word of God Catholic SCHOOL

Support Services and Activities                                                       

Word of God Catholic School offers a variety of Support Services, including:

Extracurricular Activities

English Festival

Students in grades 4 through 8 have the opportunity to take part in the annual English Festival, sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English every Spring.  Fourth and fifth graders read and prepare four assigned books and travel to Seton-LaSalle High School to compete against other teams in a game and trivia format. Sixth through eighth graders complete six books and attend Duquesne University to demonstrate their knowledge and insight into the assigned readings.  Both groups hear a speech delivered by the "featured author" and have an opportunity to ask questions and have their novels autographed by the author.  This festival gives students an opportunity to further develop a love of reading and literature, and to experience a day of literature-based fun. 

Meals on Wheels

Students in 6, 7 and 8 have the opportunity to volunteer their services to the Swissvale community to those who are homebound.  Our students accompany adult volunteers to pick up the food prepared at Braddock Hospital and from there they deliver these meals to approximately ten homes.  The recipients are always delighted to see our young men and women and the students have a much appreciated opportunity to provide service to their neighborhoods.

Altar Servers

Beginning in the 4th grade, students may participate in the Word of God Parish as Altar Servers.  Students are scheduled for daily, as well as, weekend Masses at St. Anselm's site and for weekend Masses at St. Barnabas and Visitation worship sites if so desired.

Parish Lectors

During the second semester of 8th grade interested students may become lectors for the noon Mass at St. Anselm's Church.  Lectors are scheduled in advance and are responsible for being present and on time

Robo Club

The Robo Club is open to students in 5th through 8th grade.  As a member of this club, each student works on a team to build robots using Legos.  The robots must be programmed to complete specific tasks in a specific order.  Competitions are held twice a year and also require the teams to develop thematic presentations.  Meetings are held as needed when preparing for a competition. 

Service Organization

Using their gifts of time, talent and treasure, this club consisting of 6th, 7th and 8th graders, help those in need. Fundraising events and activities sponsored by this organization benefit the Chimbotee Foundation, the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the works of the Korean Sisters of Charity, to name a few.  In addition, this organization supports school and parish groups and activities as needed.  Meetings are held after school on the first Wednesday of each month unless otherwise stated. 

2007-2008 Service Organization Project

Letters to Iraq

Word of God students from kindergarten to eighth grade spent time this month writing letters and cards to servicemen in Iraq. These cards were sent to Major Mark Cousins to distribute to the unit to which he is attached.  Major Cousins is a close family friend of several of our students.  Since mail takes nearly a month to get there, the entire school dressed in red and green for a special Christmas picture.  The students will continue to send cards and letters throughout the school year.  

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Fine Arts Club

6th, 7th and 8th grade students are part of this club which focuses on various aspects of the arts.  Student productions of the Living Nativity and Living Stations are highlights of this organization. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month. 

Additional activities