The MERCY Momentum - Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School

The MERCY Momentum
Prayer Knowledge Service
SPRING, 2012
Volume 16, Issue 2
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School provides Catholic foundations for a life of prayer, knowledge, and service.
MERCY Mia! OLOM Auction
Fr. John Visits First Graders
Attending the Our Lady of Mercy Parish “Mercy Mia” Auction
are from left, Lynn Schroeder, Carrie Lee, Chairperson, Fr.
Miles Walsh, Cheri Gioe, Carolyn Guidry, and Tina Villa.
Fr. Arun John recently spent the afternoon with our first
grade students, and shared the story of his life and his vocation. He patiently answered the many questions prepared by
these students in anticipation of his visit. Many thanks to
Fr. John for his years of service to our Diocese, and to Our
Lady of Mercy Parish.
Over 300 guests gathered to enjoy an evening at the
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Auction held on March 3, 2012.
“Mercy Mia”, was the theme of the annual event, and
decorations, food, song, and the raffle prizes all
displayed a love for Italy!
Diocesan Robotics Showcase
Bob Fourroux served as Auctioneer, and guests had
the opportunity to bid on numerous items included in the
silent and live auctions throughout the evening. Some of
the most popular of the live auction items were those
created as classroom projects by the students of Our Lady
of Mercy School. Travel Getaways, tailgate packages,
furniture, and jewelry were also items of high interest.
Special thanks to Carrie Lee, Chairperson for the
event. Carrie and the 2012 Steering Committee provided
a wonderful evening of entertainment for the guests, and
a most enjoyable fundraiser for our church and school.
Thanks to our many guests and supporters who helped
make this event exceptionally successful!
At the 2012 Diocesan Robotics Showcase held on March 31st,
MERCY boys placed FIRST and MERCY girls placed SECOND!
The challenges included tasks that had been announced prior
to the showcase, as well as the day of the event.
OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL PHILOSPHY
We believe that Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School provides an environment where partnerships are formed among educators, students, and parents to identify each child’s talents and
needs so that the individual develops to the fullest potential in an atmosphere of Catholic
faith and love.
400 Marquette Avenue  Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806  225-924-1054  www.olomschool.org
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Distinctive Visitors During Catholic Schools Week
Our Lady of Mercy School was blessed to have Holy
Cross Family Ministries visit during Catholic Schools
Week. Their “Thinking Good Thoughts” presentation included the history of the Rosary, activities centered
around reflection on the things that remind us of Jesus,
and the importance of praying as a family.
Mission Director Beth Mahoney sent a letter expressing her thanks for the wonderful experience. She commended the hospitality extended during her time here,
and noted it was revealing of the spirit and nature of the
school. She was also very pleased in the preparation of
the students for the various presentations. Her closing
words stated:
“May Mary, our Mother, continue to guide and inspire you as you bear witness to the Catholic faith with
your faculty, students, staff and parents.”
Second grade students enjoyed an activity focused on the
importance of praying as a family. Students were asked to
share the activity with a family member that evening.
Special thanks are extended to this special ministry
team that shared these spiritual lessons and traveled to
us with no expense to the school.
Christian Life Awards
Christian Life Awards
PK-1
PK-2
PK-3
PK-4
K-1
K-2
K-3
K-4
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
2-1
2-2
2-3
3-1
3-2
3-3
4-1
4-2
4-3
5th
6th
7th
8th
PK-1
PK-2
PK-3
PK-4
K-1
K-2
K-3
K-4
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
2-1
2-2
2-3
3-1
3-2
3-3
4-1
4-2
4-3
5th
6th
7th
8th
Second Nine Weeks
Anna Catherine Lewis Wyatt Vincent
Mariana Moreau
Shiv Reshamwala
Catherine Murthy
Grant Odom
Margaret Murthy
Noah Gawarecki
Anna Kate Alligood
Brandon Lin
Aubrey Becnel
Sam Laville
Sophie Stringer
Mason Prochaska
Alyssa Carroccio
Mason Polk
Emma Coghlan
Jon Philip Antoon
Claire Hambrice
Chandler Young
Emma Hulse
Jose Martinez
Anna Kathryn Nodier
Steele Lewis
Claire Cunningham
Gavin DeMarche
Riley Andre
Warren Ross
Katie Delcambre
Jacob Hedges
Sarah Degeyter
Rhett Greer
Annabelle Chenevert Anthony Raemsch
Audrey Delaune
Eli Marshall
Claire Toups
Andrew Gawarecki
Jolie Parola
Connor Beadle
Anacelia Galeano
James Hains
Tysyn Brazier-Carter
Houston Carley
Maddie McCrary
Joel Pinell
Anna Herrera
Joseph Carmen
Caroline Cothern
VJ Saurage
Faculty Recipients: Sonia Hurst and Katie Lee
Third Nine Weeks
Rachel Schroeder
Chaillie Daniel
Brianna Green
Mia Barfield
Addison Forbes
Mollie Tittlebaum
Josie Ostrowe
Laura Purgerson
Emma Claire Coniglio
Avery Guillot
Ansley Zeitler
Madeline Krzystowczyk
Hillary Nguyen
Saige Jones
Paiten Furr
Allie Canova
Courtney Miceli
Maura LeBleu
Meghan Crump
Anna Leyrer
Kaytie Blanchard
Saylor Young
Madeline Chenevert
Taylor Scharwath
Michaela Mitchell
Jacob Serrano
Jack Carley
Oliver Vance
Jaden Houston
Henry Albritton
Bradley Wright
Paul Catalanatto
Sammy Smith
Jonathan Hayes
Eddie Haywood
Luke Nola
Gabe Smith
Malik Bell
Connor Myers
Robbie Jaca-Baez
Daniel Aydell
Liam Chisholm
Dell DeLage
Jack Nodier
Antonio Barbee
Mac Strange
John Perez
Brodie Vance
Jack Dean
Trevor Thibodeaux
We believe that spiritual foundations are of the utmost importance in the development of the
child. In learning the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church, the child develops a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which serves as a guide throughout life. Through prayer, the child understands that with Him all things are possible.
