Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Representatives from Villa Marie School in Waverly organized a "Parish Weekend" at St. James Parish in Crete on May 17 and 18. The event aimed to raise awareness about the school and its mission within the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln.

Sasha Kelly, director of development for Villa Marie School, provided information to parishioners during the weekend and answered questions. Msgr. John Perkinton, the school's chief administrative officer, celebrated Mass on Sunday and spoke about the school's mission in his homily.

Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children was founded in 1964 by Msgr. James Dawson (1929-2020) to provide special education services before federal laws mandated such support. The school serves students from Nebraska and Iowa through its boarding program.

Kelly emphasized the importance of building awareness among donors across Nebraska: “We’re really trying to build awareness of Villa Marie... We want to reconnect with our donors... as well as reaching out to new donors.”

The school is not supported by a local parish but relies on donations from across the diocese. Sister Jeanette Rerucha, principal of Villa Marie, highlighted that it is essential for people to understand the school's existence and mission: “We just want everyone to know what wonderful students we have here... They find friends here; they find acceptance here.”

The school welcomes students regardless of their faith backgrounds, focusing on their personal growth and relationship with Jesus Christ: “We have students who have not even been baptized who get to know Jesus here,” Sister Jeanette said.

In addition to parish weekends, Kelly has partnered with Nebraska Right to Life and participated in events like the Nebraska Walk for Life. Villa Marie also collaborates with other Catholic schools for student interactions.

Msgr. Perkinton addressed questions about having a separate school for special needs students: “We can’t be thinking in terms of one size fits all... parents are the first educators of their children.” He added that boarding provides structure beneficial for some students.

Kelly concluded that Villa Marie offers an environment where children can thrive when other educational settings do not fit: “We meet them where they are so they can thrive.”

Individuals interested in supporting Villa Marie can visit villamarieschool.com/support.