Catholic Principal Appreciation

Every year, St. Columbkille Catholic School honors it's principal. Since this is the 100th year of our school, today was extra special as we had some former principals with us, as Sr. Delores Dolezal visiting to represent the Benedictine Sisters who supplied out first eleven principals.

During Mass we had a candle lit for each of the principals who have passed away.. We also included Mrs. Dorothy Cubrich in our prayers as her health prevented her from attending. She was our rpincipal from 1993 to 1996.

In addition to Principal Makey and Assistant Princial Redburn, who currently serve the school, we welcomed our other visitors. We had Mr. Bob Voboril (1980-1990), Mrs. Sue Martin (1991-1993), Mrs. Christine Overkamp (1996-2010) and Mrs. Mary McGuire (2013).

The students thanked the teachers for setting the standards for education.

We also had a student speaker.

Sr. Delores presented Mr. Makey a gift from the Benedictine Sisters.

This is a picture of our first principal, Sr. Celestine who was outr principal from 1916 until 1931.

Afterwards there was a reception

 for our honored guests.

They also received a tour of the school -- though they seemed to most enjoy reminiscing about the school and visitingteachers form their time at the school.

We were honored that they were willing to come back and visit. We look forward to telling more about some things we learned from them about the school's past. We'll be sharing that sometime in the future.

Collected for the Tri-City Pantry

In the second reading this past weekend, we were reminded of the greatest commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

 Our parish has demonstrated this by the outpouring of support for the Tri-City Food Pantry Drive. THANK YOU TO ALL who contributed and to parishioners who stepped forward to help box, load,  and unload the hundreds of food items collected. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. The families who will benefit from these donated items have shared in the love extended from our efforts here at St. Columbkille.

God bless all who helped make this a successful drive. I met so many kind parishioners who volunteered to help; to them I say, thank you, I could not have pulled this off on my own. On behalf of the Tri-City Pantry, may all be blessed one hundred fold in return for the generous time and support given to help others in need.

In all, we filled 100 boxes with items from the list provided.

God bless each of you,

Chris Overkamp

Coordinator for this Food Drive

Deacon Lieck

In the picture above from May 25, 1997, then Principal Christine Overkamp is breaking ground for an addition to St. Columbkille Catholic School as Fr. Stillmunks watches. One of the observers is then HSA President Mike Lieck.

In 2002 Mr Lieck was ordained Deacon Lieck. Archbishop Lucas has recently assigned Deacon Lieck to serve at St. Pius X Parish. We wish him well as he continues his service to the Church.

Mrs. Overkamp's last day as Principal

Today is Mrs. Overkamp's last day as Principal.

Tomorrow she can sleep in.

Since her announcement, there have been a number of

celebrations to thank her for 15 years of service as principal.

Thanks again.

We wish you one last hug as you look ahead.

Prayer Sevice for Mrs. Overkamp

Each of the classrooms have been preparing

cards and praying for Mrs. Overkamp.

Today they were brought to church ...


and presented to her during a prayer service.

On this last full day of school, the students, the teachers, the staff, the Home School Association, the School Advisory Board and the parish all wanted a chance to thank Mrs. Overkamp for her fifteen years as principal.

Thank you!

Mrs. Overkamp will retire as Principal

Today, on the feast day of St. Scholastica, we are announcing that Mrs. Overkamp is retiring as principal of our school after 15 years. She said, "I have always said that I wanted to retire from a classroom and in order to do that, I needed to make that step. It has been a hard decision for me and one that I have not taken lightly. It gets down to the fact that if I want to teach, I need to retire from administration."

Fr. Damian reflected that this is similar to how priests often like to finish their careers as Sr. Associates. After years of administration, it allows them to "be a priest again." They can focus on the things they looked forward to when they became a priest. So he completely understands Mrs. Overkamp's plans.

Fr. Damian said, "We greatly appreciate the years of service Mrs. Overkamp has given to our school. She has always had a deep compassion and concern for students and making certain they receive the best education possible. We wish her all the best as she moves forward with her desire to return to teaching. We send our deepest thanks for her commitment to the school, the teachers and the children."

Mrs. Overkamp will continue as Principal until June 30th saying, "I have lots to do. I want to get everything in order for the new person."

David Woodard School (Advisory Council President) said, "I've really enjoyed my working relationship with Mrs. Overkamp. She has dedicated her life to Catholic education and has made a significant impact on St. Columbkille School. It's clear that her Faith enters every part of her life, especially her daily work. Here at St. Columbkille we are asked to ‘Go and Make Disciples’. Each and every day for the past 15 years Chris Overkamp has had a hand in helping to make over 500 Disciples. We are truly grateful for her dedicated service and wish her the best."

We will have plenty of opportunity to thank Mrs. Overkamp and wish her well in the future.

Fr. Damian said a search committee will be formed soon to begin the process of searching for a new principal.

Nation School Principal Appreciation Day

After the All School Mass this morning there was a program appreciating

Mrs. Overkamp on National School Principal Appreciation Day.

After a song by the teachers, the school sang

"She's Got the Whole School in her Hands."

Mr. Emanuel led the school in a prayer of thanks.

School Advisory Board President Mr. Woodard thanked her for her continula work in Making Disciples.

On behalf of the Home School Association, Mrs. Bikakis thanked her and reminded everyone to appreciate her all year long.

Fr. Wee thanked her on behalf of the parish for her work and blessed her.

Mrs. Overkamp expressed that it is a joy to work with such a great team. She used the moment to point out to the students that when you work hard, you will be noticed. She thanked everyone