Great Kids, Great Families

Catholic schools work

2008-09-17T20:00:18Z

Originally posted in: The Catholic Herald, Sept. 4, 2008. (reprinted with permission)

Author: Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

At first it was kind of gloomy. Scholars from the Pew Center for Research on Religion in America, and from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) spent an hour and a half or so helping us bishops understand the data on the Pew Center's recent study on religion, with special consideration for the Catholic Church in America. It was enlightening for us bishops to hear this at our meeting last June.

Like I said, there was indeed some undeniably sobering news: Yes, more adults were leaving the Catholic Church; fewer were worshipping weekly at Sunday Mass; fewer still approaching the sacrament of penance; only 53 percent of Catholic adults were married in the church, and divorce rates for Catholic couples were approaching the national rate; our Catholic married couples were having fewer children; while vocations to the priesthood and religious life were going up a bit, the numbers were still way too low; and knowledge of the essentials of the faith hardly got a passing grade.

We were all ready for an earlier cocktail hour after the gloomy news when along came some glowing news that I find especially timely to share with you now:

·         yes, more adults were leaving the church ... but, those alumni of our Catholic schools were much more likely to remain faithful;

·         fewer were worshipping weekly at Sunday Mass ... but, those who had attended Catholic schools were much more loyal;

·         graduates of Catholic schools approach confession more often;

·         those who had gone to Catholic schools marry in the church at a higher percentage, report more fulfilling, lifelong marriages, and have more children;

·         young people in our Catholic grade schools, high schools, and colleges are much more likely to think seriously about becoming a sister, brother, or priest;

·         and alumni of our Catholic schools grasped the essentials of church teaching and the Bible at a significantly higher rate.

What we've known in the gut for decades is now empirically proven: Catholic schools work; they are the most effective agents of catechesis, spiritual, moral, and mental formation, and evangelization that we have.

If you want to tackle the hefty challenges facing the church today, you can't go wrong in supporting our Catholic schools.

Are they perfect? Nope! Do they have problems of their own? Yep! Does this mean we should ignore our other programs of religious education? You know better.

But, are our Catholic schools worth it? You bet your life they are!

Parents, principals, teachers, parishes, school boards, benefactors, pastors ... thank you for getting us to the start of another promising year of Catholic schools. They work. The verdict is in. Your sweat, sacrifice, and scrimping are all worth it.

A blessed new school year!

Welcome Fr. Mike Scheip

2008-09-15T00:21:00Z

The families of St. Mary’s are excited to welcome Fr. Mike Scheip as a part-time Associate Pastor.

Fr. Mike comes to us from St. Patrick Church in Sarasota, Florida. He also has been appointed half-time Auditor/Advocate for the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, effective from September 1, 2008 thru June 16, 2009.

Welcome Fr. Mike!

Soccer Balls for Honduras and El Salvador!

2008-09-08T15:40:29Z

The children from St. Mary and Good Shepherd Parishes who attended Vacation Bible School in June learned about our sister parishes. On June 17th we talked about the children in Honduras and on June 18th we shared information about Good Shepherd’s sister parish in El Salvador. After realizing how poor the children are and how much they enjoy playing soccer, the students earned money to buy some soccer balls to send to our sister parishes. Every child had an opportunity to sign the ball that their small group bought to share with the children of Honduras and El Salvador.

We thank all of the students for their generosity and goodness!

St. Mary Parish School Awarded $4,000 Music Grant

2008-08-26T20:24:34Z

St. Mary Parish School was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Beihoff Music Fund. The school will use the funds to purchase a new portable, digital piano, and Apple MacBook computers, equipped with GarageBand software.

“We are grateful to the Beihoff Music Fund for giving us this opportunity to further advance our music program,” said school Principal Linda Joyner. “And we are very excited to offer our students the chance to work with this state-of-the-art music technology.”

The new technology will enable St. Mary students to create, arrange, record and produce their own voice, instrumental and digital compositions, which will be used as part of the school’s annual musical productions.

The music technology investment is a part of the school’s larger Technology Forward initiative, designed to maximize students’ exposure to computers and digital education, encouraging collaborative learning. In May 2008, the school received a $50,000 donation from alumnus and author John W. Schilling to support the school’s technology plans.

