National Catholic Schools Week Continues Through Saturday 

It’s National Catholic Schools Week, a homecoming of sorts according to Michelle Nehls, principal of Saint Joe’s Catholic School in New Hampton.

Nehls adds that the weeklong celebration is a time to thank the community for being part of the school all year round.

Shelly McDonald has been a teacher at Saint Joe’s for 27 years. She says some students will take a special field trip to better understand how important faith is to who they are at Saint Joe’s.

Friday is staff appreciation day  at Saint Joe’s with free, 15-minute massages available to all staff members. Activities wrap up Saturday with a special mass at 4 pm followed by the family soup supper from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Charles City is also celebrating Catholic Schools Week. They’re also collecting items for Care Bags for patients undergoing surgical care for cancer at Floyd County Medical Center. Items to contribute include fuzzy socks, chapstick, non-scented lotion, hard candies, word searches, gift cards, prayer cards, stress balls, and toothbrushes. Donations are due at the IC School by Thursday.

The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 from January 29 to February 4 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”