June 2023

Happy Father's Day
June 18, 2023
Wishing all the dads, grandfathers, uncles, stepdads, & dads to be in our AMBS community a Happy Father’s Day! AMBS School and Education Foundation Scholarship Awarded
June 16, 2023
Each year the Most Blessed Sacrament School and Education Foundation sponsors a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating 8th grader in both our religious education program and Academy who will be attending a Catholic high school in the fall. Jack Murphy, the chair of the Foundation, visited the school on June 8th to congratulate the Academy's recipient, Devyn Nielsen. Devyn will attend Mary Help of Christians Academy. Pictured here with Devyn are Father John, Mrs. Manzo, and Mr. Murphy. Congratulations, Devyn!




AMBS Home Academy Partnership Barbeque
June 16, 2023
A rite of passage at AMBS is the annual end-of-year- barbecue for students in Grades 7 and 8. It is an opportunity for the 7th graders to bid farewell to the 8th grade; and the 8th graders pass on the torch to the new senior leadership at the school. We express our gratitude to the members of the Home Academy Partnership for sponsoring such a wonderful event.




AMBS Celebrates Inaugural Blue And White Day
June 15, 2023
The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament hosted its first annual Blue and White Day on May 23rd. The program focused on honoring Mary, our Good Mother, and it celebrated our AMBS spirit. Students and staff were encouraged to wear the colors of blue and white.  Father John began the morning with a prayer service during which 8th grader, Devyn Nielsen, led us in a decade of the Rosary. Dr. Lauren Longo (Class of 1978) and Meghan LoBue led us in song.  Following the prayers, four alumni of the school offered reflections on their experience at AMBS and how it prepared them for the future. Grace Velarde (Class of 2015) stated: “AMBS was a remarkable period in my life. Whole-heartedly embracing Jesus’ principles which were taught here made all the difference in my character. My academic success in high school and college was due to the rigor of my studies at AMBS.” Hannah Velarde (Class of 2015) echoes her sister’s sentiments: “My education at AMBS established both my desire for learning and my faith in God. AMBS provided me with the educational experience and journey of faith to be a woman of God in a changing society.” John Granatell (Class of 2003 and member of the school advisory board) recalled how MBS immediately provided a sense of family: He stated: “There was always someone to turn to. The school taught me the values of kindness, respect, loyalty, compassion and communication. I learned to work with others as part of a team, and be there for them in times of need.” The last speaker was George Sayegh (Class of 1997). George identified three things that he learned at MBS and which have continued to grow in importance in his life – family, faith, community. George shared the following: “I came to MBS in the 5th grade. Basketball helped me find my place and to be a part of something bigger than myself. I felt like part of a family while playing. Coach Corsale molded his students into a team that taught me about working together for a common cause.”
Following the alumni reflections was 8th grader Lorenzo Guarino who shared a reflection on “Why Mary is Our Mother.”  The morning concluded with Father John and Mrs. Manzo distributing to each student an AMBS spirit bag, which included items imprinted with the AMBS logo: pennant, folder, pen, water bottle, car magnet, and the tote bag itself. The most popular item in the bag was the teddy bear wearing an AMBS t-shirt.  The students enjoyed the morning, and they were inspired by the alumni who returned to their alma mater. May the wearing of the blue and white always remind us to honor Mary, Our Good Mother and to celebrate our AMBS spirit.




Donation Drive
June 15, 2023
And They Call it Puppy love!
AMBS's National Junior Honor Society ran a donation drive for "Home for Good: Dog Rescue" this May. The students, faculty, friends and family successfully donated items ranging from: toys, water/food bowls, and plenty of puppy pads. All of these donations will help foster dogs have full tummies and fun times while they wait to find their forever homes, all thanks to the AMBS NJHS! Good job guys!




Congratulations AMBS Class of 2023
June 14, 2023
Friday June 9, 2023- AMBS presented the 8th grade graduating class of 2023! We are so proud of our graduates and will miss you each dearly. All of us at AMBS wishes you the best on your next chapter, we know you will all do great! Please come visit often- once a Spartan, always a Spartan!




AMBS Celebrates Disco Night
June 12, 2023
The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament's Big Event Disco Night took place on May 11, 2023 at Macaluso's in Hawthorne. It was a tremendous success for our school, raising over $31,000!
Many thanks to all who attended and to all of the benefactors for their sponsorships and gifts.  Thanks also to all who supported the ad journal.  Mrs. Manzo and Father John express their gratitude to the Big Event Committee: Agnes Benneh, Rim Kostic, Joy Nassif, May Ragukonis, Michelle Russell, and Leela Tham.  We look forward to the Big Event in 2024!




