The Crusader2026-02-25T08:57:12-05:00

The Crusader

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Upcoming Events

04/09/2026
  • All School Mass
    04/09/2026  8:45 am - 9:45 am
    HNCS-Main-Multi-Purpose Room (200)

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04/13/2026
  • White Army
    04/13/2026  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
    HNCS-Main-Chapel (50)

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  • Student Life Committee Meeting
    04/13/2026  5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

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04/14/2026
04/16/2026
  • All School Mass
    04/16/2026  8:45 am - 9:45 am
    HNCS-Main-Multi-Purpose Room (200)

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  • HS Track Meet - Gladstone
    04/16/2026  3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
    Gladstone Marble Athlete Football Field, Minneapolis Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA

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04/18/2026
  • Spring Fling
    04/18/2026  12:00 am - 04/19/2026  12:00 am
    HNCS-Main-Gym (375)

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  • Spring Fling
    04/18/2026  12:00 am - 04/19/2026  12:00 am
    HNCS-Main-Gym (375)

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04/20/2026
  • White Army
    04/20/2026  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
    HNCS-Main-Chapel (50)

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04/21/2026
  • HS Track Meet - Gladstone
    04/21/2026  3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
    Gladstone Marble Athlete Football Field, Minneapolis Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, USA

    Delta County Invite

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04/22/2026
  • JH Track Meet - Stephenson
    04/22/2026  4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    Stephenson Area Public Schools, MI, USA

    Stephenson Invite

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04/23/2026
  • All School Mass
    04/23/2026  8:45 am - 9:45 am
    HNCS-Main-Multi-Purpose Room (200)

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04/24/2026
  • Rome Trip Presentation and Dinner
    04/24/2026  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

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04/27/2026
  • White Army
    04/27/2026  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
    HNCS-Main-Chapel (50)

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04/30/2026
05/01/2026
  • HS Track Meet - Rapid River
    05/01/2026  2:15 pm - 5:15 pm
    Rapid River Public Schools, MI 49878, USA

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  • HS Track Meet - Escanaba
    05/01/2026  2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
    Escanaba Jr/Sr High School, 500 S Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829, USA

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05/04/2026
05/05/2026
  • HS Scholarship Dinner
    05/05/2026  6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
    Hereford & Hops Steak House And Brewpub, 624 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829, USA

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05/06/2026
  • MS Track Meet - Rapid River
    05/06/2026  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Rapid River Public Schools, MI 49878, USA

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  • MS Track Meet - Bark River
    05/06/2026  3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
    Bark River-Harris High School, W471 US Highway 2, US-41, Harris, MI 49845, USA

    See more details

05/07/2026
  • All School Mass
    05/07/2026  8:45 am - 9:45 am
    HNCS-Main-Multi-Purpose Room (200)

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A Brief Viau

November 25th, 2025|

A Few “Brief” Notes from the Principal:

Hello Crusader Families!

What a fun, blessed two days we had at Holy Name Catholic School! Ms. Connie prepared a beautiful and delicious Thanksgiving meal for the students and staff today. The halls smelled delicious from the moment you walked in this morning. We are very grateful for and blessed to have Ms. Connie! We are also very grateful for our wonderful students and their families, our amazing teachers and staff, and our generous donors.

A friend just asked me this week how I was liking it at Holy Name, and my response was, “I love it! Everyone is so kind, welcoming, and supportive.” And that’s the truth. What I am most thankful for this year is the blessing and honor to be your Principal at Holy Name. When I leave my family in the morning, I don’t go to work; I go to my school family, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I pray that you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and enjoy the break.

God bless you,
Mrs. Brief

A “Viau”from the Headmaster:

Hello Crusader Family!

I apologize for not giving you an update from the high school last week. After we returned from our awesome high school fall retreat, I became ill and was under the weather the rest of the week which meant I wasn’t able to share with you about our retreat! Last week, Monday and Tuesday we headed to The Shrine of our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wisconsin. If you haven’t been to this special place yet, I encourage you to take some time and go there. This is the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the United States and it’s only a couple of hours from here! When we arrived, we were given a talk about the beautiful history of the Shrine and about Sister Adele, who Mary appeared to there. Father Tim also came and talked to us about who we are in Christ. After the talks, we attended Mass and then we were able to spend time on the Rosary Walk and Stations of the Cross Garden, in the Oratory, History museum and gift shop.

