Christ the King School in Springfield opened the new school year with an expanded preschool program located in newly renovated and enlarged facilities in the school. The preschool is named for CTK's former pastor, Msgr. David S. Lantz, who served as pastor from 1996 to June 30, 2012, and who had also served as a parochial vicar at the parish from 1984-89.

Msgr. Lantz returned to dedicate and bless the preschool on Aug. 28, cutting a ribbon before a crowd of parishioners and members of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

The expansion of the preschool program enables parents to have multiple choices for their 3- and 4-year-olds, said Jeanine Kolb, CTK principal. "A waiting list developed for children to get into the preschool this year, so we talked to Father (Joseph) Ring about it, and started a survey to determine if there was a need." Within a half hour, it was apparent there was definitely a need.

"'Let's hire more staff, and let's just open it up,' Father Ring said. So we hired an additional preschool teacher and aides, and set up two classrooms for preschoolers — one for 3-year-olds and one for 4-year-olds."

Previously 3-year-olds attended Tuesdays and Thursdays and 4-year-olds met Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"Ashley Carriker, who taught our preschool for five years, told us 'having students in school all week will provide the best preparation for kindergarten,'" said Katherine Franklin, CTK development director.

The new 3-year-old classroom was originally the convent chapel. The confessional was converted into a bathroom for the classroom.

"Flush those sins away," Msgr. Lantz quipped, as he listened to the principal describe the work that was done to transform the building into a preschool.

"It was quite a summer here at Christ the King," Kolb said. "The decision to name the preschool in honor of Msgr. Lantz met with everyone's approval," she said.

"I'm just glad you did this while I was still alive," said Msgr. Lantz.