AMBS Choir Sings at Sunrise
June 8, 2023
The AMBS Choir, under the direction of Mr. Daniel Stocker, recently visited Sunrise Living on Franklin Avenue in Franklin Lakes. The choir entertained the residents with a variety of pieces from their repertoire, including hymns sung at their schoolwide Masses and songs performed at the May Spring Showcase. After the performance, the students were treated to refreshments. We are grateful to Margaret Quinn, the Executive Director of Sunrise Living, for providing such great hospitality. We are looking forward to a return visit when school resumes in September.




Parish Beam Signing
June 7, 2023
Today was a significant day in our parish history. The last two beams that will support the structure of our new church will be put into place. Before that happens, the construction team brought the beams into our gym to have the whole AMBS school sign them. It was a special day for all involved! We cannot wait for the rebuild of our church to be complete and we are so thankful to have been a part of such a special time!




8th Grade Field Trip
June 5, 2023
The tradition is back! The 8th Grade trip of going to Rocking Horse Ranch is something all of our 8th graders look forward to. Last Thursday, our 8th graders, along with Ms. Wetzel and Mr. R, left early in the morning to start the fun! They had a full day of swimming, fishing, kayaking, banana boating, and of course horseback riding! They had a blast hanging out with each other and creating more memories before graduation this Friday!




May 2023

New Parish Being Built
May 31, 2023
On May 8th, students in 3rd and 4th, along with 8th graders Devyn and Lorenzo, were able to see firsthand the progress at our new parish being built. Students and teachers got to feel like they were one of the workers, wearing yellow vests and construction hats. The students were able to walk through various components of the new church. Students met with the project executive, the site supervisor, construction admin of LAN Associates Architecture, and the site senior supervisor.
During the tour, our students learned about the roles of the architects and the engineers in all phases of the construction process. They reviewed the plans, and discussed how the tape measure is an essential and universal tool of the engineering trade. The students heard about all of the various trades that are a part of their church construction project: electricians, HVAC technicians, fire sprinkler technicians, carpenters, and steel erectors.  After the tour, Lorenzo said “I feel honored to be a part of this beautiful rebuilding and I was so excited when I heard I would get to go on a tour of it. It was so nice to go out and to experience this firsthand. The workers were all so pleasant, and it was great to meet them as well. They showed us around and talked about their occupations. The difference in the site from when we went out a few months before was extraordinary. The first time we went out, the concrete foundation was just being poured. The care, effort, and precision of what goes into this building amazed me. It was impressive to see the main worship space, chapel, and the various side rooms under construction. I can’t wait to see them when they are finished. I just want to say how happy I am to be a part of this, and how great it was to see all of this progress up close. I would like to thank Father John, Mrs. Manzo, and everyone involved in this project for this amazing MBS visit.”




Celebrating our Blessed Mother
May 30, 2023
It is a Catholic tradition to honor Mary, our Mother, during the month of May by placing on her statue a crown of flowers. The tradition gives us an opportunity to especially honor the Blessed Mother of Jesus, and to give thanks to her for bringing our Savior into the world. As we honor Mary, let us pray that through her intercession we may achieve holiness of life, and a deepened faith, hope, and love, as we seek to do the will of God in all things.  In order that this beautiful tradition could be shared by many, we offered the May crowning at each of the weekend liturgies held on May 13th and May 14th. The Academy held the traditional May Crowning on May 12th.  We express our gratitude to the Marist Brothers of the Province of the United States who donated the statues of Mary and Joseph which grace our sanctuary (i.e. stage) and which will be a part of our Shrine of the Holy Family in our new church.  May Mary, our Good Mother, continue to intercede for us with Jesus Christ her Son, now and forever. Amen!




