Catholic students observe education celebration

Students attending Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Wasilla, observed the annual Celebration of Catholic Education in the United States this week. From January 31 to Feb. 6, young students observed the annual celebration week with Masses, activities for students and community ministry. Through the activities, Catholic schools focused on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the church, community and nation.

The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2016 was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” OLV students joined Catholic students from Holy Rosary Academy, Lumen Christi, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Schools of Anchorage on Feb. 3rd for a celebration Mass attended by families, clergy and faculty. All the students were active participants in the Mass.

Students at Our Lady of the Valley serve their churches of Sacred Heart, (Wasilla,) Our Lady of the Lake (Big Lake) and St. Michaels (Palmer) in various church ministries. Students at OLV do not limit their ministry only to our Valley Catholic churches but instead to various agencies and outreach venues throughout Southcentral Alaska. This past week the children will have spent time with seniors at the Alaska Pioneer Home, Palmer Senior Center, patients at the Providence Hospital Cancer Center and Beans Café in Anchorage. Students will bring their songs of hope and joy and fellowship to others as they answer Pope Francis’s call of “Mercy To Others.” These students not only learn about the corporal works of mercy they put them into practice. OLV students recently completed their blanket project for the children of Magadan, Russia, and collected survival items for those in need at “Beans Café” in Anchorage and “My House” in Wasilla. Thank you platters of homemade cookies were delivered to various public service agencies throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Our Lady of the Valley was recently featured in the Alaska Catholic Magazine as a community of students that answer the call of service. Their ministry to others isn’t just limited during this one week. OLV students have brought their message of appreciation to local veterans and generosity to food banks for several years. Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School offers academic excellence and a faith-filled education for students while instilling service to others while following the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Joyce Lund is principal and a second/third grade teacher at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Wasilla.