St Mark's Catholic Grade School

ST. MARK'S CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL 3 T erry Joseph Mischler lives the expression, "Once a Marksman, Always a Marksman." She was baptized at St. Mark's in 1956, graduated from the school in 1970, was married there in 1976, and has served as Director of Religious Education (DRE) at St. Mark's since 1988. All of her siblings and all five of her children also attended SMS. "e thing that is so special about St. Mark's is how many other families can make the same claim!" said Terry. "Part of our motto is 'Traditions rive.' What I love is the rich heritage we have. So many of our families have been here for several generations, and yet so many of our families are first generation. e great thing is that we truly are one family! "St. Mark's is a special place," said Terry of her spiritual home. "People truly care about each other and help each other." Aer Terry graduated from Bergan High School and then Illinois Central College, she married Loren Mischler. In addition to their five children, they have 12 grandchildren. Besides being the DRE at St. Mark's, she teaches junior high religion and prepares students to receive the sacraments. Terry loves her job. "ere is so much joy in watching the kids grow up. Some of them come back to St. Mark's with their children," said Terry. "It's such a gi to be there for so many special moments in the lives of the children and families." Terry is always looking for ways to make the Catholic faith come alive to the students. is past spring, she arranged for the junior high students to make a pilgrimage to St. Mary's Cathedral. ey prayed the Stations of the Cross as they walked from St. Mark's to the Cathedral, where they attended the beautiful Chrism Mass. Terry is also proud of the academic education St. Mark's gives to its students. "I believe that our school does a wonderful job of preparing our students for high school and beyond," she said. We do not have to look far to find evidence of that, with the number of our students who go on to successful academic and professional careers. More importantly, though, we strive to prepare our students for eternity! We want them to not only have a close, personal relationship with Jesus, but to lead others to Him through their words and example. It makes me happy when PND teachers and other high school teachers tell me that they can always pick out the SMS kids!" Terry's free time is mainly spent with her own family and her St. Mark's family. "We have a growing immediate family and a large extended family. ere is always something going on. Also, St. Mark's is not just a place where I put in my time and then go home. My students are also 'my kids' and I enjoy attending their events as oen as possible." As anyone who knows her will tell you, Terry's faith permeates her entire existence. She spreads joy to her students, fellow teachers, and family. e St. Mark's family is very fortunate to have Terry Mischler as one of its lifelong members. Always a Marksman! William and Colleen Brannan John and Maria Carroll Dan and Sherry Daly Robert Gordon Dr. William and Donna Hanigan Ed and Mary King Mike and Katherine King Ray and Kathy LaHood Bob and Kristen Manning Jim and Kay McComb Diana Couri O'Hanlon Fr. Robert Schladen Terry Joseph Mischler: Always a Marksman! A Lifetime Dedicated to St. Mark's Mission Thank You, Gracious Donors H eartfelt thanks go to the following generous supporters who made contributions to begin this new communications program. Friends who made contributions to the communications program aer this newsletter went to print will be acknowledged in the spring 2017 issue. We are deeply grateful for your investment in St. Mark's School!

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