Memorial Day
May 29, 2023
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day! Today, we remember and honor all of those who have served and continue to serve. We thank you for your service




Dance-A-Thon for Mickey's Kids
May 21, 2023
This past Thursday, we held a dance-a-thon for Mickey’s Kids Foundation. Shirts purchased were worn at the event, and all proceeds will help the foundation train service dogs for children with disabilities. AMBS had so much fun helping out within our local community and hanging with Maui and Liberty too! @mickeys_kids




Carnival Fun at AMBS
May 19, 2023
Today Student Council held a carnival for the students here at AMBS. Student Council would like to thank everyone for all the amazing and successful fundraisers we had this year! We hope everyone enjoyed the carnival today. Huge shout out to Ms. Dragonetti- Student Council’s Teacher Advisor for an amazing year with many fun activities!




Science Fair
May 18, 2023
Our Science Fair was a great success! We would like to congratulate all of our aquinas middle students for their participation in this year science fair! Big thanks to Ms. Wetzel for overseeing all the projects!  Our Winners of the Science Fair are…
In first place we have- Trevor (7th grade)
In second place we have- Ciaran (7th grade)
In third place we have- Carson and Casey (7th grade)
Along with our winners we have two honorable mentions- Marco (8th grade) and Sean and Lorenzo (8th grade)




Spring Showcase
May 18, 2023
The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament hosted its annual Spring Showcase on May 18th. The evening featured a performance by the school's choir (under the direction of Mr. Daniel Stocker) and student instrumentalists. After the concert, family and friends had a chance to visit the TREP$ Marketplace where our future entrepreneurs had a chance to sell their creative products. The Marketplace is under the direction of the students' moderator, Mrs. Dawn Brizzolara. Science fair projects and art displays were also a part of the Showcase.  The school community was honored that the Honorable Charles Kahwaty, Mayor of Franklin Lakes, visited the school, met with students, and had a chance to visit the Marketplace. We were honored by the Mayor's visit.
Pictured here are Father John Job, Sean Benneh, Marco Polakovic, Mayor Kahwaty, and Mrs. Manzo




Spring Open House
May 14, 2023
A lot happening this week at AMBS, starting tomorrow! Come tour our Academy from 10-12 for our Spring Open House! See all that our students are doing and preparing for as we begin wrapping up our year!  We hope you can join us and see all that AMBS has to offer!




Happy Mother's Day
May 14, 2023
Wishing all moms, grandmothers, aunts, stepmoms, & moms to be in our AMBS community a Happy Mother’s Day full of love!




May Crowning Mass
May 10, 2023
Today, our First Communicants, along with Father John and Bishop Flesey, led our parish and school community in a beautiful mass to crown the Blessed Mother. They also received Holy Communion with the AMBS community for the first time! A joyful and beautiful day for all of us here at AMBS!



Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10, 2023
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all teachers everywhere! We are so thankful for our very own teachers here at AMBS

April 2023

Holy Week at AMBS
April 16, 2023
Following a special schedule of Masses on Palm Sunday, the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament observed the Easter Triduum last week, starting with morning prayer and the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.
Good Friday also began with morning prayer, and was observed with the Stations of the Cross at noon, and the Passion of the Lord and Veneration of the Cross at 3:00 pm.
Holy Saturday's morning prayer included the blessing of the Easter Baskets, and concluded with the Easter Vigil at 7:30 that witnessed the celebration of a baptism and three confirmations.
Easter Sunday dawned, bright and sunny, as MBS celebrated with four Masses. Our beautifully decorated church, and the joyous music provided by the parish music ministry and instrumentalists, added to the uplifting spirit of each of the liturgies.
The Lord is truly risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!




A Special Easter Guest
April 16, 2023
Parishioners young and old enjoyed a special visit from the Easter Bunny, following the 10:30 and noon Masses on Easter Sunday.




2nd Annual Valley Hospital Service Project Grades 2-4 
April 7, 2023
Today, Mrs. Palmiero & Ms. Dragonetti, along with student volunteers, went to the Valley Hospital to drop off all items collected for Senior Patients during the Trimester 2 Service Project that grades 2, 3, & 4 hosted. Thank you to everyone who donated items and to our students and their parents for volunteering your time to drop off these items! We are so happy knowing we can make a difference within our community for these patients!




Fish Fry Fundraiser
April 6, 2023
Join us for a fish fry lunch fundraiser!
When- Thursday April 6, 2023
Where- AMBS parking lot
Provided by The Thirsty Fish & Chips




Holy Week Schedule at MBS
April 3, 2023
The Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament will observe Holy Week with a special worship schedule on April 6-9.  Morning Prayer will take place at 9:15 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Thursday evening at 7:30 pm, MBS celebrates the Mass of the Last Supper.  On Friday at 12 noon, the parish will pray the Stations of the Cross and at 3:00 pm, observe the Passion of the Lord with the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.  On Saturday, Morning Prayer will include the Blessing of the Easter Baskets/Food and the Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 7:30 pm.
And on Easter Sunday, Masses will be celebrated at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 12:00 noon.
Please join us as we observe the Easter Triduum as a parish family, in worship and prayer.


