COLLINSVILLE - A family festival will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Collinsville Knights of Columbus Hall, One Columbus Plaza, to kick off the capital campaign for the future Father McGivney Catholic High School. Bishop George J. Lucas will begin the afternoon with a speech in support of the new high school. Catholic grade school bands and choruses will provide entertainment in addition to family activities.

Father McGivney Catholic High School is scheduled to open in Glen Carbon in 2011. Emily Gates, campaign kickoff chairperson, said, "People are just now starting to see that McGivney High School is a reality. This kickoff is a chance for families to come get a feel for what the school will be like and find out how they can help make it happen."

Among the day's events, future McGivney students can submit their ideas for the McGivney mascot and school colors, enjoy popcorn and cotton candy, and have their faces painted. McGivney board members will be set up at booths to discuss the design and location of the high school, curriculum and academics, athletics and extracurricular activities, and the faith formation program. The Capital Campaign Committee also plans to reveal the amount of money raised to date from major donors.

"We've come a long way - land has been purchased, architects have been working on plans for almost a year, and most importantly, committees have been working tirelessly on shaping what kind of school McGivney will be," said Doug Villhard, president of the McGivney board of directors. "It's time to show the public what over 100 volunteers have been working on and make an appeal for their support."

Father McGivney Catholic High School was started by a group of southern Madison County Catholic parents who want a well-rounded, faith-based, fully accredited, academically excellent education for their children. The high school is named in honor of the Venerable Father Michael McGivney, an American parish priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus. To learn more about Father McGivney Catholic High School, visit www.frmcgivneyhs.com.