Retreat brings two schools together

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted February 6, 2003

EMMETSBURG - Catholic schools from throughout the Diocese of Sioux City used Catholic Schools Week as an opportunity to recognize teachers and volunteers as well as hold a variety of activities for the students.

At Emmetsburg Catholic, the school held an all-day retreat not only for their own students but also invited those from SS. Peter and Paul School of West Bend to attend. While the schools have held individual retreats in the past, this is the first year the two schools have come together.

"We had all 142 students in the cafeteria and gym, between the two, during the day," explained Jean Hyslop, principal of both schools. "I think it is important that the students learn to build community outside of our schools. It is important that they realize there are other people who have the same beliefs and same faith they do."

It was a way to encourage the students to share their faith with others.

The day started with a prayer service before the students were split into groups. Some of the students listened to and watched a slide presentation by Father Dan Guenther about the diocesan Rome pilgrimage. Others made a picture frame out of puzzle pieces that were formed into a circular shape, illustrating that many parts make up the world.

"We took each students' picture and we had those developed at a one-hour photo," explained Hyslop. "They left with a picture of themselves from the day."

Later that morning, the students attended Mass that was planned by fifth-grade students. Fifth- and sixth-grade students from both schools led the singing. During Mass two teachers - Judy Murphy and Angie Beem - were honored for 20 years of service.

For lunch, students enjoyed a sack lunch picnic in the classrooms. Following their meal, the students were inspired and entertained by a concert from Lynn & Becky Ministries, an international ministry.

"They talked about how Jesus can make a difference in our lives and how it is up to each individual person to make a difference in the world," noted Hyslop. "Sharing Jesus with others, helps to make a difference."

Julie Reinders, kindergarten teacher at Emmetsburg, described the day as awesome. She felt her students really enjoyed it, especially the concert that involved movement, dancing and sign language.

Carrie Hefty, a fifth-grade student from West Bend, said she enjoyed the concert most of all because it was exciting and new.

"It was cool to go to Emmetsburg - to see a lot of different people doing the same things that we do. It made us come together," she said.

Following a short recess, each student made a quilt square.

"Each school will make a quilt out of the quilt squares that they designed with the fabric markers," Hyslop said. "The students will earn Christian action slips during the rest of the school year. On the last day of school, we will draw for the quilt and one will be given away at each school."

Quilts have been made for the last eight years in West Bend and for about two years in Emmetsburg. Hyslop said after the quilt is put together by either students or community volunteers, it will be displayed in the school.

The day closed with a prayer service that was hosted by the student council.

Stephanie Smith, an eighth-grader and member of the student council, said the retreat was of value because all of the students could spend the day together and it improved the family atmosphere.

"We got to spend the day focusing on God, more than our studies," said Smith, who added that she enjoyed the concert most of all. She found it to be a good mixture between fun and spiritual.

Wendy Herbers, an eighth-grader from Emmetsburg and member of the student council, pointed out that members of the student council served as small group leaders.

"The older students helped the younger ones with the art activities," she said. "With the students from West Bend, it allowed us to help them and get to know them at the same time."

Ryan Janssen, an eighth-grader from Emmetsburg, thought the picture frames were "cool" and liked the opportunity to concentrate on prayer as opposed to schoolwork.

Another student, Daniel Reedy, enjoyed seeing two of the teachers receive awards as it showed their commitment to the school.

Neola Bruhn, a teacher at SS. Peter and Paul, said she found it to be an inspiring day.

"The students seemed to be really focused and involved. They seemed to enjoy all of the activities," she said.

Emmetsburg Catholic schoolteacher, Judy Murphy, said, "The day was really interesting because we got to see all of the kids work together." Initially, she could see how timid the students were from West Bend, but by the end of the day they were all working together and having a good time.

She also found it to be a wonderful leadership opportunity for the students, especially the student council from Emmetsburg.

"While the day was fun, more importantly it was a celebration of our faith," Murphy said. "It allowed the students to foster their sense of pride in the school at the same time."

Hyslop added, "By having a retreat day, we could teach the students the benefit of prayer and reflection time. It is also very important as a school to come together as a full community - students, staff - and celebrate the beauty God has given us in the school."