Pope John, St. Boniface Celebrate Catholic Schools Week

2/4/2017

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2017 was January 29 - February 4. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2017 was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

Locally, Pope John XXIII High School and St. Boniface Elementary students, staff, parents and supporters participated in many activities this past week. On Sunday, January 29, students celebrated their home parishes by participating in Sunday morning Masses.

Students handed out prayer cards with a special prayer written by Skyler Reestman, an eighth grader at Pope John in honor of Pope John's 50th year. That evening, Pope John XXIII also hosted their annual gala and auction, “Evening with Friends” at the Elgin KC Hall. The event was sold out with more than 200 people in attendance.

On Monday, January 30, the school day started with opening prayer. Then Artist in residence, Michael Fitzsimmons was welcomed. He gave a performance “Drums of the World” at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. Mr. Fitzsimmons worked with students throughout the week and taught them about drums. The Nebraska Arts Council and the Friends of St. Boniface sponsored this year’s artist in residence.

Parents' Day was Tuesday, January 31st. It included classroom activities, Mass at 11:50 a.m. and lunch afterwards. On Wednesday, February 1, the students participated in a Living Rosary.

On Thursday, February 2nd, Pope John students were treated to breakfast and the schools hosted a Business Appreciation Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Elgin KC Hall to thank area businesses for the support they give to the schools all year long. The St. Boniface sixth graders and Pope John XXIII juniors hosted this event.
The week concluded on Friday, February 3, with Mass at 8:15 a.m. and a performance at 1:00 p.m. that showcased the skills students learned during the week from Mr. Fitzsimmons. Following the performance, Pope John XXIII students had their annual Scrabble tournament and the St. Boniface students played games in the gym.