My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Nebraska Department of Education, on October  6th, recognized seven schools in Nebraska as Blue  Ribbon Schools. A prestigious designation awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.  I am privileged  to announce that Mary Our Queen Catholic School was one of the seven schools to be recognized as a 2025 Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the highest honors a  school in the United States can receive, recognizing overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

The Blue Ribbon recognition underscores the collective work of faculty and staff in fostering a rigorous academic environment. Mary Our Queen was recognized in the Exemplary High Performing School category, marking it as one of the state’s top schools in overall achievement.

Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for data-driven instruction, effective teaching methods, professional development, and strong collaboration between educators, families, and communities. The program highlights schools that serve as models of innovation and effectiveness nationwide.

Mary Our Queen Catholic School will join the other honorees in being celebrated by the Nebraska Department of Education later this fall.

As Pastor, it is a tremendous privilege to be part of this honor that began 60 years ago since the founding of our School.  Not only does this honor belong to the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff of Mary Our Queen but it also belongs to all who laid the foundation to shaping our School into the wonderful School we are today.  Congratulations are in order.

Special thanks to the Legion of Mary for hosting our Annual Rosary Walk at Mary Our Queen on Tuesday.  The evening involved praying the Rosary while processing around Mary Our Queen Campus on the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary.  The evening concluded with Benediction followed by a  reception hosted by Catholic Daughters.

We have prepared a Faith Formation Guide for our Family of Parishes. The idea of providing this guide is for you to reflect on your own personal faith journey in light the opportunities that are offered here in our Family of Parishes.  This Faith Formation Guide will be available on our website and in the narthex.

Please also check out our new Digital Alumni Board at Mary Our Queen in the narthex.  It displays all the graduating classes at Mary Our Queen since our founding 60 years ago.

Through the hard work of so many, the grounds of our Family of Parishes are looking beautiful.  We are looking for some gardening angels to help us maintain the grounds of our Family of Parishes whether it is a specific area of our campus or helping us look into the overall aesthetics of our campus. Any assistance you can provide will continue to help in the upkeep of our Family of Parishes.  Please contact the Parish Office if you can assist.

Blessed week ahead,

Fr Marc