Students enjoy a Faith Friends activity at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Clinton.
For The Catholic Messenger
CLINTON — Students at Prince of Peace Catholic School are participating in a new program to get more involved in their Catholic faith this academic year. The initiative builds on the school’s successful “buddies” program.
In the past, Prince of Peace seniors and first-graders were paired as “big buddies” and “little buddies.” This year, the school launched “Faith Friends” to help all students get to know each other and the Catholic faith.
Nearly one-third of the school’s students are non-Catholic, so Faith Friends aims to familiarize students of other faiths with Catholic Church teachings and traditions, and to help Catholic students learn by teaching others.
“We have had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from students of all ages and from so many parents as well,” said Assistant Principal Jennifer Hansen. “The best part of the program is that it doesn’t end when students leave school; it extends to Mass on Sunday.”
Faith Friends are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass together at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish, and participate in a monthly song at the 10:30 a.m. Mass under the direction of Prince of Peace vocal music teacher, Cindy Rasche. “The church is so full of vibrant young people during Faith Friends Masses. We are always so excited to see young people inspired by and involved in their faith,” Hansen said.
Faith Friends will sing and celebrate Catholic Schools Week at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Jan. 30 at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Church. Breakfast follows in the parish hall, sponsored by the Prince of Peace Irish Booster Club.
