AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO MARK SPECIAL WEEK

Catholic schools in Missouri are finding it difficult to top the excitement and enthusiasm that a visit from Pope John Paul II brought.

Most realize that the pontiff's visit can't be outdone by events planned this week in honor of Catholic Schools Week. But that doesn't keep them from continuing the celebration.

The pope's visit to St. Louis last week added more emphasis to the role of Catholic school education, area school officials say. The theme for the week is "Faith For a Brighter Future."

Learning about the pope's life prior to his ministry and "learning that he was a real person is important for their faith," Bonnie Guyot said of her students at St. Vincent de Paul School in Perryville.

Guyot teaches sixth grade at the school, where students spent the last few weeks studying the pontiff and his life. They were able to watch his arrival in St. Louis from televisions set up in the school cafeteria.

Other Catholic schools also watched the events. Some students participated in the youth rally or attended Mass.

"They learned he's more than just the pope," Guyot said. "To hear his message about the importance of family and respect for life, that's what we do every day."

John Paul gave Catholic educators a big boost during his homily last week at the Trans World Dome. The pontiff said, "Catholic schools have proven to be of priceless value to generations of children, teaching them to know, love and serve God, and preparing them to take their place with responsibility in the community."

St. Mary Cathedral School in Cape Girardeau honors a distinguished graduate each year during Catholic Schools Week. During an assembly Monday, students learned a little more about Sister Marya Williams, who lives as a cloistered nun near Springfield. She graduated from the school in 1974.

Williams was unable to attend the ceremony to receive her award, but members of her family accepted it for her. This is the eighth year the school has presented the award, said Principal Carol Strattman.

All three Catholic schools in Cape Girardeau will gather for a Mass today at 1:45 p.m. at Notre Dame High School. Other events are planned throughout the week at the individual schools.

Catholic Schools Week Events

All three Catholic schools in Cape Girardeau will celebrate Mass together at 1:45 p.m. today.

On Thursday, the Knights of Columbus Council 1111 will host an appreciation dinner for the staff of the Catholic schools in Cape Girardeau.

Activities also are planned at individual schools.

St. Vincent de Paul School

Today

-- Student Council vice president Sarah Goscheb leads all-school prayer.

-- Dress-up day for eighth grade.

Wednesday

National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools

-- Feast of St. Blaise at 8 a.m.

-- All-school prayer led by Mayor Al Spradling III before Mass.

Thursday

-- Parent volunteer Debbie Kiblinger leads all-school prayer.

-- Parents' Day: Classroom visitation all day except during lunch.

Friday

National Teacher Appreciation Day

-- All-school Mass at 8 a.m. (No penny collection this month).

-- "Hats off to Teachers" Out of Uniform Day. Students may wear hats.

-- Student Council president Adam Fenwick and staff member Nancy Fenwick lead all-school prayer.

-- Trash to Treasure Auction at 1:30 p.m. Part of proceeds to American Heart Association.

-- Family Fun Night from 7 to 10 p.m.

St. Mary Cathedral School

Today

-- Fifty school volunteers recognized at luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Maria Haus.

Wednesday

-- Grandparents and students enjoy game of bingo at the school gym beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Thursday

-- No Uniform Day and no homework.

-- Teachers will be treated to special lunch; students get pizza lunch.

Friday

-- Parents are invited to 8 a.m. Mass and can spend the morning with their children in the classroom.

Notre Dame High School

Wednesday

-- Student Council will host an appreciation lunch for teachers and staff.