COLUMBUS – Cambell Dimino, Mila Hardy, Galen McMillen are excited about their first day of school at Annunciation School. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
MADISON – Mrs. Corkern’s first grade class at St. Anthony school enjoy lego time. Pictured: Katherine Jenkins, Garrett Naegele, Logan D’Mello and Charlie Brown. (Photo by Celeste Tassin)
CLARKSDALE – Siblings, Emery Ellis Alderson (third grade) and Bowen Alderson (fifth grade) smile before they enter the doors of St. Elizabeth School for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
GREENVILLE – Seniors, CJ Martinek and Yasmin Ortiz started off their first day with a little Spanish work at St. Joseph School. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
Fourth graders at Vicksburg Catholic School celebrate the start of the school year with bracelets. Pictured clockwise from top: Evvy Fletcher, Masry Massey, Adeline Sun, Mary Daves Karel, Kimber Miller, Emily Harper Averett, Charlie Reeder, Walt Karel, with Maverick Stubbs (in the center of the circle). (Photo by Anna Griffing)
COLUMBUS – Riley Lasseigne and Genevieve Hanes are happy to see each other at the start of the school year at Annunciation School. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
VICKSBURG –
SOUTHAVEN – (Left) The seventh grade music class at Sacred Heart School learn about musical notes. (Photo by Bridget Martin)
HOLLY SPRINGS – (Above) Dorothy Vinson assists Zander Tunstall with his class work at Holy Family School. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
Father Carlisle Beggerly blesses fourth grade’s backpacks at St. Patrick School. Every student had their backpacks blessed as part of this annual tradition.
by Helen Reynolds)
NATCHEZ – Mrs. Jordan’s biology class learn how to follow a formula by making slime. Pictured (l-r): Ella Moak, Sidney Maier and Amelie Harris. (Photo by Sarah Beth Welch)
MERIDIAN – (above)
(Photo
MADISON – (below) St. Joseph chemistry students work on an experiment the first day of class. Pictured (l-r): Jaden Taylor, Jackson Boteler and teacher Dianne Waldon. (Photo by Terry R. Cassreino)
JACKSON – (left) St. Richard PreK students enjoy recess on their first day at school. Pictured: Alijah Elliott, Marcus Loggins Jr., Harris Lechtenberg, Locke Boteler, John Michael Banchetti, James Gilbert, Benton Gray-Lewis, Finn Crews and Smith Carr. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
VICKSBURG – Father PJ Curley greets (from left) Brantley Haggerty, Hank Caldwell and Nolan Hotard at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo by Anna Griffing)
Welcome back to school: Embracing a year of “Faith, Hope and Love”
FAITH IN EDUCATION
By Karla luKe
As summer vacations come to an end, we joyfully welcome our students, families and staff back to school for another year of learning, growth and community. We are excited and eager to begin a new school year full of great possibilities and the promise of fresh starts.
This year, our school community will be guided by the timeless and profound theme of “Faith, Hope and Love.” Rooted in 1 Corinthians 13:13, these three virtues are not just ideals but the very foundation upon which we build our lives as followers of Christ and most important Catholic educators. As we begin this academic journey together, we invite every member of our school family to embrace these virtues in all that we learn and do.
Faith is the foundation of our Catholic education. It is the lens through which we view our world, and it is the source of strength that sustains us through challenges. It is the trust we place in God’s providence, knowing that He walks with us in every step we take. In our classrooms, we are called to cultivate an environment where faith is not just taught but lived. This year, we will continue to fulfill our mission of providing a Christ centered environment by deepening our faith through prayer, worship and service. In our classrooms and at home, we will encourage our students to seek God in all things, to rely on Him in moments of doubt, and to trust in His plan for their lives.
In a world often clouded by uncertainty and challenges, hope is the light that leads us forward. This school year, we are committed to instilling a sense of hope in our students, reminding them that they are the future and that with God, all things are possible. Hope gives us the courage to dream big, to set goals, and to persevere even when the path ahead seems difficult. Hope is the source of our vision statement “Our Catholic schools thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.”
Above all, we are called to love each other – unconditionally, selflessly and generously. Love is the heart of our Catholic faith, and of our Catholic school community. In every interaction, in every lesson, we will strive to embody the love of Christ, showing compassion, kindness and respect to everyone we encounter.
Service is the most outward expression of love. This year, we will place a special emphasis on service, encouraging our students to put their love into action by helping those in need, both within our community and beyond. Through acts of kindness, big and small, we will teach our students that love is not just a feeling, but a choice – a choice to live as Christ lived, to serve as He served, and to love as He loved.
Welcoming New Faces to Our School Family
As we begin this exciting new school year, we are blessed to welcome four new administrators to the Diocese of Jackson Catholic education school family. Each brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to Catholic education, and a heart full of love for our students and community.
Whest Shirley joins us as the high school principal of Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez. With a strong background in educational leadership, Shirley previously served as superintendent for Concordia Parish, Louisiana and principal of Concordia Parish Academy of Math, Science and Technology.
Cynthia Dixon will lead Holy Family in Holly Springs as principal. She brings her experience from Lewisburg Elementary, a national Blue Ribbon School, and Greenbrook Elementary, where her dynamic leadership will greatly benefit the Holy Family community.
Heather Ascherl is the new principal of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (Our Lady of Lourdes) in Greenville. Formerly a regional digital learning coordinator with the Mississippi Department of Education, Ascherl’s expertise in technology and professional development will be invaluable to the St. Joseph community.
Wendi Murray takes on the role of director at St. Paul Early Learning Center, coming from the Rankin County School District’s Early Learning Collaborative. She will be joined by assistant director Susan Irby, a long-time employee of St. Paul’s ELC, following the retirement of Jennifer Henry and Darlene Scanlon.
As we move forward into this new school year, I am filled with excitement and optimism for all that we will accomplish together. With “Faith, Hope and Love” as our guiding virtues, I am confident that this will be a year of incredible growth, learning and spiritual enrichment for all members of our community.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in the mission of Catholic education. I look forward to seeing the wonderful things we will achieve together this year. May God bless each of you and may His love guide us in all that we do.
Welcome back, and let’s make this a year to remember!
(Karla Luke is the executive director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jackson)
Welcome our new principals
Cynthia Dixon, Principal of Holy Family School Holly Springs
Wendi Murray, Director of St. Paul ELC Flowood
Whest Shirley, High School Principal of Cathedral School Natchez
Heather Ascherl, Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School Greenville
MADISON – Principals and Early Learning Center directors from across the diocese listen to a presentation by executive director of Catholic Schools, Karla Luke on Wednesday, July 17 at St. Joseph School in Madison. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
