Local students prepare for the end of the pope

Jordan Janet was a sixth-grader when he saw Pope John Paul II during a 1999 visit to St. Louis. Even then, the Catholic leader's hands trembled and his shoulders stooped.

"He was a leader and a role model to follow. It was hard for me to watch him when his health failed," said Janet, now a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School.

Stories about the pope -- his forgiveness of the man who shot him, his implementation of World Youth Day and his swinging a hockey stick during his 1999 stop in St. Louis -- intermixed with prayers for him among students at Notre Dame this week.

"For the students, he's the only pope we've ever known. It's kind of like losing a grandfather," said Notre Dame senior Emily Bira.

"It's a very rare opportunity and a good teaching moment for all of our students," said Tami Nenninger, principal at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson.

Junior and senior high students at St. Vincent schools in Perryville, Mo., will take part in a living rosary today, forming the beads of the rosary themselves.

"We're all touched by it. This is our spiritual leader. Plus, it's a very historic event," said principal Lisa Best.

The entire school went to St. Louis six years ago for the pope's visit.

"The students feel close to him. We're trying to give them as much information as possible," Best said. "There's so much tradition and history, so much the pope has done for everyone in this world."

All students, not just those who are Catholic, participated in events honoring the pope.

"We have everybody participate because that's what our product is. Also, this is a historical event, not just an event for our church," said Sarah Strohmeyer, campus minister at Notre Dame.

Students at Notre Dame remembered the pope best for his interaction with children.

"He really reached out to young people a lot, like with World Youth Day. He had an impact on a lot of young people," said senior Lauren Mehner.

In classes, students also discussed the selection of a predecessor.

"It's more significant for us at the school because it's not something we're familiar with," said Daniel Strohmeyer, a theology teacher at Notre Dame. "We wonder about it. I told students that I'll be learning along with them. Yes, the church will go on, but we don't know what it will be like."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128