308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 stjoebruins.com
ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 7th through 12th grade (601) 898-4800
701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Natchez, MS 39120 cathedralgreenwave.com
Facebook: @StJosephMadison
Instagram/X: @stjoemadison
“Witnessing ‘faith, hope, and love’ in my Catholic school is shown in many ways. In particular, ‘hope’ can be witnessed in the encouragement and support given to students by faculty to strive for their best and believe in their potential.” – Amari Alexander, senior
TRADITION: On the first Fridays of each month, students devote time to Eucharistic Adoration, offering time for prayer and reflection before the Lord. Another beloved tradition is the Scary for Carrie fundraiser, held to support alumna Carrie Manascalco, who faces severe chronic health challenges, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to caring for its extended family. These traditions not only strengthen the spiritual foundation of the school but also emphasize service, support and the power of prayer.
SERVICE: Students exemplify the spirit of service through a variety of projects that make a significant impact on the community. Juniors and seniors dedicate special service days volunteering at Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Camden, Our Daily Bread in Canton, St. Richard’s Special Kids Program, the Pregnancy Center and other non-profits. In addition, Bruinthon, an ongoing fundraising initiative, supports the Mississippi Children’s Hospital, reinforcing the school’s commitment to helping those in need.
CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Pre-K3 through 12th Grade (601) 442-2531
Facebook: @cathedralschoolnatchez
Instagram: @cathedralschool_natchez
“Cathedral School ... is always looking for the next thing to improve itself, giving us hope and determination. I am blessed with the opportunity to share the faith, hope and love of Cathedral with the underclassmen through peer ministry, and striving to live as an example of the Catholic School community.” – Liza Gregg, senior
MISSION: The mission of Cathedral School is to lead our community to a deeper knowledge of God. Through rigorous academics in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, we strive to educate the whole person – body, mind, and soul. Our purpose is to form true missionaries of the Gospel who realize their full potential as individuals of the highest moral character.
TRADITION: One of the most meaningful traditions at Cathedral school is the buddy system between seniors and first graders that fosters a relationship based on mentorship, friendship and faith.
SERVICE: Cathedral School has a long giving tradition of Advent Service projects. This year, PreK students collected items and donated to the Humane Society; Kindergarten and first graders collected travel size hygiene items for The Stewpot; second through fifth graders adopted families for Christmas; and middle and high school students assisted families through the Mayor’s Youth Council with wrapped gifts.
ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL
1501 V.F.W. Road, Greenville, MS 38701
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary
St. Joseph Middle/High School
stjoeirish.org
Facebook: @sjsgreenville
Pre-K3 through 12th Grade
26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2025 3
VICKSBURG CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
Pre-K3 through 12th Grade (601) 636-2256 (662) 378-9711
Instagram: @sjsgreenvillems
“Though I’m not Catholic, I see how faith, hope, and love shape my child. Faith fosters support and purpose, hope inspires growth, and love shines through kindness, service, and respect, all central to the school’s mission.” – Latara Washington, parent
MISSION: The mission of the St. Joseph Catholic School is to provide a Catholic faith-based education rooted in Gospel values offered in a safe, caring, academically challenging and creative environment.
TRADITION: This year marked the 110th Annual St. Joseph Parish Fair, proudly recognized as the longest-running parish fair in Mississippi. Since its humble beginnings in 1915, when spaghetti dinners and a handful of carnival-style games brought the community together, the tradition has continued to grow. In 2024, the fair delighted attendees with its signature spaghetti dinner and a variety of favorite games, celebrating over a century of community and fun.
SERVICE: Each year at Thanksgiving we do a canned food drive. All of the non perishable items that are collected are donated to St. Vincent de Paul to be given out to the needy in the community. This year we collected 2,671 canned food items.
1900 Grove Street/ 1400 Hayes Street, Vicksburg, MS, 39183
St. Francis Xavier/St. Aloysius
vicksburgcatholic.org
Facebook: @vicksburgcatholicschool
Instagram: @vicksburg_catholic_school
YouTube: Vicksburg Catholic School
X: @VburgCatholic
“I’ve found faith, hope, and love in how much my teachers support me in all things.” – Corbin Burroughs, senior
MISSION: Vicksburg Catholic School is a Roman Catholic School based on Gospel values and Catholic teachings, committed to serving students from diverse backgrounds, and dedicated to preparing them to be servant leaders through academic excellence, authentic faith formation, and student life opportunities within a Christ-centered environment, caring and safe learning environment.
TRADITION: Each spring, we honor and remember loved ones, both past and present, by inviting the community to walk the labyrinth in prayerful reflection.
SERVICE: Each year Vicksburg Catholic serves others with love through food collections for food pantries, making Christmas cards and ornaments for the Carmelite Monastery, and participating in the Sister Fatima Thanksgiving basket collection.
ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL
223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS 39702
annunciationcatholicschool.org
Facebook: AnnunciationCatholicSchoolColumbusMS
Instagram/X: @Annunciation_cs
TikTok: @acseagles
Pre-K3 through 8th Grade
(662) 328-4479
“I have never seen the church be the hands and feet of Jesus like I have here at ACS. Every staff member is quick to help each other, the students, and the families in big and small ways. We have faith in Jesus and the community He has helped us foster here, we have love for one another and each child’s educational journey, and we have hope that the work we do today will multiply end over end, anywhere any of us may go..” – Sierra Wentz, Kindergarten teacher assistant
TRADITION: On International Peace Day, students create pinwheels to plant at the school’s peace pole, praying for world peace during the Pinwheels for Peace tradition. For Valentines for Veterans, students craft heartfelt cards delivered to the local VA as a token of gratitude for their service. Through Jeans for Green, students wear jeans for $1 or athletic wear for $5 once a month, with proceeds donated to a charity chosen by a different class each month.
SERVICE: Annunciation School fosters a spirit of service through meaningful projects. Eighth-grade students prepare and serve meals at Loaves and Fishes, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding those in need. Meanwhile, fourth graders collect funds to shop for and fill Operation Christmas shoeboxes, spreading holiday cheer; this year, they proudly filled 22 boxes.
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL
395 West Street, Holly Springs, MS 38635
hfamilyschool.org
Facebook: @hfamilyschool
X: @holyfamilyscho9
Pre-K3
through 8th Grade
this community.” – Alumni
MISSION: Holy Family School is a Catholic environment dedicated to developing young people whose actions reflect respect, love, compassion, knowledge and integrity.
TRADITION: Our school begins each day at 7:45 a.m. with staff and students gathering for prayer and devotions, while Mass and prayer services are regularly celebrated. In December, the school hosts Read Around the Christmas Tree, where community members share a grade-appropriate book with a student, reading a few pages before gifting the book to encourage daily reading and improve literacy.
SERVICE: Our school embraces service by actively supporting Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Each month, students volunteer at the Mobile Food Pantry, packaging and loading food for clients, and regularly assist at the Garden Café, a twice-weekly soup kitchen. Students also deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes to elderly community members. Additionally, students and staff honor military members, veterans, first responders and community servants through acts of gratitude.
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL
1585 Old Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 stanthonyeagles.org
Facebook: @StAnthonyEagles
Instagram: @st.anthonycatholicschool
Pre-K4 through 6th Grade
(601) 607-7054
ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL
150 Florence Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614
seseagles.com
Facebook: @seclarksdale
Instagram: @seseagles47
Pre-K3 through 6th Grade
“I have witnessed and continue to witness faith, hope and love through all of my senses at St. Anthony. I see it in the students through acts of kindness such as helping a friend who is hurt. I hear it in the children singing during Advent program practice and praying for friends and teachers that are sick. I feel it in the hugs from the precious little ones in my class this year and past students that come to visit. I can even smell and taste the love sent through special treats made by students, parents and teachers.” – Mrs. Amy D’Alfonso, Pre-K4 teacher.
TRADITION: Every morning, our school gathers for Prayer and Pledge, led by Principal Anne Cowger, to prepare hearts and minds with God at the center. Our House system fosters community through saint-inspired groups and “Six Pillars of Character Education. These six pillars are Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
SERVICE: Our school embraces service through projects like the Backpack Program, led by fourth graders who pack and deliver 40 meal kits weekly to Highland Elementary. Other efforts include the Box of Joy with Cross Catholic Outreach and Lenten donations, such as supporting Shower Power last year.
“St. Elizabeth has done an amazing job of helping my son grow spiritually, academically and socially. They are instilling a Catholic-based foundation that will serve him well beyond his school years.” – Kate Jennings, Kindergarten parent
“St. Elizabeth shows love, hope and faith by always having fun activities for kids to do, helping kids learn new things, and always having a great church lesson every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Half of the things I know I learned here. And lastly there are great teachers!” – Ella Bronwyn Graves, second grade
MISSION: St. Elizabeth Catholic School provides a safe and loving environment where all members of our school family become life-long learners and disciples of Christ.
TRADITION: During Advent and Lent our school gathers together in the rotunda each Monday to pray and sing together and to learn more about each season.
SERVICE: Each year we choose an Advent Service project. This year we collected all of the food needed for our local food pantry Christmas meal.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth alumni welcome families to Back-to-School night! Pictured are Sam Stonestreet, Meri Hollis Lawrence, Hallie Reese Pitts and Kaitlyn Brocato. (Photo courtesy of school)
left, Riley Bianchini and Pierce
Johnston pack donated items in a box for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Jackson. Earlier in the school year, St. Joe students, faculty, staff and families spent weeks collecting non-perishable food items, paper towels and other items for the Hope Lodge where cancer patients and their families stay free of charge when receiving necessary medical treatment. St. Joe and St. Richard Catholic School in Jackson worked together to collect more than 3,000 items and more than $3,500 in cash to help Hope Lodge. (Photo courtesy of school)
HOLLY SPRINGS – During Hispanic Heritage month, Holy Family fifth grade students learned about the contributions of Hispanic scientists, including Juan Carlos Finlay, a Cuban epidemiologist who discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever. Pictured: Larry Hernandez uses a microscope to observe various mosquito structures, including legs and wings. (Photo courtesy of school)
– The Christmas season at St. Richard Early Learning Center was a time for reflection, togetherness and celebration. (Photo courtesy of school)
SACRED HEART SCHOOL
5150 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671
sheartschool.org
Facebook: @sheartschool
Instagram: @shsflames
Pre-K3 through 8th Grade
(662) 349-0900
“I have had the privilege of sending both of my children to Catholic school. I have witnessed faith, hope and love many ways. Faith – in both practice and theory from the innocent to the complex questions my kids have asked about faith and then shown me through words and actions. Hope – has been ingrained in myself and my kids for a better future. Love – everyday from our great teachers, support staff and students in times of tragedy and success. It is shown through kind words, emails and smiles.” – Amber Zachary, parent
MISSION: Sacred Heart School is a Catholic environment dedicated to developing young people whose actions reflect knowledge, reflect and integrity.
