Virtue: Kindness
At St. Anastasia Catholic School, our Saint of the Month program continues to recognize students who demonstrate strong character, academic responsibility, positive attitudes, and a commitment to living out our monthly virtue.
In September, we focused on Kindness.
Kindness is more than simply being nice to others. It means showing compassion, offering a helping hand, including to those around us, and treating everyone with love and respect. Even the smallest acts of kindness let us reflect Christ’s love and make a positive difference in someone’s day.
Throughout the month, our teachers and staff observed students who modeled this virtue in meaningful ways. Whether through encouraging words, thoughtful gestures, helping a classmate, or showing compassion toward others, these students demonstrated how kindness can strengthen our school community.
We are proud to recognize the following students as our September Saints of the Month:
- Oliva | Kindergarten
- Greta | 1st Grade
- Margo | 2nd Grade
- Amelia | 3rd Grade
- Emilee | 4th Grade
- Anthony | 5th Grade
These students remind us that kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture to make a difference. Their caring hearts, thoughtful actions, and willingness to put others first serve as wonderful examples for their classmates and our entire school community.
Congratulations to our September Saints of the Month! Thank you for sharing God’s love through your kindness and helping make St. Anastasia Catholic School a welcoming and caring place for all.
Continue ReadingCatechists Needed: Share Your Faith and Make a Difference
Our Faith Formation program is looking for additional catechists to help guide and encourage the young people of St. Anastasia as they grow in their Catholic faith.
Serving as a catechist is an opportunity to share your faith, build relationships with the children and youth of our parish, and help form the next generation of our Church. And you do not need to be a theologian or have all the answers to make a difference.
We are looking for adults who love their Catholic faith, enjoy working with young people, and are willing to help them grow in their relationship with Christ.
Opportunities to Serve
Catechists are currently needed during both of our Wednesday evening Faith Formation sessions:
Early Session: 5:00–6:30 PM
Late Session: 6:00–7:45 PM
Whether one of these times works well for your schedule or you simply want to learn more about what is involved, we encourage you to reach out.
Lead or Assist
There are different ways to get involved. You can lead a class or assist another catechist, depending on your interests and comfort level.
If you feel called to help but aren’t sure you’re ready to lead a classroom, assisting is a great way to become involved, learn more about Faith Formation, and support both our students and other catechists.
We Provide the Materials and Support
You won’t be expected to develop lessons on your own. All lesson materials and resources are provided, giving you what you need to present each lesson to students. Support is also available throughout the Faith Formation year.
What we need most is your willingness to be present, share your faith, and help our young people continue building their relationship with Christ.
Could You Help?
The faith of our children and youth is strengthened by parishioners who are willing to share their time, experiences, and love of Christ with them.
If you have considered becoming more involved in our parish, this may be an opportunity to put your faith into action and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people.
Please contact the Parish Office for more information or to volunteer.
Come share your faith and help form the next generation of our Church!
A New Year of Faith Formation at St. Anastasia
A new year of Faith Formation is underway at St. Anastasia Catholic Community, and this year brings several changes and new opportunities for our children, youth, and families.
As we prepared for the 2026–27 year, we listened to suggestions from our families and adjusted the Wednesday evening schedule. Rather than having all age groups follow the same timeframe, our Faith Formation programs now have different start and end times based on grade level.
Our goal remains the same: to give our young people meaningful opportunities to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, deepen their relationship with Christ, and continue building a strong foundation of faith at every age.
New Faith Formation Schedule
Families should take note of the new Wednesday schedule:
- 1st Grade Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS): 4:00–5:00 PM
- Grades 2–6 Elementary Faith Formation: 5:00–6:30 PM
- Grades 7–9: 6:00–7:30 PM
- Grades 10–12 Youth Group: 6:30–8:00 PM
An important part of our Wednesday evenings will continue to be gathering around the Eucharist, with Mass celebrated at 6:00 PM for all.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
We are also excited to offer new opportunities for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).
A CGS option is available for first-grade students on Wednesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM. In addition, a new CGS opportunity is available for children ages 3–5, with sessions offered Sundays from 8:30–9:30 AM and Wednesdays from 2:00–3:00 PM.
Working With Our Families
We recognize that a new schedule can take adjustment, and the updated times may not work perfectly for every family. Our Faith Formation staff welcomes families to reach out with questions or to discuss possible solutions when scheduling concerns arise.
For questions regarding CGS through 6th grade, contact Jennifer Eckstein at [email protected]. For 7th–12th grade, contact Ryan Kuester and Brittany Smith at [email protected].
We are grateful to all of our families, catechists, volunteers, and staff who make Faith Formation possible. We look forward to another year of learning, prayer, community, and helping our young people continue to grow in their Catholic faith.
2026 Marathon for Nonpublic Education
On Friday, October 2, 2026, St. Anastasia & Kids’ Depot students, school teachers, staff, parents & siblings will walk 3.5 miles to raise awareness and money for their school. As one of St. Anastasia Catholic School & Kids’ Depot’s largest annual fundraisers, the Marathon is not only a source of accomplishment and excitement for students, but also a key financial component that helps the school meet its needs.
This year, our goal is $50,000, with 100% going directly to the school. These funds will continue to support further educational programs for St. Anastasia & Kids’ Depot students.
As a member of the extended St. Anastasia family community, there are several ways in which you can participate:
- Send a pledge donation with a student, or send via mail to: St. Anastasia Catholic School, Attn: Marathon, 400 Lake St SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350
- Make an online donation
- Become a Business Sponsor (levels $250-$5000+) and have access to unique advertising opportunities!
The donation deadline is October 2, 2026. For Premium and Elite Sponsorship information, please contact Principal Betty Kloss at [email protected].
With your support, we can reach our goal of $50,000 and continue providing quality education where our students grow and thrive.
Continue ReadingWelcome to St. Anastasia, Ms. Harding!
St. Anastasia Catholic School is excited to welcome Sarah Harding as our new 3rd Grade Teacher!
Sarah grew up in Watertown, Minnesota, and graduated from Watertown-Mayer High School in 2020. She went on to earn her degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 2024.
Teaching has always been Sarah’s dream. She shared,
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little. I love teaching because I love seeing students grow and use their skills in and out of the classroom!”
Outside of school, Sarah enjoys shopping, scrapbooking, camping, taking her dog Zuke for walks, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sarah is looking forward to beginning this new chapter, saying,
“I am excited to grow my career and faith at St. Anastasia School!”
We are thrilled to have Sarah join our school community and know she will be a wonderful addition to our team. Her passion for teaching, commitment to helping students succeed, and enthusiasm for Catholic education make her a great fit for St. Anastasia.
Please join us in giving Sarah a warm St. A’s welcome. We can’t wait for our students and families to meet her this fall! 💙
Continue Reading
Faith Forward: Keeping Young Catholics Connected
Did you know that nearly 80% of Catholic high school seniors drift away from their
faith after graduation? Many don’t reject their faith — they just never get connected
to a new Catholic community to help sustain their faith.
That’s why our parish is participating in the Newman Connection Faith Forward
movement, a national initiative ensuring every Catholic high school senior enters
college with faith, not fear.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Are you a high school senior or parent? Sign up today to make sure you (or your
child) stay connected to a Catholic faith community after graduation! - Parishioners, want to help? Join us in praying for our seniors and encouraging them
to stay connected.
Visit www.connection.newmanministry.com/faith_forward_movement to learn
more!
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460 Lake Street
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-587-6507
