Around The Diocese For Jan. 20, 2017
Happy birthday!
Liz Hirsch, parish catechetical leader at Holy Cross Parish, Fort Branch and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Haubstadt, celebrates her birthday Jan. 26.
Deacon Thomas Kirsch, St. Philip Parish in Posey County, celebrates his birthday Jan. 31.
Happy anniversary!
Father Sudhakar Bhastati, associate pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Mount Vernon and Corpus Christi Parish, Evansville, was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 29, 2009.
Father Simon Natha, associate pastor of Precious Blood Parish, Jasper and St. Mary Parish, Ireland, was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 29, 2009.
Special Olympics to Host Annual Polar Plunge Fundraising Events in February
As they have each year for nearly two decades, Hoosiers in every corner of the state will come together this winter to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana before taking part in the annual Polar Plunge — a series of exhilarating events where individuals and teams brave the elements by taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.
All funds raised by the events directly benefit more than 12,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and to compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports.
“We’ve been doing this a long time now, and most people are familiar with the concept—but I think the newcomers are surprised at how much fun we have in spite of the cold,” said Senior Director of Development Scott Furnish. “Whether you want to challenge yourself by taking the Plunge or you just want to support our athletes throughout the state, this is a great opportunity to get involved and to support what we do.”
A total of 18 Polar Plunge events are scheduled between Feb. 4 and Mar. 4 in cities and towns across Indiana, including Bloomington, Boonville, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis, among others. For details and a complete calendar of events,or to register or make a contribution in support, visitwww.polarplungeIN.org.
Submitted photo
St. Philip students place fifth at “We the People” state competition
After qualifying at the regional competition in November, St. Philip eighth grade competed at the “We the People” State Competition in Indianapolis on Jan. 4. The team represented the Evansville Catholic Schools with pride as the only school in the diocese to compete at the state level. The eighth graders took 5th place overall, with two student groups winning first place for their units.
Coach Mark Kirkman has inspired his class to work above and beyond what is required for a typical middle school history class. “They have shown a strong work ethic,” Kirkman said. “The team goes as far as the kids want to take it. They practiced on their own, before and after school, and even Saturdays. This group took the challenge and ran with it - I’m very proud of this group.”