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Students Experience Creative Classroom Activities
First graders Mackenzie Millet and Jon-Philip Antoon look
through fossil rich sediment during a fossil find activity in
Mrs. Jean Albarado’s classroom.
5th grade Science classes put their knowledge of physics into
practice by participating in an Egg Drop. Students worked in
groups to design containers fashioned to protect an egg that
was dropped from the highest bleacher at the OLOM field.
Captured in an epic battle are, Kyle Beadle as Sauron the
Necromancer, Michael Krzystowczyk as Smaug the dragon,
and Jack Dean as Bombur the hobbit. Seventh graders dressed
as their favorite characters after reading The Hobbit.
Riana Bickham from Mrs. Olivier’s third grade class proudly
shares her display that was designed to accompany her project on the Ojibwa Indians.
We believe that academic foundations are established as the child is challenged beyond basic
skills to realize his fullest potential. Becoming an active participant in the acquisition of
knowledge fosters the natural curiosity of the child. While preparing for the challenge of further education, the learner develops the skills of search and discovery. These skills enable
each child to become a lifelong learner.
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MERCY
School Theme: Called to Serve
Prayer, Knowledge, Service . . . These are words
that echo from the school’s mission statement into its
motto. These are not words in theory, but words set into
action at Our Lady of Mercy School. The school theme for
2011-12, “Called to Serve”, has certainly leant itself to
numerous opportunities for students to become actively
involved in the Service aspect of our school’s mission.
Each year students in grades Pre-K through eighth are
involved at some level in the service efforts of the
school. Students participate in the school-wide projects
such as collecting non-perishable goods for Christmas
baskets, collecting money for Rice Bowls, and the “Fill a
Prescription for the Needy” program sponsored by the St.
Vincent DePaul Society. Pre-K through 2nd grade students
also share time with their Big Buddies, who are 5th-8th
grade students at Our Lady of Mercy School. Mary’s Club,
open to all 2nd-4th grade girls, participates in a number
of service projects each year. Many of the projects are
seasonal, but projects have also included work with the
Louisiana School for the Deaf, Parker House, and the tornado victims of Holy Spirit School in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Our fourth grade students make regularly scheduled
visits to St. Clare Manor Nursing Home to share creative
activities with residents. Fifth and sixth graders also visit
the Adoration Chapel to integrate prayer into their service mission. The program for seventh and eighth grade
students has expanded into a pre-service opportunity as
preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. “Who Do
You Say That I Am?” is a program that instills awareness
to recognizing Jesus in everyone — the poor, homeless,
elderly, and imprisoned. These students have scheduled
service days and spend time doing works for Catholic
Charities, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Clare Manor, and Our
Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. As a follow-up, students also write reflections in regard to their experience.
Recently the eighth grade students of Our Lady of Mercy
School completed their second retreat for the school
year. The day began with their performance of the Living
Stations, followed by an afternoon of group and individual prayer and activities. The day concluded with milk and
cookies shared with second grade Little Buddies. ”God
Expects All of Us to eXhibit MERCY!” (GEAUX Mercy!)
was the theme of the retreat sponsored by Our Lady of
Mercy Church. This retreat was an opportunity to welcome these students as members of the Confirmation
Class of 2015.
The diverse range of service opportunities have
called our students to serve, and have created a perceptive awareness of community needs. Many families participate in church or community sponsored service projects, and these school sponsored activities also engage
students in new experiences. Many thanks are offered to
our families for the generous gifts of time and treasure
necessary to make these efforts possible. Your generosity
and your model shape the future and help ensure the
compassionate spirit of generations to follow.
Eighth graders Ashley Gremillion and Claire Hadlock enjoy milk and
man and Zoie Kelly-Atol during the Geaux MERCY retreat sponsored b
The Living Stations of the Cross were presented by eighth graders
during Lent. Pictured are Patrick Campesi, VJ Saurage, and Tres
Turner.
