March 19, 2025

St. Joseph

Catholic with a capital “C” refers to Holy Mother Church. When a small “c” is used it means universal or all encompassing. As I thought about the last week, the variety of extraordinary experiences struck me as catholic: hockey and Hadestown.
I’ve not been to a hockey game recently. The last time was at Pershing Auditorium about the time most of you were born. They announced, “Please stand for the National Anthem!” And nothing happened…and nothing happened. Finally, a bunch of fraternity guys sitting in front of us sang the anthem, quite well I might add, after which we all cheered and the game began.  

A bit of background for those not in the loop on these events. About a month ago The Stars, Lincoln’s Professional Hockey team, held a promotion where the school with the greatest number of people in attendance would win a free skate night. In case you are not aware, I’m frugal. I’m also attuned to any educational endeavors that will grab kids with simple joy. Rink rental is $350 and skate rental is $5. That, combined with a trend in education in the U.S. toward “the feminization of education” which we fight regularly, resulted in the decision to give it a go. (If you’d like more on the concept of “feminized education” let me know, as the detail is considerable making it prohibitive here.) Amazingly, St. Teresa School had the greatest number, so we won the free skate!

Sometimes I wonder what Fr. Kipper must think when I ask some rather atypical questions…an older Sister asking to promote attendance at a hockey game…thus far he has been on board with the unique ideas. I recall his answer when I first arrived asking about a change in an event. He said, “That will be fine, just don’t take out anything fun!” We are birds of a feather!
Hadestown at the Orpheum was a rather different gathering than the hockey crowd. We want our children to be able to navigate the waters of a wide variety of events with virtue and grace.
Hadestown at the Orpheum - what an opportunity for a first-class musical from Broadway. Have you looked at the pictures of the Orpheum on their website? Ornate and gorgeous are the best descriptors. The proportions which result in beauty are present over and over in the interior. The materials and lasting nature of the architecture grasped the attention of all. Then there was the performance - so few people creating such beautiful sound, both vocally and instrumentally. Mrs. Schilmoeller deemed it a resounding success.

What will be next, only the Good Lord knows! I can’t wait to find out. I think it may be a snow day in the midst of the week. Was it really 70+ degrees 12 hours before the snow accumulation began? Yes, I think the Lord likes surprises too. May He help us delight in them!

Sister Mary Michael, C.K.