The Beihoff Music Fund was established in 1960 to aid elementary and secondary schools of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in the enhancement of their music programs. The fund supports repair and purchase of musical instruments, sheet music and other legitimate expenses incurred by scholastic music programs.

St. Mary Parish School has a rich history within the Menomonee Falls community, graduating over 30,000 students since opening its doors in 1916. In 2008 the school launched Technology Forward, a campaign to engage students by delivering innovative curriculum via advanced educational technology. To learn more about St. Mary Parish School call (262) 251-1050 or follow the link at www.stmarymf.org.

Where Are They Now? St. Mary Alumni

2008-08-02T02:08:00Z

Written for St. Mary Express Press Student Newspaper

By: Emily M., Grade 6

Mrs. Harley’s mom had four daughters; two became teachers, one is a doctor, and one is a nurse. She grew up right here in Menomonee Falls.

The school she went to is St. Mary’s starting in first grade because there was no kindergarten when she started to go school. Her mom went to St. Mary’s too! Mrs. Harley stayed at St. Mary’s until she graduated in 8th grade. She got the idea of being a teacher in sixth grade. When she went to school they didn’t have any specials, all they had was music, not even gym because they didn’t have a gym at the time.

They went to church a couple times a week and after church ended they had breakfast in class!! In the classrooms they didn’t have just ordinary teachers they had nuns.

After she graduated she went to Menomonee Falls High School. Then she went to Whitewater College where she studied to be a teacher. She also met her husband in college but he was a year older. They got married and raised one girl named Cathy, who is now a teacher too!

Mrs. Harley has a great life, a great family and a great job—she is a teacher here at St. Mary’s School! She taught students’ moms. She also probably taught you. She even taught the other sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Walker.

If you didn’t have her someday, you might. She’s a great teacher, and this is coming from one of her own students, me!

Teacher's Corner: Meet Our Principal

2008-07-18T02:27:00Z

Written for St. Mary Express Press Student Newspaper

By: Sarah K., Grade 6

Many of you know, or at least I hope you know, our principal Mrs. Joyner, but do you know her background?

She grew up in Iowa and went to a school called Davis Country. Then she attended Moravia High School. As she grew older she went to the following schools: Indian Hill, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Marquette.

While in college she took art and education classes. Through college, Mrs. Joyner worked at a clothing store, as a water safety patrol officer, and in an office at a furniture store.

These days, she enjoys reading and watching movies. She wants to influence kids at St. Mary’s to always do their best and go out to make the world a better place.

Congratulations Mr. Kelm!

2008-06-24T19:11:24Z

Congratulations to Mr. Kelm, one of our 5th grade teachers, on his recent marriage. Mr. Kelm found his "Miss Right" by marrying Ms. Wright who is a 5th grade teacher at Holy Apostles in New Berlin.

Congratulations to both.

Our best wishes for a long and happy marriage!

Alumni TMJ4 Interview

2008-05-27T17:56:57Z

St. Mary Alumni went from a businessman to an FBI spy, uncovering fraud along the way. John Schilling is the author of “Undercover: How I Went From Company Man To FBI Spy.”

Check out the interview from Channel 4:

http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/seenontmj4/19139304.html?video=YHI&t=a

Book signing and presentation - May 21st

2008-05-15T13:17:33Z

You are cordially invited . . .St. M a r y P a r i s h S c h o o l M e n o m o n e e F a l l s P r o u d l y A n n o u n c e sWhistleblower’s JourneyA Presentation by Author & St. Mary AlumnusJohn W. Schillingbased on his new bookUNDERCOVERHow I Went from Company Man to FBI Spy —and Exposed the Worst Healthcare Fraud in U.S. History Wednesday, May 21stSt. Mary Parish School Activity Center5:30 PM Hospitality 6:00 PM Presentation 6:30 PM Book Signing Reserve your seat by calling Jennifer Ridgeman at 251 1050, or email ridgemanj@archmil.orgto hear author John W. Schilling recount his life-transforming adventure from accountant to confidential informant and leading witness for the prosecution in the largest healthcare fraud case in U.S. history. Listen as John highlights his ten year odyssey, working with the FBI and Department of Justice and journeying into an undercover world of taped conversations and secret government raids. Mr. Schilling credits his extraordinary accomplishment to his strong sense of morals and values. During his upbringing at home in Menomonee Falls and while attending St. Mary Parish School, John was taught to respect others, be honest, and strive to live with integrity. Learn how those early lessons helped him prevail.

