Photos provided to the Times Observer

Wednesday marked the International Day of Peace and, locally, that included a Peace Pole event at St. Joseph Catholic School. Principal Carrie Pearson said that Fr. Stephen Schreiber spoke about living a peaceful life and praying for peace especially in Ukraine. “Some students in fifth grade read a poem about peace while sixth graders released doves from six baskets,” she said. “The ceremony concluded with the entire student body singing ‘Give Peace to Every Heart.’ It is a Taize’ Chant with words from the Psalms conducted by Mr. Joseph Glarner, the music teacher. Some students accompanied the singers by playing instruments.” Shown playing the violin is Clarabella Glarner while Noah Baldensperger played ukulele. “Events like this are what give St. Joseph Catholic school opportunities to live out our mission of serving others and educating our students’ minds, bodies, and souls,” Pearson added. “It’s important for the students to have these experiences and recognize how to live as Christians by spreading God’s words with our deeds and actions.” The United Nations General Assembly has “declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.” The theme for 2022 is “End racism. Build peace.”