When is the Elevator gonna be ready?

Before we let anyone else in, we'd better make Fr Vogel test ride it.

"It works!"

Mass Buddies to the Zoo

All year the 7th Grade students are matched with a Kindergarten student as "Mass Buddies." Each week they sit together during the all school Masses.

Today these Mass buddies went to the zoo together. The seventh graders were responsible for carrying items for their buddy and watching them throughout the day.

It was a very busy day.

Field Day

Today was Field Day at St. Columbkille Catholic School.

For those in Kindergarten to 4th grade, Field Day is led by our 8th grade students. Part of that is leading the rest of the students in prayer, the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem before we begin. It is also planning and leading all of the games. Students are matched in groups that put them with students from other classes and other grades. Each group is led by two 8th graders who take them from activity to activity.

Those in 5th to 7th grade went to Halleck

 Park for their own competitions.

The Secret of Sanctity and Happiness

Do you want to be holy and happy?

Turn to the Holy Spirit, said Désiré-Joseph Cardinal Mercier, who was archbishop of Malines, Belgium from 1906 until his death in 1926.

Here is the cardinal's advice, in his own words:

"I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes control your imagination and close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises of the world, in order to enter into yourself. Then, in the sanctity of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit), speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him: 'O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know Your Will.'

"If you do this, your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you strength to carry it, and you will arrive at the Gate of Paradise laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity."

Inspired by this Year of Faith we will be posting columns like this from Susan Szalewski about exploring and/or deepening our faith. Watch for it on Thursdays

Fr. Steinhausen Would Approve

Sr. Delores Dolezal taught 2nd grade in our school and CCD in the 1980's. (She's pictured above visiting our preschool during Catholic Schools Week last year.) She was also part of the team that planned the current church with Fr. Steinhausen. This morning she was here for Mass and got to see the changes.

She said she was initially disappointed when she learned the rising Jesus was going to be moved, but now that she saw the crucifix and the changes she likes it. She said "Fr. Steinhausen would approve!"

Every 30 Years

This week the fabric above the altar was replaced.

The scaffolding was put up Monday, which

meant some rearranging for daily Masses.

We had a request to get a picture of Fr. Vogel climbing the side

The last of the pieces was installed this morning. One of the

 workers said, "This should be good for another 30 years."

The purpose of the screen to cover the organ speakers and the drop down screen. The hope is that the new color will camouflage it a little more.

Zumba at the Happy Club

At the Happy Club last week, Jennifer led a Zumba session. It gave a chance to experience Zumba as it is done in some classes for seniors. She said this was designed for the people to participate and many did.

Praying for Our Mothers

On Thursday the First and Second Grade students gathered by the Mary statue to pray a rosary for their mothers. Among the intentions were that their mothers be appreciated for their work and love.

Happy Mother's Day

Remember to bring your mother to get her free pancake

 breakfast in the Social Level today until noon.