(Editor’s note: As a way to celebrate The Messenger’s 110th anniversary, we have been printing “a page of history” from around the diocese. If you would like to suggest a particular year to look at, please let us know. We hope you find these pieces of history interesting.)

Three members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame volunteered to conduct a two-week Bible School program for parish youth, Father Ted Baumann, pastor, reported. The Sisters, Linda Maune, Sophia Ebert and Janice Munier, all SSND, conducted the school, June 4-15, as part of their apostolic activity for the summer, Father Baumann said.

“They (the sisters) really enjoyed it — and the kids loved it,” he said. Average daily attendance of the children, 1-8 grades was 20, Father  Baumann reported.

Sisters Linda and Janice teach during the regular school year at St. Joseph, Ridgway, while Sr. Sophia teaches at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Herrin. In the two-week school at St. Joseph, Cobden, Sr. Linda taught first, second and third grade students; Sr. Sophia taught fourth and fifth grades and Sr. Janice taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

Classes were held from 9-11:30 a.m. daily with a short beak at mid-morning. The subjects dealt with the sacraments, especially Baptism, Father Baumann said. This was related to the overall theme of the program, “You Are a Child of the Living God.”

Father Baumann also held a Penance Service and celebrated Mass daily with each group, with the children and the Sister-teacher assisting in the planning.

A closing Mass was celebrated the final day, June 15, with the children, their parents and the Sisters.