3 on 3 Soccer Tournament

On Saturday, our Athletic Council put on a great 3 on 3 Soccer Tournament on our athletic fields.

It was only possible because of all the people working behind the scene.

 

There were a lot of great, close games.

An All School Picnic

Yesterday, to kick off the 100th year of classesat St. Columbkille Catholic School, there was an all-school picnic hosted by the teachers and staff.

The Knights of Columbus were on hand to grill their own home made sausages just right as well as hot dogs.

The Athletic Council had a large stash of watermelons there to stisfy every hungry child.

It was a great day to relax and enjoy

 being part of the school family.

There was even facepainting and ...

 ... Kona ice was there as well. They not only 20% of their sales to the school, they also helped some tongues change colors.

Superheroes Bowl

Superheroes gathered for the Athletics

 Program's 3rd Annual Bowl Night.

It was a fun night raising money to keep fees affordable.

 Thanks Superheroes!

How About a Fight Song?

Basketball season has just begun, and the election campaign process is nearing its peak.

So with that as my backdrop, I'm embarking on a campaign of my own: I'm proposing that St. Columbkille School adopts a fight song, which could be played and sung during team warm-ups, halftime or breaks -- or at any school event or pep rally.

And I have a specific song in mind. It's lively, embraces our Catholic faith and is sung by a band which just performed at St. Columbkille last week, at a Confirmation day of reflection. Parents were invited to a closing concert.

Here is the song:

The link has punk rock written all over it, but I'm not sure if the song fits that category. Please give it a listen and see what you think.

Now normally, I would be hesitant about a religious hymn sung in rock style. But actually, I love this take by The Thirsting. The band managed to make the song fun and reverent at the same time.

For my family, "Hail Holy Queen" has become part of a pre-game ritual. While driving to a basketball, soccer, baseball or other sports competition, we pray. It's not very formal. We ask for safety for the players and families at the game and as they travel. We pray for good sportsmanship, for a good effort from our team and for a good game for our particular players and anyone who might need a good game that day. And we pray for a win -- if it be God's will.

We close with a "Hail Mary," followed by "Our Lady, Queen of Victory, pray for us!" And if the kids aren't enthusiastic enough, Mom makes them try it again. (Yes, I embrace the embarrassing, tormenting mom role.)

Then, if the CD hasn't strayed from our car, we play "Hail Holy Queen" by The Thirsting. And we're properly prepared for competition.

The more we've tried this, the more I'm convinced "Hail Holy Queen" would be a great fight song.

Father Damian, Mr. Makey, Mrs. Redburn, Father Vogel, what do you think? What about you, Athletic Council, teachers, staff, school council members, students and school families?

Should we have a fight song, and should it be "Hail Holy Queen"?

I think Jesus would be pleased that we would honor His mother. And with His favor, she's a mighty defender to have on our side, as Crusaders.

Please respond with your approval, disapproval or comments below.

Go, Crusaders!

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Soccer Tournament: 3v3

Saturday the Athletic Council hosted a 3 on 3 Soccer Tournament 

and had a record number of teams competing.

 It was lots of fun!