Much of the necessary food for the supper has already been donated. Showing it off are some of the people doing the supper planning, including: (from left) Father Michael Schommer; Youth Minister Val Schultz; Deb Carpenter, school secretary and director of Religious Education; and volunteer Rayma Fiegen. Proceeds from the supper will be earmarked for the school’s religious education programs. (Jean Schlegel/VCTR)  

By Jean Schlegel
Valley City Times-Record

After many years of having a school carnival at St. Catherine School, something new has been implemented this year in its place -- a Community Spaghetti Supper.
The fund-raiser is for the Faith Formation (grades 7-12) and the Family Formation (grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade) programs.
“We are trying something new this year -- for many reasons,” said Deb Carpenter, director of the Religious Education program. Carpenter is also the secretary at St. Catherine School.
The supper is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the church hall. Prices will be $6 for adults,  $3 for children 5 to 12, and children ages 4-and-under are free.
 Carpenter and Rayma Fiegen, who is also helping with the fund-raiser, said they are starting small and doing the supper in the church hall, but if they have a great response, they will move the supper to the school gymnasium, much like the Community Christmas Eve Dinner is held. “Our motto is, ‘Think Big!’ ” Carpenter said.
The goal for the new fund-raiser is to raise $3,000 to help with the costs of educating the youth in their faith. “With St. Catherine Parish and the Valley City community behind us, I have no doubt we will reach our goal,” Carpenter said.
In addition to the meal, a cake walk and entertainment, students will sell World’s Finest Chocolates, and tickets for Pizza Corner frozen pizza.
Carpenter and Fiegen said they are fortunate to have the parishioners behind them on this new endeavor.
“We have not had to purchase anything for this supper so far. It has all been donated,” Carpenter said.
They have received donated hamburger, noodles, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, salad dressings, parmesan cheese, and other food items. They will still need lettuce for the salad and French bread for the garlic toast the week of the supper, so cash donations are still needed.
Fiegen said they will probably make supper deliveries for the homebound. Anyone who is unable to get out for the supper and wanting to purchase a plate of food, can call 845-1453 and ask for Debbie to reserve a home-delivered meal.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from the St. Catherine School office or following weekend masses at St. Catherine church. Tickets will also be sold the evening of the supper.
In addition to the spaghetti supper and entertainment, the Knights of Columbus is planning to do all of its six drawings for $500 each in prizes (total of $3,000) for its annual raffle during the spaghetti supper on Jan. 30. Tickets for the raffle will be sold until 7:30 p.m. at the supper, with the drawings to be held right after the meal.