By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent
Catholic school gets a new name
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Leading the procession of items for a time capsule were Katy Gilbert and Matthew Reinthaler, who carried shirts with the Rhinelander Catholic Central (RCC) logo. The school recently changed its name to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School. (Catholic Herald photo by Mary Grieco) |
RHINELANDER -- Catholic school students in Rhinelander are getting used to a new name. Rhinelander Catholic Central (RCC) has officially changed its name to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School to reflect the parish name selected when St. Joseph and Immaculate Conception (St. Mary) merged at the beginning of this year.
At an all-school Mass during Catholic Schools Week, several items for a time capsule were brought forward in procession, reflecting more than 100 years of Catholic education in the city. Included was a large, framed diploma from 1907, as well as memorabilia from more recent years.
"With sadness we say good-bye to RCC while welcoming the name of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School," said Principal Shirley Heise. "Our hope is that with the new name we will continue to build our Catholic identity, have a constant reminder that our school is a part of a larger parish community and exhibit gratitude to the members of our parish who provide generous support for the operation of our school," said Fr. John Gerritts, pastor.
Among the visible signs of the change is a new banner featuring the school name surrounded by stars. In addition, a new school logo was selected from entries in a student contest. The winning design was submitted by seventh grader Joseph Spafford, with second and third places going to Avery Rapier and Rachel Ostrander, respectively.
Heise announced the start of a new initiative known as the Linking Program. Nativity School has two buildings, which are a mile apart. Students are now working to make a paper chain to connect the locations, but there's more to the project than just cutting and stapling. For every link students add, they are to earn 25 cents -- perhaps by helping at home, shoveling for a neighbor, running errands, etc. Money raised will be donated to Catholic Relief Services for tsunami and Florida hurricane victims and people in Haiti.
"As we link in faith, we will be reaching out to others globally," said Heise, who helped to get the project started by giving four links and four quarters to each class.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005