St. Mary's Alumnus - Company Man to FBI Spy

2008-04-22T13:15:00Z

Author and St. Mary’s Parish School Alumnus John Schilling will be here Wednesday, May 21^st to talk about his new book called: Undercover: How I Went from Company Man to FBI Spy - and Exposed the Worst Healthcare Fraud in US History. Suspenseful and provocative, Undercover tells the story of Schilling’s journey from ordinary citizen to federal informant. The book recounts how he allied himself with the FBI and the Justice Department and journeyed into an undercover world in which he carried a wire and mapped out offices for secret government raids. Schilling recalls his time at St. Mary’s Parish School fondly and even mentions the school in his book: “The school, run by the Franciscan sisters, was known for its rigorous curriculum and strict adherence to Catholic religious teachings. That upbringing at home and at school taught me to respect others, be honest, and strive to live with integrity.” Schilling will be at St. Mary’s Parish School for a day of events on May 21^st, capped off with a special program including a book signing event and a sneak peek at the school’s new one-to-one learning initiative. Undercover is available at Barnes & Noble and www.amazon.com.

Dream In Color

2008-04-08T03:12:59Z

Fourth Annual Parochial School Art FairMenomonee Falls Public Library April 9-30, 2008Reception: April 18, 2008, 6:00pm-8:00pm Participating Schools:· Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School· Grace Evangelical Lutheran School · St. Anthony Parish School· St. Mary Parish School

Sharing time and talents

2008-04-04T00:03:53Z

We share with you what some of our children and young people told us about how they are sharing their time and talent with God and with our own community. In their own words, our children remind us how simple, beautiful and meaningful living our faith can be. • “I prayed for my friends who were fighting” ------2nd Grade• “Singing solms (psalms) to God” ------ 2nd Grade• “Helped my little brother make an airplane” ------ 1st Grade• “I brushed the snow off of the car for my mom.” ------ 6th Grade• “I shoveled the driveway without being asked to.” ------ 5th Grade• “I prayed the rosary” ---- 2nd Grade• “I bought art supplies for the poor (giving tree items)” ------ 1st Grade• “God. I love you.” --------- K5 Student• “Playing with uthers. Learning at school.” -------- K5 Student• “I bought a soccer ball for Honduras” ------- K5 Student• “I will lisin to my teecher.” ------ K5 Student• “Prayed for my grandma.” ---- 2nd Grade

WE'RE SO PROUD OF OUR DI TEAMS!!!!

2008-03-20T20:20:44Z

We are SO proud of our two Destination Imagination competition teams!! They presented their team challenges and performed instant challenges on Saturday, March 15, at Kennedy Middle School in Germantown, and did extremely well! The "DI've Got A Secret" team coached by Mrs. Witney and Mrs. LoCicero took 4th place! The "Hit or Myth" team coached by Mrs. Kuske and Mrs. Krikorian took 5th place and also won the prestigious "DaVinci Award" for outstanding creativity! Fantastic! We appreciate all of the work the team members and their coaches did over the last four months! It was worth it!

Optimist Club Recognition

2008-03-05T00:10:58Z

On Wednesday, February 20th Andrea S., a St. Mary’s 8^th grader, was recognized by the Optimist Club as student of the month. Andrea was chosen based on academic achievement and how she Lives Jesus. Her positive attitude and many contributions to school and community were just a few of the reasons she was recognized. Andrea was in good company with St. Mary alum Andy V. (2007) who was also recognized.

Congratulations to both of these wonderful young people!

