St. Joseph celebrates first Communicants

JOLIET—On May 4 the second graders at St. Joseph School in Joliet prepared for their first holy Communion. As is the tradition at St. Joseph School, following practice the first Communicants were treated to a luncheon celebration sponsored by the third grade. The St. Joseph students along with religious education students feasted on chicken, chips, cookies, juice and a cake in their honor.

The students in kindergarten through eighth grade also shared in this special time. These students made placemats, bookmarks, cards and banners to decorate the luncheon hall. The second graders received the sacrament of first holy Communion May 6 at St. Joseph Parish in Joliet.

Immaculate Conception shines spotlight on talent

MORRIS—Immaculate Conception School in Morris held its 27th Annual Talent Show on April 26 at the Morris Community High School Auditorium. There were 30 acts that featured the talent of students from preschool through eighth grade. The acts included singing, dancing, piano solos, performances by classes, and a skit performed by several I.C.S. teachers. The Talent Show concluded with a skit done by the eighth grade class and a video tribute that featured pictures of class members taken throughout their years at I.C.S.

For the second year, Immaculate Conception School students called attention to Earth Day by riding their bikes or walking to school April 20. More than 100 students came to school on bikes that day.

Many students rode or walked from their homes while others were dropped off by their parents at a point closer to the school and rode or walked the rest of the way. Several students met that morning at such places as the Morris Bakery and the Liberty Street Cafe and then proceeded as a group to the school.

Many of the groups were accompanied by parents. One parent skating with in-line skates accompanied several bikers and one in-line skater to school that day.

Several teachers also rode bikes to school.

At the School Mass on that day, Father Richard Smith, pastor, spoke to the students about the importance of being good stewards of God’s gifts. This is the second year I.C.S. students have celebrated

Earth Day in this manner.

Volunteer earns praise at St. Raymond

JOLIET—Mary Siegel Wheaton was recently honored as the volunteer of the year at St. Raymond Grade School in Joliet. The graduate of St. Raymond School runs the Manna Program, which raised $16,000 the school last year. Siegel also volunteers in other activities at the school that four of her five children currently attend.

At the conclusion of a recent Mass, Father Brad Baker, administrator of the parish, announced Siegel’s name and asked her to come up to the altar to receive the award. Principal Edward Condon gave a short speech about all of Siegel’s volunteer activities. Condon said the award would be an annual event presented during Catholic Schools Week.

The curtain goes up at St. Mary Nativity

JOLIET—The students of St. Mary Nativity School in Joliet recently performed “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” for their Spring Musical with cast members from sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The evening was filled with singing and laughter and fun was had by all.

St. Joseph students excel in Springfield

LOCKPORT—On the weekend of May 4, 10 students from St. Joseph School in Lockport participated in the Illinois State Science Fair in Champaign. Following are the participating students and the awards they received. Seventh graders Michael Simon and Matthew Pytlewski received silver awards. Seventh graders Anna Bryniarski, Peter Maloney and Amanda Lee earned gold awards. Eighth graders Allison Mackay, Allison Phad, Richard Feifar, Lauren Brizgys and Dan McDevitt also received gold awards.

The project presented by Lee “Seventh Grade Girls’ Heart Rates While Exercising” also received the “Best in Health Science Category” award. In addition, she was presented with a $50 check.

During the month of April, art teacher Rita Feifar planned a special Earth Day project for her classes in grades kindergarten through eight. Using grocery bags donated by Sterk’s Super Foods in Lockport, each student designed and drew pictures of what Earth Day means to them. They expressed their appreciation for a healthy environment through art. Once completed, the bags were returned to the local grocery store to be used for packing items on April 22, Earth Day.

On April 27, the students and staff of St. Joseph School paid special tribute to grandparents by hosting their annual Grandparents’ Day. Students invited their grandparents or other special older adults to the day’s festivities. The highlight was a program planned by music teachers, Michelle Ray and Jennifer Trippeidi. Each class, from preschool 3 year olds through eighth grade, sang TV show theme songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The audience heard theme songs from shows such as “Happy Days,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Brady Bunch” and “The Mickey Mouse Club.” A special feature of the show was when the faculty performed to the theme from “Welcome Back Kotter.” After the musical numbers, students were encouraged to take their guests on a tour of the school. Special treats provided by the Parents’ Club were enjoyed by all.