LEWISTON — On a trip dedicated to spending time with students, Bishop Robert Deeley became one during his tour of Saint Dominic Academy’s Lewiston campus on Jan. 31. Bishop Deeley learned what the students in prekindergarten through grade six have been up to, and even participated in some of their current projects.

“I see, so the marshmallows hold the toothpicks on the outside to form the cube.”

“That’s right, bishop.”

“Now, we’ve got the hang of it,” said the bishop as he worked with a team of third graders to complete a geometry lesson involving the building of a tower with marshmallows and toothpicks.

After the tower was finished, Bishop Deeley was awarded a “Superstar” sticker which he wore for the remainder of his visit.

In second grade, he fielded questions that were written by students and posted onto a board. Many were about his background and life as a bishop, but some were about the vestments he wears in church.

The first-graders told the bishop about their penguins project and had made a large sign for him that listed all the reasons they love attending Saint Dominic Academy.

The pre-kindergartners gave Bishop Deeley a special art project that they all signed. The bishop also read books to the younger children, including “The Land of Many Colors.”

The bishop’s visit was part of the academy’s celebration of Maine Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, which celebrates the mission of Catholic Schools: To evangelize students by nourishing faith and encouraging academic excellence while accentuating the importance of community and service in a nurturing environment.

Throughout the week, students at the Auburn (grades seven to 12) and Lewiston campuses have engaged in academic competitions, fun activities, clothing theme days and other special events.

The students were excited to tell the bishop about some of the memorable moments that have occurred as well as others that are still to come, including a schoolwide trip to see Paddington 2.

On Jan. 30, students gathered at the Auburn campus to participate in a variety of service projects, including the building of bookshelves for Trinity Jubilee, the sewing of T-shirt totes for St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, the creating of knotted rosaries for students and the making of Valentine’s Day cards for residents at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion. The students at the Lewiston campus made cards and brought treats for the bus drivers.

When the bishop arrived on Wednesday, he participated in a morning prayer led by the student chaplains. During his tour, he was guided by student ambassadors and before departing, the bishop attended a staff luncheon hosted by the Friends of St. Dom’s.

For more information, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/CSW2018.

Bishop Robert Deeley observed and participated in Maine Catholic Schools Week at Saint Dominic Academy Lewiston and Auburn campuses on Jan. 31.

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