January 26 to February 1 was Catholic Schools Week around the nation and in the Diocese of Madison. The students and staff at Blessed Trinity School in Dane used that as an opportunity to take a break from the challenging winter and normal classroom activities.
Category: Youth
Society of St. Vincent de Paul forming new Youth Service Council
MADISON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) has long been involved with charitable works in the Madison area. Following in its founder’s footsteps, the society is now looking to expand opportunities for youth to take the reins in planning some local service events.
“Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his friends started the society when they were college students, and they named it after St. Vincent de Paul,” explained Gayle Westfahl, member services coordinator for the local council of the society. “We all know there are very talented high school students here in Madison, and many people could be served well through their creativity, passion, and desire to be of service.”
St. Rose church buddies plan Mass
CUBA CITY — Recently, the fifth grade class at St. Rose School in Cuba City, along with their kindergarten church buddies, were in charge of the school Mass on a Friday.
They were able to plan the liturgy and also act out the Gospel story for that day.
The story they acted out was from Luke 19:45-48, the story of how Jesus cleanses the temple.
St. Joseph School reaches out to those in need at Christmas time
HAZEL GREEN — Students and staff from St. Joseph School recently completed another successful Christmas outreach activity.
Part of our Catholic faith and identity is to help others in need, so the students and staff decided to live out their faith by helping people they may never meet. But we know that when we help our brothers and sisters, we are living the way Jesus wants us to live.
St. Francis students focus on true meaning of Christmas
CROSS PLAINS — Students at St. Francis Xavier School focused on the true meaning of Christmas through prayer, service projects, and spreading holiday cheer.
During Advent, the entire school came together on Monday mornings for a prayer service. Surrounding a large Advent wreath, the students looked on as candles were lit. Students then took turns leading the school in prayer and singing.
Students in kindergarten, first, and fourth grade classes spread holiday cheer by caroling at local nursing homes.
Students shine in Christmas program
ASHTON — Students from St. Peter School in Ashton, along with Music Instructor LoriAnn Meinholz, thanked their audience for coming to their annual Christmas program on Monday, Dec. 16. This year’s performance was titled The Tiniest Christmas Star.
It was the story told of a “tiny” star who was given the big and important job of shining bright in the sky to proclaim the birth of Jesus on Christmas.
Frassati Fest for youth to be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 2
WISCONSIN DELLS — Ask an average high school student about the level of stress they face in their lives, and he or she would have a lot to say.
Teens may be stressed about finals approaching, drama with friends, problems within the family, or how much pressure there is to live up to the expectations of coaches, teachers, and the world.
Young people in their teenage years are supposed to be joyful, optimistic, full of plans for the future, and whether or not they appreciate hearing it, still kids.
St. Dennis School food drive
MADISON — St. Dennis School in Madison recently held its annual food drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul.
This year, donations were also collected for victims of the typhoon in the Philippines (several school families have relatives there), including food, clothing, flashlights, toiletries, batteries, and soap.
Principal Matt Beisser set a goal of 4,000 items to be donated during the two-week drive.
Janesville schools team up to fight cancer
“It’s a little chilly, but it’s for a good cause.”
Those were the words of St. John Vianney student Genna Laesch as she walked almost five miles with about 70 of her fellow eighth-graders from Janesville’s four Catholic grade schools.
Students in Jefferson learn about icons
JEFFERSON — Seventh and eighth graders at St. John the Baptist (SJB) School in Jefferson were recently able to catch a glimpse of heaven thanks to the work of Madison-based iconographer, Drazen Dupor.
Students had been studying religious icons in religion classes. In collaboration with art teacher Sally Koehler and with the support of the SJB Home and School Association, students began their first steps on the journey to understanding and appreciating this cherished liturgical art form.