Big Cash Raffle

2008-02-26T00:23:28Z

GRAND PRIZE $10,000.00!!
Second Prize $5,000.00 Third Prize $1,000.00Fourth Prize $ 500.00Fifth Prize $250.00Sixth-Fifteenth $100.00 each

15 WINNERS IN ALL!

What makes the BIG CASH RAFFLE so special? Only 2,000 tickets will be sold. If you purchase 3 tickets your chance of winning a prize is 1 and 45. Those are some great odds!! The price for a ticket is 1 for $50.00 or 3 for $100.00. If you are interested in buying tickets, please call the school office at 262-251-1050. Proceeds from the BIG CASH RAFFLE support our parish school. A strong school means a strong community! Thank you so much for your support! This year’s drawing will be held on May17th at the parish auction; you need not be present to win. GOOD LUCK!

January Food Collection

2008-02-21T21:26:31Z

By: Mrs. Kristin Walker6th Grade Teacher As part of their service project this year, the 6th graders are asking that everyone in our school help them in collecting food to fill the shelves at the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry. During the month of January, the 3rd and 6th grade students were asked bring in non-perishable items.

Their joint efforts brought in a total of 198 items, weighing 150 pounds. That brings the combined total for the year to 566 items, weighing 379 pounds.

The sixth graders would like to thank their 3rd grade buddies for their generosity and effort.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Day in Third Grade

2008-02-18T04:19:03Z

By: Mrs. Jean Sorenson3rd Grade Teacher

On Friday, February 8th, third graders in Mrs. Birschbach's and Mrs. Sorenson's classes celebrated the 17th annual "Laura Ingalls Wilder Day."

They enjoyed reenacting a pioneer school day, and participated in many historical and fun learning activities, such as writing math facts on slates, mapping Laura's travels, butter churning, maple candy making, and a pioneer picnic.

Dominican High School Academic Challenge

2008-02-10T20:12:53Z

On Friday, February 8^th, twelve 7^th and 8^th graders represented St. Mary Parish School in the Dominican High School Academic Challenge. They used their talents as they answered content knowledge and application questions. Prizes were awarded to both schools and individual students.

Congratulations to our own Joseph Fellows who took first place in the 8th grade Art category!! He received a trophy and a $1,000.00 scholarship to Dominican High School.

The Art students were Libby Phillips and Joseph Fellows. English competitors were Michelle Pohl and Madelyn Murphy. Jacob Newman and Alex Ash competed in Math. Katey Burkhart and Jessica Wierzchowski competed in Religious studies. Science students were Courtney Mehring and Taylor Seidl. Kyra Porter and Joseph McAsey competed in Social Studies competition.

We’re proud of all of our students as they meet the challenges of academic competition and success.

Celebrate the USA! At St. Mary’s Family Fun Fair

2008-01-30T14:08:02Z

Chase away the winter doldrums and join the St. Mary School Community from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at our annual Family Fun Fair. St. Mary’s is located at N89 W16215 Cleveland Ave., Menomonee Falls. Enter off of Main St., just east of Appleton Ave. Come for dinner and stay for the fun!

This annual community-building event is sponsored by the Day School’s Home and School Association, and planned by the 1^st Grade Families of the Parish School. Our first graders selected this patriotic theme in honor of our great country and the many men and women who protect us and our freedoms.

All are welcome to this FREE admission carnival that features: games, inflatable attractions, hair and face painting, scavenger hunt, cake walk, raffles, food and more! Tickets for food, beverages and activities will be sold during the night for 50 cents each. Most games are only one ticket! Contact Janet Larsen, Fun Fair Chairperson, at (262) 781-9782 or jalarsen@wi.rr.com.

St. Mary Parish School Open House

2008-01-22T16:50:02Z

St. Mary Parish School has been giving children the best a Catholic education has to offer since 1916! In celebration of Catholic Schools week, we are hosting an Open House on Sunday, January 27th from 11am-2pm. We invite all prospective families to join us to tour our fully accredited school, meet our outstanding teachers and staff, and see how our school excels at Challenging Minds, Developing Character, and Living Jesus!

St. Mary School offers quality education in grades K4-8, with both full and half-day 5K program options, differentiated instruction with a focus on multiple intelligences, and a rich variety of activities to encourage and nurture the God-given talents of each child. Come and see in person why the Archdiocese of Milwaukee awarded St. Mary exemplary recognition in the areas of community, climate and mission!

We are located at N89 W16215 Cleveland Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.

For more information or to schedule a personal tour outside of our Open House, please call (262) 251-1050