At St. Pat’s in Cedar Falls, students still learn and pray amid ‘social distance’

By Laura Dobson

Special to The Witness

CEDAR FALLS — Distance learning opportunities and prayer are keeping students and staff at St. Patrick Church and School in Cedar Falls united as schools around the nation remain closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Teachers have set up a schedule for Zoom meetings with students each week. On Sundays, they send families details on learning activities, suggested faith and family opportunities, and announcements.

From preschool through eighth grade, the learning continues. One parent recently contacted school officials with the following message:

“THANK YOU for this schedule and all you are doing to connect to the kids during this time. I do mean it when I say you are doing an amazing job,” wrote Katie Schmitz, a mother. “It brings tears to my eyes when I think about all the teachers and staff are doing to stay connected. The kids love and miss you and I know many of you offered up your spring break to support them. Please pass on to the teachers and staff that we so appreciate everything they are doing!”

Dobson is marketing coordinator for St. Patrick School and Church in Cedar Falls.

In order to continue praying together as a group, the two sets of Yackley twins along with other St. Patrick students and teachers have submitted video clips that have been combined and uploaded to YouTube. Continuing the weekly Monday Morning Prayer service has been well received in maintaining unity during the school closure. Members of the parish have enjoyed being able to participate. The prayer service ‘premieres’ on the school’s stpatrickcatholic YouTube channel at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays. (Contributed photo)