Third annual fund raiser brings supporters together

Intermountain Catholic

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Jean and John Henkel, Nancy Leary, Dee Rowland, and Clara Brennan, many of whose children are alumni of Our Lady of Lourdes School in Salt Lake City, applaud the news that the school has paid off its debt. School supporters gathered at Market Street Grill Cottonwood Sept. 20, for a fund raiser. IC photos by Barbara S. Lee

SALT LAKE CITY — With its debt to the diocese newly retired, all the talk was of the future at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School’s third annual fund raising reception Sept. 20, at Market Street Grill Cottonwood.

Dave Spatafore, past president of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council served as master of ceremonies at the reception hosted by Tom Guinney, part owner of the Market Street Grill. Guinney’s two daughters are alumni of the school.

Spatafore introduced Guinney, Marty Schwartz, current president of the parish council, Ernie Sandoval, president of the Our Lady of Lourdes School Board, then Bishop John C. Wester of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Citing the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ 1970s pastoral letter on Catholic education, "To Teach as Jesus Did," Bishop Wester emphasized the important role of parents, both as the first teachers of their children, then as supporters of Catholic education.

"As your children’s first teachers, you hold a sacred trust and an awesome responsibility," Bishop Wester said. "Tonight you are participating in the process of helping your children grow in age, wisdom, and grace. As parents, teachers, staff members, and faculty of Our Lady of Lourdes School, you have made a solemn commitment, and we appreciate the sacrifices you have made. Thank you for being here."

Father William H. Flegge, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, related a story of a second-grader at Our Lady of Lourdes School answering that timeless question, "Why did God make you?" with "God made me because he’s lonely."

Fr. Flegge thanked teachers, especially, and members of the parish who have unfailingly supported the school, contributing to a special collection monthly to help retire the school’s debt.

"The motto of the school is, ‘Where everybody is somebody,’" Fr. Flegge said. "Our teachers, our students, our staff, and the collaboration we have with Judge Memorial Catholic High School make our school something to celebrate."

Pointing out that except for a male principal and a male athletic coach, the rest of the work is done by women, he said the teachers show students, "Christ with your lives."

Principal Armando Vanegas spoke of establishing an endowment to help assure the future of the school, and, "creating new systems for the students. There are new steps we have to take, like establishing a board of trustees to share in our ideals and our love of children."

Venegas announced future fund raisers and Spatafore challenged everyone to bring another person to the annual reception next year.