autumn and for the many blessings You have placed before us. Through the intercession of Mary, Our Mother, draw our students, families, teachers, and staff closer to Your Son, Jesus. Help us to be people of prayer, gratitude, kindness, and faith, remembering that You are present in both the joyful moments and the ordinary moments of each day. May our MHR family continue to grow together in faith and love. Amen. In Christ, Dr. Eric Fay Principal Stay Connected Email: efay@mhrschool.com MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/ MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders