By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
“Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful celebration of the many benefits of a Catholic education and a time to thank all members of the faithful who make Catholic education possible in the Diocese of Davenport,” said Lee Morrison, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. “It is also a time for our students to have fun while showing appreciation for the Catholic education they are receiving.
“The leadership and staff of our schools are striving daily to provide a rigorous academic program infused with the timeless message of Jesus Christ and deliver it in a vibrant, safe, respectful environment. It is the mission of our Diocese of Davenport Catholic schools to promote among our students a lifetime commitment to the Catholic faith, prayer and a sense of social justice.”
Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-31, began with most schools celebrating Mass at the parish level over the weekend. Throughout the week many schools allow various out-of-uniform options.
Here are highlights of activities planned. All Catholic schools were invited to submit information.
Bettendorf
Visiting readers were at Lourdes Catholic School on Jan. 26. A buddy lunch was held Jan. 27. The school planned to make Valentine Day cards for veterans to be sent to the VA hospital in Iowa City. On Jan. 29 speakers on vocations were to talk to students. Movies in the classroom were to close out the week.
Burlington
Notre Dame Catholic Schools will celebrate homecoming this week. In addition to out-of-uniforms days, various activities were to take place during lunch period. On Jan. 26, all students went to the high school gym for a “Parade of Champions.” Students were divided into 20 groups and came up with a chant to represent the group’s saint and an extracurricular activity. An all-school Mass was held Jan. 27. Elementary students made thank you notes for priests and Sister Kathy Braun, SSND, who work for the parishes. Father Hai Dinh, parochial vicar of Ss. John & Paul Parish, Burlington, was to visit high school classrooms Jan. 28. A teacher luncheon was sponsored by the fifth-grade and senior high parents.
Clinton
Prince of Peace Catholic Schools are celebrating homecoming week. Grades 6-8 participated in a day of service at the Discovery Center. On Tuesday, grades 6-12 and rosary club members visited with Alverno residents. On Wednesday, K-12 students will buddy up to make homemade bird suet and place outside for birds to eat. Elementary students will decorate their own “Irish” derby hats to wear to the homecoming basketball game. On Friday, K-5 students will make door knob hangers for nursing home residents and conclude their food drive for the local food pantry. The homecoming basketball game begins at 4:45 p.m. with junior varsity/varsity vs. Easton Valley.
Davenport
Scott County Catholic school students in grades 2-12 were scheduled to attend Mass Jan. 29 at Assumption High School in the gym.
• All Saints Catholic School began the week with a spaghetti dinner. Community readers read to students Jan. 27 in grade K-5 classrooms. While upper grades were to attend a Mass at Assumption on Jan. 29, grades K-1 were to attend a prayer service. That afternoon students were to make halos and parade in the halls while singing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Friday morning, families were invited to have breakfast at school. The week closes with all-school Bingo. Throughout the week, students were to make valentines for veterans.
• Assumption High School held its dodgeball for diapers event. Funds raised helped purchase diapers for Bethany Home for Children and Families, Women’s Choice Center, and Humility of Mary Shelter. Knight Network was to host a faculty/staff appreciation lunch Jan. 28. The school was to host the annual Scott County Catholic School Mass on Jan. 29. On Jan. 30, juniors were scheduled to attend a retreat at St. Ambrose University.
• John F. Kennedy Catholic School kicked off the week with a spaghetti supper and open house Jan. 24. A talent show for K-8 took place Tuesday. Wednesday, students were invited to bring an adult guest to lunch. The annual dodgeball for diapers tournament for grades 3-8 was scheduled for Jan. 29. Funds raised go toward purchase of diapers for Women’s Choice Center, Bethany Home for Children and Families, and Humility of Mary Shelter. The annual 8th-grade vs. staff volleyball tournament closes out the week at the school.
• St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School invited the ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater to visit Jan. 26. A teacher and staff appreciation luncheon was scheduled for Jan. 28. Bingo was scheduled for the end of the school day each day of Catholic Schools Week. The week was to conclude with a pep rally.
DeWitt
St. Joseph Catholic School will recognize priests and other religious who have touched the lives of the St. Joseph community. Students planned to sing patriotic songs and make Valentine Day cards for veterans on Jan. 27. Students were to put heritage cards on a world map to locate their ancestors. A Mass was to be held Jan. 28. Grandparents were invited to a pizza lunch. Home & School planned a potluck for families that evening. A weeklong penny challenge to benefit Missionary Childhood Association was held.
Fort Madison/
West Point
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools students made valentines for Catholic, homebound parishioners and for residents of area care centers. K-6 students went bowling Jan. 27. Mass for K-6 students was to be held at St. Mary Church in West Point on Jan. 28, while the junior/senior high school students were to celebrate Mass Jan. 29 in Fort Madison. Homecoming was celebrated this week and coronation was scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday night.
Iowa City
Regina Junior/Senior High School students received a guided tour centered on the many works of Father Edward Catich at Regina, including the Stations of the Cross and stained glass in the chapel. Students created their own stained glass as part of an art competition. Students also played a Jeopardy-like game centered on Catholic art and architecture. A PK-12 Mass was held Jan. 27 in the gym. On Wednesday, representatives from the McBride Raptor Project, accompanied by some of their flying friends, were to give a presentation. Students were to serve breakfast to staff members Jan. 29. A talent show will close out the week.
Keokuk
Student music performances kicked off the week at St. Vincent Center. Service projects for nursing homes and Heritage Center were completed by students in their classrooms Jan. 27. A living rosary was to be held Jan. 28 in the school gym. Food items were to be brought in Friday for the food pantry. Mass was scheduled for Jan. 30 with grandparents and families. Refreshments and activities were to follow.
Muscatine
Students showed off their talents to parents and parishioners Jan. 26 at Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School. Alumni and parents were welcomed to an “old school” lunch Jan. 27. Students planned to go bowling off campus Jan. 29. Grandparents were welcome to have lunch with students Jan. 30.