March 2023

The Stations of the Cross
March 29, 2023
The students of the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament recently led the parish in praying the Stations of the Cross. The students read various reflections on each of the Stations. The Academy's choir, music director and pianist (Daniel Stocker), cantor (Meghan LoBue) and instrumentalists (trumpet, flute, violin and cello) added a meditative touch to this spiritual pilgrimage contemplating the Passion of Jesus.




Mickey's Kids Foundation
March 28, 2023
Mickey's Kids is an organization that raises money that help with the placement of service, therapy, and hospital dogs, came to AMBS to tell us all about their organization! Students were able to pet the dogs and takes pictures with them after the presentation.




TREP$
March 7, 2023
A look into one of our many extra curricular activities, TREP$. Short for enTREPreneur$, TREP$ is a project-based project-based learning experience taught by Mrs. Dawn Brizzolara, our 5th-grade teacher, that creatively integrates entrepreneurship education with the opportunity to apply business, academic, and life skills. Students learn how to start their own businesses. At AMBS, kids learn lessons after school and apply them at home as they build their businesses with the support of their families. The school community will come out to enjoy the TREP$ Marketplace on May 18th, held right at the school, where the young entrepreneurs will launch their businesses together.




February 2023

MEET THE MUSICIANS
February 8, 2023
Today the student at AMBS had the privilege of meeting all the musicians that play at our First Friday Masses. Students listened to why they chose the instrument they play and why they love playing it. They also got to ask the musicians questions. It was a great experience for all! Everyone at AMBS would like to thank the musicians for coming and spending the afternoon with us!




Mass Conclusion
February 3, 2023
As we concluded a wonderful Catholic Schools Week, 2nd and 3rd grade led us in mass with Father John and Bishop Flesey. After mass, Father John blessed the throats of students, faculty, and parishioners who joined in honor of the feast of St. Blaise. This has been an AMAZING week for all involved. Thank you to our principal, Mrs. Alycia Manzo, and pastor, Father John, for working together to help us celebrate our Academy rooted in faith, service, and excellence. To all of our students, parents,faculty, and staff of AMBS- thank you! Your support, hard work, and dedication does not go unnoticed. AMBS is a very special place because of each of you, and we are forever grateful.





What better way to celebrate vocations than Career Day?!
February 2, 2023
Thank you to all of our guests who came to speak about their careers. We concluded our day with Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament while our 2nd and 3rd graders led us in our monthly recitation of the Rosary with assistance from prayer partners. Thank you to everyone involved today - we are very blessed with an amazing community!




Celebrating Our Nation
February 1, 2023
Students in grades 5-8 have been researching various information about states they chose. Today, they were able to present their projects to our elementary students and parent visitors. Our elementary students loved learning from the older students- a job well done! Such a wonderful learning experience for everyone involved.




January 2023

"Celebrating our Students"
January 31, 2023
We started our morning with a school wide prayer partner activity. After our 8th grade along with Ms. Wetzel assisted our younger students with mini science labs. To end our day, the Student Council hosted a Talent Show. Great Job to all students who performed in the talent show!




‘Soup’er Bowl of Caring
January 30, 2023
No Monday blues here!  Today’s CSW theme was “Celebrating our Community.” We started our morning with school wide prayer partner activity, where prayer partners created cards for the senior patients at Valley Hospital to be delivered with the donations being collected for our Trimester 2 project. We then had a local Zumba instructor from the YMCA come to give zumba lessons to all students today - what a fun way to get active! At the end of the day, all students came together to build a structure out of the soup cans.




Kicking Off CSW
January 29, 2023
Such a beautiful mass to begin our Catholic Schools Week! Thank you to our students, faculty, AMBS parents and families who participated and joined us.


AMBS HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
January 29, 2023
The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament kicked off Catholic Schools Week with an Open House program following the 12:00 noon Mass on Sunday, January 29.  AMBS will use the week to celebrate its mission: "Success, Growth, Leadership, Faith: Together as One."


