John Paul II Catholic School is located in Morganfield. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
‘It has to be what we are about’ – School fundraiser helps vocations
BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
The Penny Challenge at John Paul II Catholic School in Morganfield is “one of the most exciting times of the whole school year,” according to Beth Hendrickson, the school’s principal.
Hendrickson explained that the challenge, which takes place every Lent, consists in every classroom having a bucket – which the students race to fill with change and dollar bills.
Once the challenge has concluded, the money raised is divided among different local charities.
For Lent 2021, during which the school raised $2,000, JPII donated to the American Red Cross and Ben’s Place Adult Day Health Care in Morganfield, and provided funds to assemble annual Easter food baskets for local families.
The school also sent a $200 donation for Vocare – the Diocese of Owensboro’s annual fundraiser celebration for vocations. The fundraised money assists the diocese’s seminarian education fund, since the diocese covers their education costs.
Hendrickson enclosed the following note with the check: “Good morning! John Paul II Catholic School is excited to be able to share a portion of our Lenten Penny Challenge Proceeds to assist Vocare. Please accept this check and use it where it is most needed,” wrote Hendrickson in the May 26, 2021 note.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic circumstances, Vocare will not take place this year. But that didn’t mean putting a stop to vocations support.
In fact, vocations awareness is more important than ever as priests minister to those suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Hendrickson said vocations ministry is crucial, and she relates to it especially since a priest was ordained from her parish of St. Ann in Morganfield just this year: Fr. Corey D. Bruns, who was ordained in May 2021.
“We are a Catholic school and we talk about vocations,” she said, adding that “anything we can do to support vocations, we’re planting a seed for them.”
“This is part of our duty while at the school,” she said. “It has to be what we are about.”
Help support seminarian education
Vocare, the Diocese of Owensboro’s annual celebration of vocations, will not take place this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those wishing to financially support seminarian education are encouraged to visit owensborodiocese.org/vocare to learn how they can give. We also ask that you continue to pray for vocations, that more young people will answer God’s call in their lives.
Originally printed in the September 2021 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
