Last Week at JPII - 09/28/26
This past week, our high schoolers were able to experience a part of Church History first-hand. High school students, faculty, and parents took a trip to St. Louis, MO for the Beatification of Bl. Fulton J. Sheen, beloved preacher and evangelist.
September 28, 2026 - It’s been busy at St. John Paul II Academy! Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from last week, capturing the heart of life at JPII.
The JPII convoy was able to attend Eucharistic Adoration with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, hear from a variety of dynamic speakers, and participate in the incredible Beatification Mass.
Students were blown away by the sheer number of Catholics in attendance at the Beatification Mass (especially the almost 3,000 clergy and religious), and one sophomore said she was especially moved by the tangible joy of being surrounded by so many people sharing the same vibrant Faith. Other highlights include the Rite of Beatification itself, the unveiling of Bl. Fulton Sheen’s official portrait, and the chanting of the Veni Creator Spiritus.
The group was also able to visit the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and the St. Louis Art Museum for some enriched art and history classes “on the go.”
During their Ruah Woods Theology of the Body lesson this week, 2nd and 3rd graders created a special art project to meditate on the love of God. Students drew a heart in the center of a coffee filter using a Sharpie. Then, they used washable markers to draw a colorful “gift” around the heart. After spraying the coffee filters with water, they watched as the washable colors faded while the heart stayed the same. The heart reminded students that God’s love never fades, even when things of the world may fade.
In Mr. Melllender’s Euclidean Geometry class, 8th graders Maura and Charlie proudly show off their work together, proving that angle ACB = angle CAD + angle DBC.
The 4th & 5th graders intently discussing their latest literature book, “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood”, and enjoying games with the rest of the Lower School during recess in the school yard.
Hope you enjoyed this week in the life of JPII. Stay tuned for more glimpses in and out of the classroom as we continue to form saints, fully alive!