REMEMBERING POPE BENEDICT
January 11, 2023
The students and faculty of the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament remembered His Holiness, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in a variety of ways.

The school offered its communal Rosary on Thursday, January 5th for the late Holy Father. On Friday, January 6th, the students remembered Pope Emeritus Benedict through prayers and intercessions offered at First Friday Mass. Following the Mass, the students offered prayers for the Holy Father during First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Throughout the week, the Academy's Middle School faculty offered presentations on the late Holy Father's life, especially during his pontificate from 2005 to 2013, inclusive of his tremendous contributions as a theologian and author.

The First Friday liturgy also provided the opportunity for a remembrance of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the foundress of Catholic education in the United States and the saint after whom Seton House is named.





December 2022

Mercy House Service Project
December 15, 2022
During Trimester 1 our Pre-K 2, 3, 4, Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes organized their service project to help those in need at Mercy House, a social agency sponsored by the Archdiocese of Newark. Throughout these past months, families from AMBS and our parish donated toiletries, non-perishable food items, clothing, cleaning products, and toys. Last week, Ms. G, Mr. Felipe, Mrs. Benneh, and our students, Sean and Jarred delivered all items to Mercy House. The kindness and generosity of all who contributed will help many. “Serve whole heartedly, as if serving the Lord, not people” Ephesians 6:7


 

JUNE 2022

Mrs. Ramdath and the 6th grade Homeroom led a "Donate to Dress Down Day" in support of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department.  Established in 1924, the Franklin Lakes Fire Department has developed a rich history of tradition and bravery, generated from the dedicated efforts of its membership over the past 97 years.  They respond to an average of 600 emergency calls per year including structure and vehicle fires, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues and severe weather events.
 

MAY 2022

As the Christian action of the Seton House is to promote reading, Head of House Cameryn L. and Seton House members collected new and gently used books for the Book Nook.  Book Nook has been instilling the love of reading for 10 years and is seeking to donate 10,000 children’s books to Brooklyn Book Bodega.  
 

MARCH 2022

For March, Mrs. Gall and the 1st grade class chose to collect for the Sisters of St. Joseph who live at St. Joseph Villa in Flourtown, PA.  Saint Joseph Villa is a well-respected Catholic senior living community and a sponsored work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.  In the spirit of loving its neighbor, the Villa provides skilled nursing care and welcomes everyone to its short-term rehabilitation and its compassionate, state-of-the-art long-term living community.   The children collected movies, books, snacks, socks and more through the Sisters of St Joseph's amazon wish list.  Students also wrote letters to the retired Sisters to offer thanks and prayers. 


February 2022

Ms. Dragonetti and the 2nd grade class chose Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ as their service project.  These inspiring 2nd graders collected donations of puzzle books, playing cards, magnifiers, short novels and more for the Senior patients there.  

JANUARY 2022

Ms. G's Transitions/Kindergarten class with their 8th grade Prayer Partners (Mr. Q) chose Mercy House as their service project.  As January was Respect Life Month at AMBS, the students collections donations of diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets and more for Mercy House. 

DECEMBER 2021

Ms. Curriero's 3rd grade class partnered with Mrs. Manzo's 4th grade class for their December service project. The service projeIct was helping collect gift cards for Most Blessed Sacrament Church's The Giving Tree program. We are happy to report that 583 Christmas gift card requests were fulfilled by parishioners and the AMBS community! The gift cards were distributed among a group of charitable organizations that included Mercy House in Hackensack, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Totowa, Harrison House in Paramus, Expect Hope in the Bronx and the Martin de Porres Village in Paterson. Liz Harkins, who coordinated The Giving Tree program for the parish, "The challenges that some of us face, even in this area, can be heart-breaking and overwhelming. The spirit of the Christmas season is the spirit of giving. It is my hope that in the generosity we have shown to others, we have helped our neighbors to feel some of God's loving grace and mercy."

NOVEMBER 2021

On Thursday, November 11, 2021, the Aquinas Middle School Xavier House hosted a Prayer Circle dedicated to Veterans. Xavier House is a small Christian learning community of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Nina P., Head of Xavier House, led the prayer “Today is Veterans Day which honors individuals who served our country. As we come closer to the season of Thanksgiving, we send our appreciation to the millions of service members, Veterans, military families, caregivers and survivors who have served and continue to serve our nation“. Samantha W. led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jarred L. led the school with the Anti-Bully pledge.