​By Vanessa Prairie and Leona Kelly
     As a part of the February Corporal Work of Mercy, Pray for the Imprisoned, Deacon Tom came in this morning and spoke with the students about how the Prison Ministry works and what part the Catholic Church takes in aiding the inmates in our area.
     Deacon Tom covered these topics:

• The different types of facilities that we have in Idaho for those who break the law and why
• What restitution is and how inmates are able to pay these debts
• What a work release program is
• That inmates are given the opportunity to learn new job skills and receive classes to help them recognize and correct those things that contribute to them breaking the law in order to aid in their rehabilitation.
• The role of deacons and priests and other church denominations who come to visit inmates (to pray with them and hold bible studies)
• The importance of not judging those who are imprisoned and also not to be fooled by them (as sometimes they try to manipulate you).

     The students gesture of making Valentine cards gives inmates encouragement, faith, love, and compassion so that they can continue to rehabilitate.

St. Written by Leona Kelly
     During the month of February, the 5th grade class at Holy Rosary will be leading the school in the Corporal Work of Mercy: Pray for the Imprisoned. Students will make valentine cards that will be given to the residents of Good Samaritan Nursing Home and other shut-ins in our community. Then Deacon Tom Middleton, who is involved in Prison Ministry, will come and talk to the students. And finally, all dress down money that is collected will be donated to the Prison Ministry.

This prayer to St. Valentine inspired our project:
O St. Valentine, lover of Christ and of the Church, we ask your intercession that we may learn how to love God above all things, and to selflessly love one another. O glorious St. Valentine, pray for us, that we too may have the steadfast faith of the martyrs.

     One of the extracurricular activities that we offer at Holy Rosary is Ski Club, run by volunteer Chad Barchard. It is a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced skiers/snowboarders alike, to learn new skills and to continue their progress. Our first trip for this season was held on Tuesday, February 4th and will continue each consecutive Tuesday through the 25th, weather permitting.
     Another opportunity that is available to all 5th and 6th graders is the Passport Program, compliments of Ski Idaho, which allows all 5th and 6th graders to ski or ride 18 mountains for 18 bucks. For more info about this opportunity visit http://skiidaho.us/8-blog/46-idaho-2018-19-ski-and-snowboard-season-begins