When our time here had ended, we headed to Kaukauna where we stayed at the Zechariah House Retreat House. We had dinner and played some games. To say that there were many laughs and a good time was had by all, would be an understatement. We made some great memories! The next day we were blessed to be able to attend Mass with St. Ignatius Classical School in Kaukauna which is another Chesterton Academy. Some of our students took part in the choir and then all of them attended a couple of classes with their students. We look forward to building a connection with this school and with their students. It was a blessing to be there and to see how they do things! Overall, the fall retreat was a wonderful time away from school for our kids. We were able to learn, pray, bond and have fun together. I was reminded numerous times over the two days, how blessed I am to be part of this school and to help these young men and women be who they are meant to be in Christ.

A few reminders for you all: don’t forget to check out the Scholarship Tab on our High School webpage. There are some scholarship deadlines approaching at the end of the month and beginning of December. https://highschool.holynamecrusaders.com/college-scholarship-information/ Also, the registration link for the March for Life in D.C. is up and running. Reserve your spots soon if you’d like to go.

https://yoopercatholic.org/march

It’s Thanksgiving week! Today is the last day before break and, as I type this, we are just an hour away from the annual Thanksgiving Week Ultimate Ping Pong Tournament. The kids have worked hard to stay focused this week but today, let the fun commence!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break, everyone. Please know that as I count my blessings this year, my Holy Name family is among them!

God Bless,
Mrs. Viau

Other Exciting News, Important Information, and Reminders:

  • Our Admin Team will be available for a Parent Q&A Safety Session on Monday, December 1st from 6:00-6:30pm in the Multi Room at the Grade School. We will have representatives from Escanaba Public Safety that will be joining us as well.
  • The last day to bring in items for the Can-a-Thon is Monday, December 1st. They must be turned in by 8:15am in order to be counted for the contest. Currently our 5th Graders are in First Place with 629 items, 8th Graders are in Second Place with 551 items, and 4th Graders are in Third Place with 465 items!
  • Join us in walking in the Escanaba Christmas Parade on Friday, December 5th! Please see the flyer in this week’s communication for more information.
  • We have beautiful battery operated candles available for purchase in the Chapel for 50 cents if you would like to “light” one on behalf of a family member or friend. They will stay “lit” until their battery runs out. Simply place your donation in the box, turn one of the candles on, and say a prayer.
  • Please join us for our Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 9th at 6pm in the Grade School Gym. Please see below for proper attire for students:
    • K-4 Sunday Best
    • 5-8 black on bottom, white on top- no tank tops. Boys may wear a festive Christmas tie. Girls may wear dresses that adhere to the school dress code, no tank tops. If they choose a black dress, Mrs. Ellis recommends a white cardigan for the top so that it adheres to black bottom and white top.
    • 9-12 All black. Men- black shirt, black pants, black blazer, dress shoes. Ladies in choir must wear a black dress

A Look Ahead:

      • Wednesday, November 26th – Friday, November 28th – No School! Thanksgiving Break
      • Monday, December 1st – White Army in the Chapel at 3:30pm
      • Monday, December 1st – Parent Q&A Safety Session with Admin from 6-6:30pm in the Multi
      • Thursday, December 4th – All School Mass in the Multi at the Grade School at 8:45am
      • Thursday, December 4th – Student Life Committee Meeting at 5:30pm at the High School
      • Thursday, December 4th – Middle School Boys Basketball LCR Tournament game at Bark River-Harris High School at 6pm
      • Friday, December 5th – Escanaba Christmas Parade, Meet at 5:30pm.

News

Seeking Boys Basketball Coaches

September 20th, 2024|

Hi All, I am seeking some help for the upcoming Boys Basketball Season… I need coaches! If you or someone you know are looking at getting involved in our school athletics program, and would be interested in coaching one of our basketball teams, please let me know. Reach out via email to athletics@holynamecrusaders.com or call/text me at 612-275-4134. I can get together with any interested individuals to explain the role and responsibility level.

Thanks for your consideration, and GO CRUSADERS!

Tony Derkos
Athletic Director


 

Message From The Principal

September 19th, 2024|

Sept 19, 2024

Dear Families of Holy Name,

This week we heard positive feedback from our teachers regarding our classical initiatives.  The seventh grade class recently participated in a picture study of St. John the Baptist.  It involved quietly studying the work of art and the story it was telling.  It builds self control, self regulation, observation tools, making connections, and promotes beauty.

Speaking of beauty, music also brings beauty to the world.  Beauty directs our attention to God’s creation.  I found a green and white drum upstairs in the storage area recently and was so excited.  We had a thriving band program here at one point in our school’s history.  We are exploring the possibility of reviving the band.  Coming soon, we are going to be sending a survey out to parents regarding a potential band program here at Holy Name.  It is a great opportunity for us to consider.  It will alleviate students missing class time and give our school one more thing to be proud of.

As with many great ideas, there will be a cost to this program and we are seeking your input to seek its feasibility.  We strive toward sustainable solutions and want to be strategic in our efforts.

