A host of parents and parishioners attended the opening mass and school blessing for St. Joseph Catholic School on Friday, August 23. What a wonderful way to welcome the 83 students of St. Joseph Catholic School, their teachers, and support staff. 

Mass began with students hanging shirts on the laundry line at the front of the sanctuary. The shirts were labeled with the words compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, representing the selected Bible verse to guide students this year: Colossians 3:12.  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

During the homily, Fr. Klein gave the students their first quiz of the school year, testing their knowledge of these words. There were many smiles as the students eagerly participated in the formation of their faith through Holy Mass. Immediately following mass, Fr. Klein blessed St. Joseph Catholic School and the classrooms. A reception with cookies and punch was then held in the parish center. 

May the excitement of the first days of school and new lessons of faith and academics, remain with our students through the school year. And may the parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church continue to prayerfully support the Catholic education provided to our youth at St. Joseph.