PARISH MERGER AND NAME

There was a special letter waiting for me when I returned from my retreat last week. It was a letter from Bishop William Callahan concerning our parishes here in Prairie du Chien, and the process of our merging into one parish. As we have stated in various letters and at meetings, Canon Law requires the di-ocesan bishop to consult with various councils before a merger can proceed. These councils are the presbyteral council, diocesan finance council, diocesan deanery council and the diocesan pas-toral council. Now that these meetings have been completed, it is time to proceed with the next step.

We have received a number of suggestions over the past few weeks, and after consulting with our council, we will hold a town hall style meeting on Sun-day, Jan 29th after the 10:00 Mass at St. John’s church. This meeting will begin around 11:15 (after the 10:00 Mass), and all are invited. The main purpose of this meeting will be to discuss some of the suggested names so we can make a proposal to the diocese. The final decision will be made in consultation with the pastoral planning commission, the board of trustees and the bishop. If we can send our proposal by the 1st week of Feb, we should have a decision by the end of Feb.

We are planning on another cou-ple meetings as we progress along this path of bringing our parishes under a common name. Hopefully all concerns will be met, but if there are specific top-ics you would like addressed, please let me or a council member know. The more information that can be presented, the less confusion there will be. I believe that this is an important factor in bring-ing our parishes together in mind and heart. Thank you for your continued support and prayers, and may God bless you and your loved ones.

Fr. Jim

2012 Soup Supper Raffle Winners:

A big "Thank You!" to all who purchased tickets for our 7th graders soup supper raffle and supper. All earnings from this event will go towards the cost of their 8th grade Washingon D.C. trip. Congratulations to the winners listed below:

Savage Axis .243 Calib. Rifle with 3x9 Scope: Duane Rogers
Deer Valley Waterpark 1 night stay: Ryan Severson
Culvers Sundae Month for Year: Michelle Pattison
Americinn Pool Party for 12: Mary Stoeffler
Americinn 2 room 1 night stay: Adams Auction Service
$25 Certificate to Top Shelf: Terry Steger
Estee Lauder Make-up/Case: Andrea Titlbach

2011 Geography Bee:

On December 12th Prairie Catholic Middle School held their annual Geography Bee. The top 10 scorers from grades 5-8 in the preliminary round competed in this competition. Zach Neisius was the school winner and will take the state eligiblity test in January. Levi Orr was the runner-up. Congratulations to both!

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Knights of Columbus Essay Contest:

The Knights of Columbus, Campion Council 1840, recently recognized thirty-nine students in the seventh and eighth grades at Prairie Catholic School and CCD who all submitted outstanding original essays in the Respect for Life Contest.

Congratulations to winners, Emily Trautsch and Andrew Waller. Their essays will advance to District, Diocesan, and State competition. The Knights also wish to thank Father James Weighner; Wade Marlow, Principal; Mrs. Jozefowicz, Teacher, for their help with this important project.

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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.