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“Our Lady of Mercy School
provides Catholic foundations for a life
of prayer, knowledge, and service”.
cookies with second grade Little Buddies Catherine Kellerby Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Fourth grade students Claire Toups and Meghan
Crump share Easter craft activities with residents at St. Clare Manor during the class visit in
March.
Parishioner Pat Shingleton spoke to students about St. Vincent DePaul
Society’s “Fill a Prescription for the Needy Program” adopted as a service project during the Lenten season.
Mary’s Club members Emily DeSoto,
Sydney DeSoto, Lily Guidry, and Kate
Uffman display Christmas stockings
filled for Parker House.
7th grader Caroline Saucier displays
the Get Well card she created during
the visit to Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital.
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MERCY
Youth Legislature 2012
students were inducted into the Hall of Fame based on
superior involvement as noted by teachers and leaders of
the Youth Legislature session. Congratulations to all students who made this a wonderful experience.
Hall of Fame
Teacher George Cunningham guides students in preparation
for Youth Legislature.
Participants in Youth Legislature included fifty-two
7th and 8th graders from OLOM interested in the legislative process. Students were involved in a number of
ways including participating and leading in small committees, running for offices, debating and voting on bills,
and playing the role of a press delegate. The following
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Cameron Carpenter
Elizabeth Garner
Ashley Gremillion
Raegan Griffin
Claire Hadlock** Speaker of the House Pro Tem
Kenny Hingle
Maggie Kimble** Bill signed into law
Michael Krzystowczyk
Marissa Lally
Tamra Manfredo
Michaela Mitchell** Sgt. At Arms
Emily Rumfola** Bill signed into law
Madison Ruston
Whitney Say** Governor’s Cabinet
Bella St. Amant
Trevor Thibodeaux** Governor’s Cabinet
Olivia Thurmon** Sgt. At Arms
David Toups
Tres Turner** Sgt. At Arms
Katie Vukovics
Photos by Darlene Aguillard
Bishop Robert Muench Visits OLOM School
On January 20, 2012,
Bishop
Robert
Muench visited the
Our Lady of Mercy School campus to share a morning promoting awareness in regard to vocations with students,
faculty, and staff. The day began with an early breakfast
with the faculty, during which the Bishop shared a personal reflection concerning his call to the priesthood.
Following breakfast and armed with his trusted book
of “Knock, Knock” jokes, the Bishop made his way to the
second and third grade hallway to briefly chat with students. After this early morning visit, Bishop Muench celebrated Mass with the students of Our Lady of Mercy
School. Following Mass, he spoke to the fourth graders as
he shared an account of his life as a priest.
The remainder of the morning was spent in break-out
sessions with students in grades 5-8. He traveled to the
Early Childhood Center to share a few thoughts, prayers,
and even more jokes with the littlest ones on campus.
They appreciated his warmth and sense of humor.
Bishop Muench’s last stop was in the cafeteria for
lunch with the seventh and eighth graders. It was a special day for those in the school community, and we thank
Bishop Muench for arranging his schedule to accommodate such a memorable visit to our school!
We believe that social foundations are necessary for Catholic living in modern society. The
child recognizes his place as a citizen of the world and seeks to imitate Christ in service to
others. Service projects afford a student the opportunity to spread the Good News of God’s
Kingdom on Earth. Social justice begins with the individual and affects society as well as the
global community.
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Students Caring for the Environment in Various Ways
Students worked after school on Friday afternoons to help
beautify the school campus. Charlotte Paulsen (Mrs.
Berkely’s mom) helped students with preparing grounds and
planting. Thanks to all for your dedication to this project!
Pre-K students Ava Catherine Fremin and Christian Wolfe
examine the claws of a Louisiana Black Bear. Paul Davidson
of the Black Bear Conservation Coalition presented interesting information about the Black Bear and its environment.
Student Council members Megan Gremillion, Madison Crump,
Brandon Beale, and Kayla Darsam ready recycle bins for
pick-up. Members commit to this task every Thursday.
During an after school meeting, 4-H Club members Dylan
Gifford and Tyler Delcambre welcome a visitor that is native to the Louisiana environment.
These foundations are integral to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School. They support our beliefs: all parents are the primary educators of their child, every teacher is a vital part of the
education process, and each child is given the tools to meet the challenges of Catholic living
in the 21st century.
The MERCY Momentum
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School
400 Marquette Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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Some MERCY Highlights!
Above: DARE officers and two members of Catholic High
School's BAAD (Bears Against Destructive Decisions) organization visited with the 6th Grade students. Top left, MERCY alum George Jeha returned to OLOM representing CHS.
It was a very enjoyable season of T-Ball and Coach’s Pitch!
Fr. Miles Walsh prayed with families at the opening game of
the season, and our youngest Bluejays and their families
had a great time! Thanks to OLOM ATHLETICS!!
Learn more about Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School at: www.olomschool.org
The MERCY Momentum is published by the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School Development Office. Story ideas, Student or Alumni
news, OLOM sports updates, or address changes should be emailed to: mbuzbee@olomschool.org or mailed to, Our Lady of Mercy
School, 400 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (Attention: Mari Buzbee).