How do Catholic schools help you become a faith-filled person?

January 22, 2004

"Catholic Schools help me to become a faith-filled person by going to Mass in school and respecting others. We are learning about God. We learn about God by praying, reading out Religion book, acting out stories in the Bible and doing skits at Mass with out high school friends."

Hannah Lentsch, 3rd grade, St. Edmond Elementary, Fort Dodge

"Catholic schools help me become a faith-filled person by learning about Jesus. We also go to Mass each Friday."

Matt Mayer, 4th grade, Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars

"They help me learn about God. They teach me to share, be kind , know what's right and wrong, and show respect like Jesus. They help me know that God is always there and will never leave you."

Laura Richter, 5th grade, St. John's Catholic Grade School, Bancroft

"Catholic schools have helped me become a faith-filled person because they are centered around learning our faith and being better disciples of God. From the very moment I walk in the doors, I'm reminded that Christ should be the focus of my day. We begin and end the day with prayers as well as singing spiritual songs in music. Each Thursday we spend time with God during a children's Mass. We, as Catholics, are blessed to have our faith."

Leslie Kohlhaas, 6th grade, St. Mary Grade School, Humboldt

"Going to a Catholic school has helped me become a faith-filled person for many reasons. The teachers, Father Kollasch, and Sister Marge are all strong role models. They live every day as faith-filled Catholics. I have also learned the importance of prayer and paying attention at Mass."

Tyler Krischel, 6th grade, Pocahontas Catholic

"Catholic school helped me become a faith-filled person by helping me to understand Jesus' life on earth. I respect life much more now. It is truly amazing what He did for us and because of this I have more faith in Him. It is great in a Catholic school because we can express what we feel about different religions, while in public schools you can not. The teachers here are great, and are a big part in my faith-filled life. But most importantly is Jesus, who taught me to live without fear, and to believe in Him and God."

Lee Noel, 6th grade, Sacred Heart School, Sioux City

"Catholic schools help me become a faith-filled person by teaching us to love and care about others. They help us become one with God and tell us to help others because Jesus is in everyone. They taught us to be faithful because there is a much better reward in that than having no faith at all."

Brian Sewell, 6th grade, Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School, West Bend

"Mater Dei School helps me become a faith - filled person by starting and ending each day with prayer. We read stories from the Bible and say prayers like Our Father and Hail Mary. In each classroom there are Bibles available whenever we need them. Our Gospel Values are worked into all of our subjects areas. These things, along with the guidance of my principles, teachers and staff help me on my faith journey."

Allison Staiert, 8th grade, Mater Dei School, Nativity Center

"A Catholic based education gives me, as well as others, a better overview of what this world is all about. Even when the world seems overturned by war and terrorism, God is still in control. Our faith gives us hope and comfort in tomorrow. My school has challenged me to grow in my spiritual life as a person. May God give a special blessing to those who work hard to give us our education and prepare us for when we are on our own."

Ashley Schneider, 11th grade, Spalding Catholic High School, Granville

"When we're growing up we don't always realize the whole purpose behind Catholic Education is to incorporate faith into our lives. I recently wrote a research paper on Elizabeth Ann Seton (I chose to research her because our elementary building is named in her honor) and I learned about the sacrifices she made to provide Catholic Education in her time. It was important to her then, just as it is important to our parents and teachers now, to give us the opportunity for an education that centers around values and morality, such as kindness, compassion, fairness, and doing your best. This is part of everything we do at Garrigan from everyday in the classrooms to prayer before and after each football game."

Mason Elbert, 12 grade, Bishop Garrigan High School, Algona