By JULIE KEANE, Globe staff reporter
October 21, 2004

SHELDON - Students at St. Patrick's in Sheldon have made some new friends this year thanks to the prayer partners program that is implemented at their school.

The prayer partner program invites ladies from the parish to come to the school and work with the students by helping them with special projects and events.

"I think it's very valuable because we have a good rapport with the community," Virginia Huss, principal at St. Patrick's, said. "The children are able to work with older people and we see the value in that. Some of the older people have the time to talk and listen with the children. They establish some really good relationships."

The prayer partners come at different times during the year to spend time with the students through various activities and events.

"They have joined us for lunch and Mass on Fridays," Huss said.

"They have joined us on Monday morning when we have hall prayer. Some times they will bring the children treats and the children in return will write them letters. The children have a very good relationship with the ladies."

Sister Anne McCormick, second grade teacher at St. Patrick's, said she does not remember when the prayer partner program was started, but the students have been reaping of benefits from this program for a long time.

"This is a way for the children to know how much the parish does for them," Sister Anne said. "By having people in the parish come in and spend time with them it might give them a little more of an idea of how much the parish is interested in them."

Sister Anne said this program also gives the adults a chance to visit the school and see what is going on with the students inside the classroom.

"This involves the adults who might not come to the school," said Sister Anne. "This lets them see all of the wonderful things we are doing. For the children, they love having an older person come in and spend time with them. This makes them feel special."

Several of the parishioners like to "move up" with their classes because of the close relationship that was formed throughout the year.

Each classroom has its own prayer partner. The prayer partner for the eighth grade is Bonnie Roder. Jane Rohde is the prayer partner for the seventh grade and Marlyss Bauman is the partner for the sixth grade. Bev Rozeboom helps with fifth grade and Norman Dittman helps with fourth grade. Donna Krogman is the prayer partner for the third grade and Angie McGillick is the volunteer for the second grade. Janet Weppler is the prayer partner for first grade, and Helen Stoll volunteers with the kindergarteners.

Norma Dittman started serving as a prayer partner in the fall of 2002. She said this was a way for her to volunteer her time and enjoy herself.

"My husband had passed away prior to me doing this," she said. "I had seen the church advertisement and I thought this would give me a chance to do more in the church and in our church school. I have grandchildren, but they go to a parochial school in Nebraska, this gave me a chance to meet these students and meet their parents. This helps me feel a little closer to the members of our parish."

Dittman started with the second grade class and she has "moved up" with the students each year.

"To me they feel like they are my grandchildren," she said. "They are interesting. They all have something different in their ways of life, hobbies, likes and dislikes. They make me feel welcome."

Bonnie Roder is the prayer partner for the eighth grade class at St. Partick's. Like Dittman, she volunteers because the children keep her spirits high. Her students enjoy treats and cards that she gives them throughout the year.

"I enjoy the kids," Roder said. "I guess I feel that we all need prayers. They lift my spirits and I need the company. I just like kids."