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November 2009: St. Joseph School in Bonne Terre Has “Penny War” for Holy Childhood Association |
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 St. Joseph School in Bonne Terre, Missouri only has 32 students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Yet their missionary spirit is awesome! Following a visit from Msgr. Francis Blood, Director of the Holy Childhood Association in St. Louis, the students, with the help of their teachers and principal, Karen Basden, decided to have a “Penny War” for the Holy Childhood Association.
Beginning on November 2, 2009 students placed their offerings in three bowls that were placed in the school. Soon the jars started to overflow. Before long, other coins of larger monetary value began overtaking the amount of pennies. By November 25, 2009 the 32 students had raised $467.34 for the Holy Childhood Association.
The school’s secretary, Glenda, called the Mission Office to invite Msgr. Blood to receive a check from the students. The sixth grade class had raised the most funds. One of the sixth grade girls presented the check as the faculty and student body looked on. Among the students, some of the youngest dressed as “Pilgrims” while others dressed as “Native Americans” in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
What was most delightful for the students was seeing the faculty wearing school uniforms, while the students received an “out of uniform” day for the remarkable amount of funds they raised. Just as much fun for the students was to be served by their teachers and principal at the pre-Thanksgiving luncheon in the Church Hall, with their pastor, Fr. John Schneider, and adult parish volunteers watching. The children ate first. Many preferred to start with dessert and work their way through a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Considering the small size of the student body, the sacrifices of the students and the fun way that their principal and faculty recognized this achievement was quite special. Fr. Schneider was also quite proud of his students and the faculty. One student named Layne said, “When I heard how much money we raised, my jaw dropped open!”
May the generosity and zeal of St. Joseph School, with their 32 students, inspire and encourage other Catholic elementary schools and parish schools of religion to do their part for the Holy Childhood Association, too!
Congratulations and many thanks to St. Joseph School in Bonne Terre!
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