Catholic School students speak

Jan. 24, 2008

"I help people when they are hurt.
I get to read or sing at our school masses.
I am respectful to others.
I work well with others.
I go to mass.
I help people who are in need.
I am able to pray.
I share with others."

Lyndsey Deitering third grade, St. John the Baptist School, Bancroft

"Through service day, LIFE group, and youth masses, Kuemper Catholic School has been a light in my life that constantly guides my faith. Although I am a senior this year, I know that I will continue to have a strong faith, due to my catholic education.

Our annual service day is in October. The whole high school goes out in our community and does a variety of service activities. The experience is really neat as we are able to bond with fellow classmates, as well as complete a task that is put before us. Seeing the difference we have made, it makes me want to strive to be like Christ and constantly serve others. We "lit" up the lives of those we served.

LIFE group stands for Living In Faith Enthusiastically. By having monthly meetings, we grow in faith. One of my favorite activities we did together was when we made Christmas cards for the nursing home. I was given the honor of being one of the students that got to deliver them. I was in awe by the fact that one simple card could bring such joy to so many that Christmas season.

Youth masses are held on Sunday evenings once a month. Being a part of our JIP group, or Joined In Praise, we pick songs that celebrate who we are and what we believe. As Father Jim put it, we turn Mass into a party where we celebrate our faith. Attending a catholic school allows us to plan special activities like this and, it makes my faith so much stronger. Growing closer to Jesus allows me to be content and comfortable. Without God on my side, I know I would not be able to accomplish anything. He helps me get through those tough situations in which I say, "I can't do this." As Mother Teresa once said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle." My catholic school has allowed me to discover Jesus as the light of my life! "

Megan Barta,Kuemper Catholic High School, Carroll

"Danbury Catholic lights the way for me because we get to go to church and we get to learn about God and Jesus while we are in church. We also get to do special stuff on Fridays like juice time! We have friends here at the Catholic School who are nice to us."

- Kolby Morgan, second grader at Danbury Catholic

"Catholic schools 'Light The Way' for the future. This theme for Catholic Schools Week fits St. Edmond to a "t" with the way a Catholic school lets students excel. Our small class sizes, great student/teacher relationships, and the close-knit family we have formed throughout the years has helped me become the successful person I am today. We strive everyday to do our best both inside and outside of the classroom. The most important part of belonging to a Catholic school is that I can openly express my feelings for my God. I can pray, worship, and practice my faith openly without being ridiculed or punished. These are just a few of the reasons why I am proud to belong to a Catholic school."

- Thomas Ostrander, senior at St. Edmond High School, Fort Dodge

"Spalding has helped me to realize that even though I may only be one person, I can make a difference. Spalding has provided its students with many opportunities to serve others, like Kid's Against Hunger and the St. Francis Project. Once you change the life of a child, your life is touched forever."

- Andrea Hansen, senior at Spalding Catholic High School, Granville

"Everyday at school, in the morning, we have Religion class. We learn about the miracles that Jesus performed, and read about the parables. Everyone at this school is really nice to each other. I think it's the image of God in each of us."

- Nick Heider, sixth grade student at St. Mary School, Humboldt

"Catholic schools provide a lot of experiences. One of them is being able to learn about Christ and his apostles. Another thing is we have the chance to help people and sometimes provide food for them. It also teaches us that life is important for everyone not just people you know."

--Cassie Renken, seventh grade student, St. Mary's, Remsen

"At Mater Dei School I feel like I don't have to be afraid to express my faith or be embarrassed of my opinions or views. I'm able to say what I feel and not get in trouble for it. I'm very grateful for this because I know a lot of kids don't have this privilege. I am also able to get deeper into my faith because of Emmaus class. In Emmaus it isn't as structured as regular religion class. We are able to learn about God more, but in a way that is easier for kids to understand. My teacher, Ms. Tebbe sets a high standard for us because she knows we are capable of doing so much more."

 - Katherine Arndt, eighth grade student at Mater Dei School, Sioux City

"Several things in a Catholic school bring the light of Christ. It could be the projects we do to better the community, like Service Day, or adopting grandparents, to praying everyday and treating others respectfully."

- Melissa Choquett, sophomore at Bishop Heelan High School, Sioux City

"When we go to church and religion class, we talk about Jesus. We talk about the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments. And we pray before class and in the announcements before and after school, we pray."

- Kennedy Drey, Early, seventh grade student at St. Mary's, Storm Lake