Catholic Schools Week

Once again, we come to the end of January, the time we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, a week dedicated to show-case what we do all year long at Prairie Catholic School. Our Catholic school is something that all Holy Family parishioners can be proud of, and something we all should be aware of as the education of children has long been upheld as one of the prima-ry missions of the Catholic Church, and our school has deep roots in our community.

What is it that makes Catholic education special? As you know, any school can offer a high quality education in the sciences, math, language and the arts. However, we are able to offer another aspect of formation the public schools simply can-not offer; the ability to not only witness Christian values, but to have religious education as an integral part of our curriculum, including the opportunity to have our students at daily Mass, is invaluable in the formation of our children into tomorrow’s Christian leaders.

If Catholic education is to continue to be a strong in-fluence in our community, we as Catholics have to stand up for our beliefs. Yes, it is a sacrifice to place your children in a Catho-lic school. However, it is a sacrifice that I believe is blessed over the years. When everything is considered, there is one thing that will ensure Catholic education will remain here in Prairie du Chien, and that is enrollment. In the coming weeks, we will hold registration for next year’s classes. On Wednesday evening, we will have an open house, showcasing many of the talents of our children and a Burgers and Fries meal for everyone. You may also like to take a few moments to look around at some of the many improvements made in the past year; the new smart boards, the cosmetic upgrades to our bathrooms, the computer lab and new windows to name a few. Please consider attending, especially if you are parents of pre-school or grade school chil-dren, and see what Prairie Catholic Schools can offer you. It truly is your school.

God bless. Fr. Jim

Deacon Mark Miller

We welcomed back Deacon Mark at our Masses this past weekend. Hopefully you will remember him from the three months he spent with us as I was recuperating from my accident last summer. Dcn. Mark will be with us at Holy Family Parish for the next few months, until he is ordained toward the end of June.

There are certain roles that a deacon is called to per-form as part of his ministry. Among these is to serve as an ordi-nary minister of the Holy Eucharist. This will affect our extra-ordinary ministers of the Eucharist. We will put one name in (parenthesis) on the schedule. If Dcn Mark is at that particular Mass, that one will not need to come forward. The deacon is also the normal one to read the petitions; the lector will contin-ue with all aspects of this ministry except for petitions. He is also called to read the Gospel, and will take this responsibility from myself. The other main aspect of the deaconate is the call to preach, and Dcn. Mark will preach at weekend Masses on occa-sion as he continues his preparation for ordination to the priest-hood.
He is also available for home visits. If you would like a home visit, or would like to schedule one for a loved one, please call the rectory to set up a time and day for a visit.

Fr. Jim

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Thank you for your interest in Prairie Catholic Schools.  St. Gabriel’s campus is our elementary school, and encompasses grades Pre-K though 4th, and St. John’s campus is our middle school which entails grades 5th through 8th.  Additionally, on-site daycare is available at the St. Gabriel’s campus.
 
We know that choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. The entire staff at Prairie Catholic appreciates the fact that you are willing to consider our school, and wish you to know that this is greatly appreciated. The education of our youth is an honor and a great responsibility that we do not take lightly.

A Catholic school offers a unique environment with very special opportunities for its students to grow spiritually. Prairie Catholic is no different. Our setting allows educators to share their faith and values while educating their students, your children. We are committed to helping children grow in faith and love and to display respect and fellowship. Prairie Catholic does not discriminate based on faith and includes many non-Catholic families. These families appreciate our caring, student-centered environment that teaches children to follow Christ’s command to love one another and treat others with respect.

Prairie Catholic provides a strong academic curriculum and a safe learning environment for students to reach their greatest potential.  We support each child by recognizing his or her own talents and instilling an appreciation for the gifts of others. This atmosphere fosters a mutual respect for one another.

We encourage, and are committed to, a cooperative partnership between family and school.  We seek to work with you as parents, in helping your child become the best they can be.  We believe in the mutual relationship of school supporting family and family supporting school.

At Prairie Catholic, we are positive people – learning, loving and living our faith.  We aspire to create a place where your child is safe, happy and knows they are special.

We would love to discuss further the opportunities we can offer your child.  Please call us for a personal tour at:

(608) 326-8624  (St. Gabriel’s)
(608) 326-4400  (St. John’s)

Sincerely,

Wade Marlow

Principal, Prairie Catholic Schools

Volunteer Sign up Sheet:

Please consider being a parish volunteer. Click Here to bring up a form you can fill in right from your computer and then print out. Send in to either rectory, drop off, or put in colection basket on Sunday. Thank you for your consideration.