Parish Mission starts February 22nd

Introducing the person behind that incredible voice. You've heard her soaring soprano and soulful, spine-tingling vocals on gospel, jazz and pop tracks and wondered, "Wow! Who is that?"

Blessed with an extraordinary voice, ValLimar Jansen is a highly regarded singer, cantor and recording artist. She is also a college professor, a leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States.

Known especially for her work with gospel, contemporary Christian and gospel-jazz styles, she sings a wide range of music, including spirituals and traditional, organ-based choral music. In 2005 she released her first solo collection, You Gotta Move. Other recent projects include her stirring, gospel-style rendition of Jaime Cortez's classic "Rain Down" on the Live It! two-CD compilation.

ValLimar has a long history of singing sacred music, starting from the age of five. She received most of her training in music and performance from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She holds professional degrees in the arts from California State University, San Bernardino, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. She’s got both experience and credentials!

She has sung and toured professionally throughout the United States, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium and Japan. She played the role of Beneatha with the Broadway touring cast in the European premier of Raisin. She went on to co-author a one-woman musical about the life of Ethel Waters that received a special commendation from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Maybe you're familiar with her from one of the many liturgical and pastoral conferences she attends throughout the country. She has been the cantor for several jazz liturgies and closing liturgies at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. She has served as a cantor, principal vocalist, lector and workshop presenter at the San Jose Jazz Festival, the Sacramento Jazz Festival, NPM conferences, the National Encuentro Conference, the National Jubilee Justice Conference, the Los Angeles Liturgy Conference, the East Coast Conference, and many other major events.

She has also collaborated with some of the best-known songwriters and musicians in contemporary Catholic music, including Jaime Cortez, Bobby Fisher, Jesse Manibusan, Danielle Rose and many others.

Parish Mission

February 22-25

6:15 Mass

7:00 Mission

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.

Ceili & Embassy

Columb's Ceili is March 6th

at Embassy Suites.

It is the signature event of the parish. It is a day when we gather for a common meal, an auction, honor our Spirit of St. Columbkille recipients and dance with a live band. For reservation information, contact us here.

Last year a number of people decided to stay overnight at Embassy Suites as well. If anyone makes a reservation using the three digit code "COC" by Friday Feburary 19th you can get the discounted rate of $99 for the night of March 6th.

We hope to see everyone at the Ceili for an evening

of Friendship, Community & Celebration.

Bingo!

Friday, to help wrap up Catholic Schools Week there was Bingo.

It was fun and there were great prizes!

Spelling Bee

Before Thursday's spellign bee, each 4th through 8th grade class had their own contest. The ten winners from each class competed Thursday.

They competed round by round as the field got smaller and smaller.

All of this was possible because of the efforts of the teachers. Not only in the rooms, but also as the moderator and the judges.

In the end, it came down to a couple of 7th graders.

Both will represent St. Columbkille Saturday at St. Stephen the Martyr.

They are e-x-c-i-t-e-d.

Good luck Saturday!

Mass Buddies

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week,

students met with their buddies after Mass.

The had breakfast bars and juice.

It gave them a chance to talk and play.

Some even sang and danced.

All School Mass

Every Thursday there is an all school Mass in the morning. The readings, intercessions and psalm are done by students.

Students also serve and bring forth the gifts.

Each Thursday students sit with their "Mass Buddies."

So it would be incomplete to mention Catholics Schools week without

highlighting our weekly Masses together.

Talent Show

The school's Talent Show was yesterday, as part of Catholic Schools week. It's a chance to show how much talent is in the school.

Thank you to those who performed, those who helped emceed, those who helped behind the scenes and those who clapped.

St. Blaise

Yesterday was the feast day for St. Blaise. Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast day because of the Blessing of the Throats that took place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and held around the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from the story that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.

In addition to the blessing of throats during Mass yesterday, Fr. Wee and Deacon David Krueger visited the preschool. They explained a little about the feast of St. Blaise and gave each of the preschoolers a special blessing.

They also visited the school and bless the throats of the students and staff who do not attend the Wednesday morning Mass.

St. Blaise, pray for us.

Art Reach / Pizza Night

As part of Catholic Schools week, teachers served Pizza last night.

In addition to enjoying the pizza, there was a display of what students have created through their Art Reach projects. Every grade was represented.

It was a fun night to gather, eat pizza, and see just how creative our students are.