Church School
by MaryJo Werbianski

This past year has been a busy one for our Church School. August began with a Vacation Church School Day focusing on the life of St. Innocent. The day included a field trip to Little Red School House. October brought the consecration of our parish. Church School children participated by learning about a bishop's visit, arriving early to greet His Grace with bread and salt and to strew flowers in his path. They also joined the choir in singing St. Luke's hymn and the Hymn to the Theotokos.

Our students have become active in charitable contributions. Students were encouraged to donate canned goods to The Pantry. John and Karen Verderber delivered our donations. They also prepared small packets of necessities, such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, etc, for needy children. In December, families placed gifts under our "giving tree" to be given to babies and mothers through PASS (Pregnancy AID South Suburbs). We have supported this pro-life agency for the past three years. They have sent representatives in past years to speak to our teens about abstinence.

We also enjoyed the return of our Icon Lady, Alexandria Lukashonak who visited classes twice each month. Student and teachers alike learned much from her. Later in December, Lynn Rizo directed the children in a Christmas play and St. Nicholas made his visit.

Our annual Lenten Retreat was well attended and prepared our students for a fuller understanding of Holy Week. On Lazarus Saturday students Christen Bern, Valerie Quinn, Karen Seper, Michael Rizo, and John Zacharias made their first confessions. They were prepared for this event by Father Andrew, Pat Ketchmark and Jeanne Bern during six weeks of classes. Family and guests enjoyed a special brunch at Poulakis' new restaurant.

In May, a small group of students and their families walked the Hike for Life in the Orland Forest Preserve. This is the third year that we have participated. Money was earned to save babies and support Mothers. During May we also held our annual diaper collection. Our school year ended in early June with awards for good attendance and graduates.

This summer there will be various classes during coffee hour. Luba Johnson will be conducting classes using sands from around the world, including sand Father brought from the Holy Land. She is also working on a Bible quiz game. Watch the bulletin for exact dates and other classes.

Fall registration will be September 6 and 13. Classes will begin on September 20. This year children as young as 18 months are invited to register and join the pre-school class taught by Pat Harrison. We offer classes from pre-school through adult. Our staff will grow to include several new teachers this year. Please join us.