January 29, 2010
Catholic Schools Week
Time to look at the value of a Catholic Education
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Evansville are gearing up to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. From Jan. 31 through Feb. 6, students and teachers will celebrate together at Mass, at skating parties, at staff versus the eighth grade volleyball games, and with special prayers and prayer services.
This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life.” Donna Halverson, diocesan director of schools, said the theme “emphasizes the value of a Catholic education which provides benefits for years to come.
“In these challenging economic times, parents look for secure and stable investments for their children. There is no better investment than a Catholic education that offers a student strong faith formation, academic excellence, an emphasis on moral development, a commitment to community service and a learning community that is safe, caring and family-centered.”
She noted that “for generations, Catholic schools have been shining examples of being good stewards with limited resources. Our teachers and staff are exceptional stewards who not only give students individual attention but also help them reach their highest potential by challenging them to be the best that they can be!”
The diocese is “blessed with dedicated educational and parish leaders who continually work to improve all facets of school life. Our pastors who lead schools, our principals and our school boards work tirelessly to provide families with excellent schools rooted in faith. Our parents are valued partners in this educational process. Together we have made a difference not only in this community of southwestern Indiana, but also and most importantly, in the lives of the students who have attended a Catholic School in the Diocese of Evansville.”
Tracey Unfried, principal at Holy Cross School in Fort Branch, said, “There’s a day, a week or even a month for all sorts of significant events in history, so keeping with honor and tradition, we have Catholic Schools Week. I don’t remember celebrating this week back when I was in Catholic grade school or high school, but in my 20 years of education, I have many fond memories.
“Pajama Day, Hat Day, Bad Hair Day or Spirit Wear Day — it wasn’t about not wearing our uniforms, it was about stating how proud you were to be in a Catholic school.
“We’ve done many things to usually help a good cause. I’ve dressed as a nun for ‘Sister Act,’ as a chicken for the ‘Penny Campaign,’ played volleyball and the Price is Right, danced to ‘Men in Black’ and refereed sumo wresting.”
Catholic bishops throughout the country observe Catholic Schools Week by visiting schools and celebrating Mass with students. This year, Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger has been invited to St. John the Baptist, New-burgh, at Good Shepherd, St. Theresa and Mater Dei, all in Evansville, and Holy Family in Jasper. Students at Precious Blood and John Paul the Great High School, both in Jasper, will join the Holy Family students at the Mass.
The two Catholic schools in Jasper have special awards during Catholic Schools Week Ann Shappard will received the 2010 Distinguished Graduate award at Precious Blood School.
The Ray and Lucy Knies family has been chosen to receive the 2010 Distinguished Family Award at Holy Family School.
“Mr. and Mrs. Knies had 10 children who attended Holy Family School,” said Jeanne Heltzel, principal.
“Mr. Knies passed away in 1968 but Mrs. Lucy Knies has been a Holy Family parishioner for over 50 years. Fourteen of Mrs. Knies’ grandchildren at-tend or attended our school. Her daughter Shelly Mehringer is a Catholic school teacher for the Diocese of Evansville and her daughter Marla has been a teacher at HFS for 18 years.
“We sincerely thank the Knies family for their dedication and we are proud to honor them as the 2010 Distinguished Family.”