By WHITNEE ICE
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph's Catholic Schools have implemented the Vitality in Catholic Education plan, an effort to stabilize enrollment to schools and eventually grow enrollment. Bishop LeBlond High School Principal Ann Lachowitzer says the schools are not just working on enrolment, but making disciples that learn about Catholic heritage.
"Forming good citizens who can think well, and speak well, and write well, and who will serve the greater good," Lachowiter says to St. Joseph Post. "The whole point of this particular group that has now been formed, is to make improvements to our Catholic schools in St. Joe."
St. Joseph's Catholic Schools Week this year works to revive Catholic education in St. Joseph. Lachowitzer says parents' view of schooling has changed over the years.
"At one time a cross on a wall with a saint name on the outside of the building was enough to draw people to the school and here lately, its not enough anymore. We have to go above and beyond," says Lachowitzer.
Catholic Schools Week is going to look a little different this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Lachowitzer says the schools will have some fun celebrating the week with such things as crazy sock day but they will also focus on prayer.
"A lot of prayers, a lot of recognition, specifically Roe V. Wade for our high school students and understanding the importance of life and what that means," says Lachowitzer.
St. Joseph's Catholic Schools Week will be held January 31 through February 6. St. Joseph's Catholic Schools Vitality Summit will be held online January 31 at 2pm to update the community on the Vitality Plan's progress with stabilizing enrollment.