St. John School in Hot Springs celebrates with a visit from Father Bill Elser (bottom left) from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hot Springs Village, who is an alumnus. He served his famous homemade ice cream to his great-nephew Dylan Gandolph (center), his kindergarten classmates and the rest of the school. (Print not available for this photo.)

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrates Mass at St. Edward Church in Little Rock during Catholic Schools Week and gives a special blessing to faculty and staff. He gave each of them a medal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The bishop concelebrated Mass with Father Greg Luyet, pastor, and Deacon Chuck Ashburn. (Print not available for this photo.)

In Morrilton, Sacred Heart kindergarten students (right) learn to safely exit a smoke-filled building with the Morrilton Fire Department. On Feb. 2, students were offered a variety of mini-course activities provided in conjunction with area businesses. (Print not available for this photo.)

First and second-grade students (top left) at St. Vincent de Paul School in Rogers perform a play titled “American Heroes” written and directed by music director and teacher Kristi Brackett. The play was performed at the school’s open house Sunday, Jan. 31, in honor of Catholic Schools Week. (Alesia Schaefer photo)

Father Jack Sidler (front left) sits with parents, staff and community leaders during the annual VIP Lunch at St. John School in Russellville to conclude Catholic Schools Week. The school also honored local police officers, priests and nuns. (Print not available for this photo.)

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Catholic Schools Week celebrated Jan. 31 to Feb. 6

Special activities honored students, teachers, religious and community leaders

Published: February 12, 2016

By Maryanne Meyerriecks
Fort Smith Correspondent

Maryanne Meyerriecks

Maryanne Meyerriecks

Catholic schools found fun and clever ways to celebrate Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 to Feb. 6. Each school planned different events every day.

Students at Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith launch their balloon rosary at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 during Catholic Schools Week. Across the city at three other Catholic schools — Christ the King, St. Boniface and Trinity Junior High — students also gathered on their school grounds at the same time to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and simultaneously launch colorful balloon rosaries into the afternoon sky.

At Immaculate Conception School, the rosary got caught in the trees and repeated valiant attempts to relaunch it were unsuccessful. Principal Sharon Blentlinger, speaking on a bullhorn, reassured the students that God had heard their prayers even though the balloons failed to reach the heavens as they finished their chaplet.

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