Dear Friends in Christ,
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5).
Our Catholic schools are great treasures, both of the Church, and of our society. Many of our Catholic schools have been assisting parents in the education and formation of their children for well over 100 years, allowing generations of children to receive the extraordinary benefit of a Catholic education.
BLOOMINGTON — Kind, warm-hearted people, beautiful scenery, and a school like a family full of love — these were some of the lasting memories of six Chinese visitors who spent two weeks with families and myself at St. Mary School in Bloomington.
Last spring I visited China and set up an exchange program with Shijiazhuang Middle School Number 40 and Principal Yunhong Li.
 |
|
| Principal Mary Kilar, back row second from right, was honored by the National Catholic Educators Association with the Distinguished Principal Award. Kilar, the principal of St. John the Baptist School, Jefferson, is the first in the diocese and the second in the state to have been given the prestigious award. (Contributed photo) |
JEFFERSON — St. John the Baptist School in presented their annual Christmas program with the theme: “Touch of an Angel” on Thursday evening, Dec. 22, in St. John the Baptist Church.
Students from pre-K through eighth grade, under the direction of music teacher and band director, Andrea Haffelder, presented the Nativity in story and song with angels as the main focus. Prior to the main program, the junior and senior bands performed a variety of Christmas music for the enjoyment of the crowded church, which was filled with family and friends.
The highlight of the evening took place at the conclusion of the program with the presentation of the NCEA (National Catholic Educators Association) Distinguished Principal Award to Mary Kilar, principal of St. John the Baptist School for the last eight years. Michael Lancaster, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Madison, presented the good news to a surprised Kilar and overjoyed parish school community. Lancaster had nominated her for this honor at the start of the current school year with Kilar being the only principal being chosen from the Madison Diocesan schools.
School Sister of St. Francis Rita Freund died March 26, 2011 at Lutheran Home Hospice in Milwaukee, Wis.
The Mazzuchelli Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus of Lancaster announced the annual memorial Mass to honor the Venerable Father Samuel Mazzuchelli will be held at St. Patrick Church in Benton on Sunday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m.
MADISON — The new strategic plan for Catholic schools in the diocese has been completed after over 18 months of work and the involvement of hundreds of people from throughout the diocese. The plan, entitled Catholic Schools: Our Faith, Our Future, details specific strategies for meeting the critical challenges faced by our schools.
To the editor:
We are lucky and I am thankful to get the chance to read the good news. The Catholic Herald paper calls me back a second and third time to make sure something wasn’t missed.
School Sister of St. Francis Marie Hodapp died May 6, 2010 at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, Wis.
Lancaster, the county seat of Grant County and a city of about 4,000, has had a strong faith tradition since its founding.
