ST. JOSEPH THE PROVIDER School's well to encourage prayer

It is the last Catholic school in Campbell.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
CAMPBELL -- A pretty shingled wood well with a matching roof may have a big impact on St. Joseph the Provider Church, its school and the community.
The Rev. Michael A. Swierz blessed what he has named "Joseph's Well" at the end of Mass on Friday at the church.
Pupils and adults can place their written prayer requests in the well, where Father Swierz will pray for them.
Sister Bernadine Janci, the school's principal, said the well will especially help teach youths the power of prayer.
"From prayer comes new life," Sister Bernadine said.
The young children can also make a connection between prayers and the notion of a wishing well.
Missie Williams, a parent and school volunteer, also believes deeply in the power of prayer. She came up with the idea for the well.
Joseph's Well will be at the school, the parish festival June 3-6, dinners, and other events. Williams said people can also put a donation in the well if they want to that will go to the school.
Williams also envisions the well as an image for the school and its significance and importance in the community.
Last in Campbell
The school has 133 pupils in kindergarten through grade eight. It is the last Catholic school in Campbell after three others closed. When St. Edward's School recently closed in Youngstown, about 20 of its pupils came to St. Joseph.
St. Joseph is in no more financial trouble than any other Catholic or public school these days, said Sister Bernadine. Teacher contracts are signed for the next school year.
Williams said many people in the area do not know the school exists, and the well will help them get the word out.
The modern and immaculate school has a computer lab, an informative newspaper, and will be getting a $16,000 grant from St. Elizabeth Health Center for outdoor fitness equipment. There's also a private day-care facility at the school and an after-school program.
The school and pupils are involved in a variety of charitable and civic events.
"There's a lot of life here," said Father Swierz.
Working together
He plans to meet with parents, teachers, staff and community leaders next week to find out what St. Joseph's can do for them, and what they can do for St. Joseph's.
"It's a chance to grow together," Father Swierz said. "Campbell is known as 'The City of Churches.' We can't lose our church school here."
Campbell has been hit with corruption and financial problems. But the church leaders see their efforts as a way to create more energy in the community.
The school leaders noted the community has a safe family environment.
"People love the values and love the closeness," the priest said.
wilkinson@vindy.com