Phone: (808) 455-3012
Email: office@olgcchurchpc.org
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December 19, 2017Let me start out by saying that I am a proud product of Our Lady of Good Counsel School (“OLGCS”). However, since I am one of the “senior” alumnus sharing my experiences, I think that an insight as to my perspective might be a little interesting.
I attended our school back in the 60s and 70s, beginning with first grade, and graduating in the eighth grade. In those days, there were no kindergarten or pre-school classrooms, and the concrete building was bare cement; and not the blue that we are familiar with today. As a matter of fact, most of the teaching staff and principal were comprised of the Sisters of St. Francis. At one point, their convent was actually located “off campus” with stairs leading onto the Church grounds. And back in those days, our priests were known by their last names (Monsignor Marzen, Fathers Sabog, Eikmeier, Freitas, and McNichol), and some even served Mass with their backs to the congregation.
Yes, things were very different then. But one thing has not changed, and that is the school’s philosophy in providing its students with a meaningful Catholic education. I can remember as a first grader where Sister Charlene required us on Mondays, to give a brief synopsis of the of the Sunday homily. Imagine those expectations of a first grader! However, that taught me to pay attention during Mass, and to focus on its message. That was something that has carried on in my life decades later.
And there were those religion classes that helped me to understand the teachings of the Bible, and the mysteries of our Catholic faith. Prayers were engrained in my mind and my heart, and the sacraments of Penance, Holy Communion, and Confirmation became a normal part of my spiritual life.
As far as education goes, I remember the no-nonsense expectations in class, and the daily homework throughout my grade school years. I remember Sister Lea Christopher pushing me in math, and Sister Jeanette with her tough sessions on English grammar. And while all of this seemed like ridiculous tasks at the time, I later realized how those disciplines allowed me to further my educational opportunities at Saint Louis High School, the University of Washington, and Chaminade University.
In retrospect, I look back on what OLGCS has done for me, how it has affected my approach to life and my personal values; and I am eternally grateful. I am especially thankful to my parents, for having foresight and a willingness to sacrifice a part of their lives, so that they could better mine with a premium Catholic educational background. This in turn, has given me the impetus to actively participate in the various parish ministries, as a way of personally giving back to our school and Church, and to positively influence the youth of my family. And I sincerely hope that by this testimony, one day, another product of our school may present their own statement as to their own success, and how they have benefited from a wonderful Catholic educational experience.
