Students participate in religious celebration

By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Meredith Mayberry and Amanda Crabtree


Sacred Heart Academy students celebrate their faith this week with more than 2 million other Catholic students all over the United States.

Jan. 27 through Feb. 2 marks Catholic School Week.

“We celebrate who we are, what our strengths are and what we represent,” said Denny Starnes, principal at Sacred Heart Academy.

Starnes said this week brings new activities for the students and a break from the norm.

The week was kicked-off with the Bishop Robert J. Carlson and four other area priests celebrating Mass for the elementary students from Sacred Heart Academy, Beal City, Clare and Alma, Monday. There were more than 400 students, Starnes said.

“It lets them see that they are not the only one at Catholic school in a uniform,” said Mary Kay Reetz, admissions director for Sacred Heart Academy.

The high school celebrates Mass in Saginaw with two other schools on Tuesday, having more than 800 students in attendance.

Catholic School Week allows the schools to celebrate what they have, compared to public schools, Starnes said. They have faithful sharing along with celebrating during the school week.

Rachel Jaksa, Sacred Heart Academy senior, said this week is important because it’s good to know about other people who are Catholic.
“It’s different to have a whole week dedicated to your religion,” Jaksa said.

On Thursday Dan LaFevour, a player for Central Michigan University’s football team, will speak to students from seventh to 12th grade. Reetz said the younger kids idolize him.

LaFevour, who attends the Sacred Heart Perish, will talk about his faith in his life, Starnes said.

“It shows you can be cool and still celebrate religion,” Reetz said.

The theme this year is “Catholic Schools Light the Way.” The school has guest speakers and activities throughout the week.

The biggest event this week is the SHAGALA, Starnes said. On Feb. 2 there will be an auction dinner to raise money for the school to go towards general funds and help reduce cost of tuition. They hope to raise $30,000, he said.

This week will also mark the beginning of a school wide food drive.