Tomorrow is picture day.  We are asking for our students to dress either in uniform or their Sunday best.  Although the Green Bay Packer jersey costs more than any other shirt your child may own, please dress like you would for school Mass.  Button down shirts are appropriate for this picture.

This is not the “fun” picture day, but plain old boring school picture day.  Fun days will likely come later for the other pictures in the yearbook.  I hope that helps clarify.  When we look back on our classes, we want to show our best for our future crusaders.  Basketball players have a plan and that has been communicated directly with them.

One final thought, we have families at our school in need of prayer.  Please lift them up in your prayers.  Jesus makes miracles happen.  During our adoration time this week, the families were lifted in prayer in our chapel.  A special thank you to Dcn Bob for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and for leading the prayers.  We find out the importance of the Body of Christ when there is a crisis.  We can all play a valuable part in prayer.  Thank you for considering your participation.

Peace and joy,
Nathan Vande Hey
Principal

Fall Sports Pictures Update

September 19th, 2024|

Attention ALL Fall Sports Athletes: Fall Sports Pictures will take place on Friday, September 20th, but will now happen at the beginning of the school day.

Girls Basketball players are to come to school Friday dressed IN YOUR GAME UNIFORM (black side out). Enter through the Gym doors, and we’ll get individuals done right away. After all individuals are complete, we’ll get Team pictures done, and then players will change into their school day (Picture Day) clothes, and return to class.

Cross Country athletes will bring their running uniforms with them when they come to get School Pictures done at 10:50, and we’ll get the individuals done after their school picture, then the photographer will create a composite Team photo with all runners and coaches.

Picture Form is attached here… more envelopes will be available onsite, and online ordering will be available.

pictureform

Feast of St Francis – Blessing of the Pets

September 19th, 2024|

The feast of St. Francis is Friday October 4th. Blessing of the Pets will be offered at 2:45 pm for blessing of the pets (pending weather).

As a reminder, NO pets inside the school. Parents are to bring any pets to the back side of the parking lot near the playground. Students will come out to gather.

Kids Rosary

September 12th, 2024|

The white army will be starting back up! Starting Mondays at 3:45 pm.  At Holy Name Catholic School in the chapel every Monday. All attendees must be virtus trained. Storm Heaven with your Rosary. God Bless

Message from the Principal

September 12th, 2024|

Principal’s Message:

Sept 12, 2024

Dear Families of Holy Name,

This week marked another 9/11 anniversary.  I had a brother who lived in New York City at the time and witnessed the destruction first hand.  There are many of you who are likely too young to remember that day.  There was a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding that horrific event 23 years ago.

Fear is a tremendous motivator, but it can be unhealthy.  In 1 John 4:18, he addresses fear: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.”

Love entails wanting what is best for another.  Why do I bring this up?  Parenting today presents so many challenges.  It is difficult to navigate and to trust that God ‘has your back’.  A trap parents may fall into is the fear that their children will not love them if they discipline them.  Children need boundaries and most children do not have the self awareness of where the boundaries lie.  It is up to the parents to teach their children what the boundaries are: Don’t play in the street, Don’t talk to strangers, Don’t drink the Drano, Don’t invade another’s personal space, etc.

A trap that comes to mind is that “My child won’t be happy if…”  There is a real fear in that.  However, your child was made for greatness.  That does not happen overnight.  It takes years of perseverance and hard work to discern God’s plan.

Here is a practical suggestion:  Given the choice between an apple and fruit snacks, a child will often choose fruit snacks.  One is natural and has real health benefits, while the other tastes good, but offers little in terms of nutrition.  Presenting the healthy choice without the other implicitly tells the child that what we eat matters.  Out of love for your child—because you want what is best for them—presenting healthy choices gives them good fuel to help them grow.  That does not mean a treat cannot be given.  Mature adults giving healthy choices keeps the big picture in perspective.  Likely the child may not like it at first, but letting a child off the hook through fear is not what is best for them.  They do not have the wisdom to discern that.  A mature person owns and makes that decision out of love.  So, fear not.  Your child will still love you.

Peace and joy,

Nathan Vande Hey

Principal

 

Other Important Notes:

Picture day for school (PK-12) and Fall sports will be Friday, September 20th.   Students are welcome to wear school uniforms or Sunday best (following dress code guidelines) for school pictures.   Fall sports pictures will be taken after school.  Order envelopes will be sent home early next week. Online ordering will be available.  Parents can order online before or after the picture day.

September 17th is Constitution Day.  Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.

Watch our website for more school updates and information.

As always, thank you for all you do in prayer, love, and acts of service for our school.