The 352 students at All Saints School of St. John Vianney celebrated the 40th anniversary of the school and the opening of the new school year at a special Mass on Sept. 22.
The celebrant, Father Thomas Johns, St. John Vianney pastor, invited the students to reflect on the blessings God has bestowed upon the school since it opened on Aug. 27, 1977. The project was spearheaded by the late Father Robert Kline, who had been St. John Vianney?s pastor. When the school opened, there were 189 students who came from several Lake County parishes.
What makes Catholic schools work today is ?the legacy of students who have ears that will listen, a strong desire to learn and the willingness to spend the time to study,? Father Johns told those attending the Mass. He urged them to continue that tradition.
In addition, he asked them to look to their parents, grandparents, other elders and teachers for advice and counsel. He also stressed the importance of friendships and especially of having a relationship with Jesus to help them get through any tough times.
Father Johns also praised Father Kline for his ?vision, determination and ability to inspire many parishioners to volunteer to help him make his dream of an inter-parochial school a reality.?
Concelebrating the Mass was Father Kevin Liebhardt, pastor of St. Justin Martyr Parish. Terri Armelli is principal of All Saints School at St. John Vianney.
