Tomorrow we Celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A reminder, especially for all 2015-16 St. Columbkille students and their families:  Friday, June 3rd, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For the students, going to Mass or adoration would be the perfect way to wrap up a school-year-long devotion of nine First Fridays honoring Jesus' Sacred Heart.

Every first Friday of the month for the nine months of the school year, students attended special all-school Masses, with Father Vogel teaching about the devotion. Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction followed.

For those unfamiliar with the Sacred Heart devotion, or for those who need a reminder, here's a Wikipedia summary: First Friday Devotion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An EWTN article explains why the Church endorses this practice:

"In honoring the Heart of Christ, our homage lingers on the Person of Jesus in the fullness of His love. This love of Christ for us was the moving force of all he did and suffered for us -- in Nazareth, on the Cross, in giving Himself in the Blessed Sacrament, in His teaching and healing, in His praying and working. When we speak of the Sacred Heart, we mean Jesus showing us His Heart, Jesus all love for us and all lovable."

Father Vogel's teaching on the Sacred Heart will be one of his lasting legacies at St. Columbkille. Worshiping with him on the solemnity would be a nice way to spend our remaining time with him, before he leaves to become pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Elgin and St. Bonaventure Parish in Raeville.

And perhaps not so coincidentally, the solemnity also marks a World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. So let's remember Father Vogel, and all our priests, in prayer Friday.

Because as we all know, prayer -- especially before the Blessed Sacrament -- makes a wonderful going-away gift.

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.

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.

Advent Prayer Service

Yesterday all the students at St. Columbkille

 Catholic  School gathered for a prayer service ...

 ... that was led by our 8th graders.

They explained what a Jesse Tree is and told stories of some of the ancestors of Jesus who are part of the Jesse Tree.

 They also lit an advent wreath as everyone sang and prayed.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Living Advent Wreath

Wearing their "Prayer is Dynamite" spirit shirts, students at St. Columbkille Catholic School gathered for a special time of prayer this morning.

 

 With frequent musical interludes ...

 ... the 8th grade students explained the meaning of the Advent Wreath and even created a living Advent Wreath.

Then the students lit a traditional Advent

 Wreath and finished with joyful singing.

 

With the school assembled in one place, everyone took a moment to pray for all those who are suffering, ill or in need, particularly Dr. Blue our principal.

Trust

At the 6th Grade Field Trip yesterday, students were broken into small groups.

 In there small groups the students were given tasks to accomplish.

 

 They had to work as a team, develop strategy and trust one another.

 

 

 It was a great way to grow through hands on experiences.

Marble Party

Mrs. English says that if her class is a little loud, she may ask one of her quiet first graders to put a marble in the jar for being good. The rest of the class will hear the marble dropped in the jar and get quiet.  When the jar is full of marbles, that means there is a marble party, and the classes had their first one today.

 

 

It can be hard to choose what to get ...

 but fun to eat.

Congratulations!

Crusaders of the Week

Each week at St. Columbkille School students who behave like a

disciple write their name on a slip which is brought to the office.

 Then names are randomly drawn and are the

"Crusaders of the Week."

 They come to the office where their picture

 is taken and they receive some prizes.

This week "Good Sport Award" was given to Mrs. Sampson, Mrs. English & Mrs. Puszewski. Despite the chilly weather at the Festival, the three of them were among those in the Tidal Wave at the Festival last Sunday.

Congratulations to you all!