In the July 12 bulletin from Lincoln Park's Christ the Good Shepard Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Bechill praised teachers at John Paul II Classical Catholic School for their dedicated work during a tumultuous school year.

“Our teachers really deserve kudos and our esteem,” Bechill wrote. “When you consider what our teachers have done and are doing, it truly does boggle the mind: transitioning to the classical curriculum, then single-handedly and successfully going through a state-mandated accreditation in November, then successfully transitioning to long-term distance learning this March.”

Bechill called on parishioners to thank and congratulate teachers and principals.

“Our teachers wear combat boots and keep a smile and good spirits, no matter what is thrown at them,” he wrote. “Please do pray that through the intercession of Pope St. John Paul II, St. Joseph and St. Therese, that we leaders and educators have a mind and heart that is founded on God’s word and truth and continues to have a vehement heart after that of Jesus’ own heart.”

The school is scheduled to start again in August.