TRADITION: On the first day of school, eighth graders are honored at a pep rally, receiving their jerseys individually. Afterward, they and their parents enjoy a breakfast together.
SERVICE: Each month, Sacred Heart Southern Missions hosts a mobile food pantry, and one grade from our school volunteers to assist. Throughout the year, students in fifth through eighth grades participate, while summer camp students lend a hand during the summer months.
ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
2700 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39301
stpatrickcatholicschool.org
Facebook: @stpatrickcatholicschool2700
Instagram: @st.patrickcatholicschool
Pre-K3 through 6th Grade
“We witness faith, hope, and love at St. Patrick’s School daily through the teachers and staff. From sharing their faith in the classroom and sanctuary, to the genuine love our children feel when they walk through the doors. St. Patrick’s School is a special place that gives me hope for my children’s academic and spiritual future.” – Kristen Augustine, parent
MISSION: St. Patrick Catholic School, rooted in a rich tradition since 1873, provides all children with a Catholic education based on high academic standards integrated with Christian values in a safe, diverse environment.
TRADITION: Each year the entire school body walks to City Hall to kick off Catholic Schools Week. The Mayor of Meridian reads a proclamation and students take a group photo on the steps.
SERVICE: The first Saturday in December St. Patrick holds the annual Candy Cane 5K Dash and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds from the fun run go to the Center for Pregnancy Choices. Students also make “Blessing Bags” during Catholic Schools Week and deliver to a local charity – L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen.
ST. RICHARD SCHOOL
100 Holly Drive Jackson, MS 39206
strichardschool.org
Facebook: @StRichardJackson
Instagram: @saintrichardcardinals
Pre-K3 through 6th Grade
(601) 366-1157
YouTube: @saintrichardcatholicschool9619
of the Kindergarten class. (Photo by courtesy of school)
“I witness faith, hope and love every day at St. Richard Catholic school from the time I drop my children off in carpool to the time I pick them up. The teachers, older kids, and other staff members always welcome us with smiles and kind words the minute we pull into the school until the time they are picked up. We have been there for four years now, and my children have always been excited to go to school and always have exciting news to share at the end of the day with smiles on their faces.” – Beth Nunley, parent
TRADITION: St. Richard Catholic School’s house system, named after saints, fosters community, scholarship, leadership and discipleship. Students and staff are “sorted” into houses that meet regularly for team-building, competitions, and mentoring. Points for positive behavior are tracked electronically, connecting families to achievements and strengthening bonds across all ages.
SERVICE: St. Richard and St. Joe collected over 3,000 items and $3,500 for Hope Lodge. Sixth graders also lead the Manhattan Mall Project, creating a holiday shopping experience for Manhattan Nursing Center residents, complete with donated gifts and festive organization.
1217 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS 39209
theabowmanschool.com
Facebook: @SrTheaBowmanCatholicSchool
Instagram: @srtheabowmanjackson
Pre-K3 through 6th Grade
“The dedication of our teachers instills values that go far beyond just students’ academics. When students stop by my office to tell me that they got an ‘A’ on a quiz, it puts a smile on my face. A student who is that excited that they want to come tell their principal – amazing! How can you not want to come to work every day and experience that love for learning?” – Chris Payne, principal
TRADITION: Our school hosts two beloved annual traditions. The Sister Thea Bowman Draw Down, held on the last Saturday in April, raises vital funds for the school, with a grand prize of $5,000. The annual Christmas program, celebrated the week before holiday break, brings festive cheer to the school community.
SERVICE: Every Wednesday, students participate in “Green 4 Jeans,” donating $1 to support a charity chosen by the student council. Our school also takes part in the Go Green by Recycling program, collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans with help from the parish. Additionally, the student council organizes a Christmas Can Food Drive, gathering canned goods for donation to Stewpot.
ASSISI EARLY LEARNING CENTER
4000 West Tidewater Lane, Madison , MS 39110 aelcmadison.org
Facebook: @AELCMadison
Infants through Pre-K4
(601) 856-9494
“Through the examples that the teachers are setting for our little ones. Practicing kindness, listening, and patience are all ways faith, hope and love are demonstrated. My children’s joy shows just how wonderful this school truly is.” – Mathis Crotwell, parent
MISSION: Assisi Early Learning Center is a faith-based childcare center that strives to educate the whole child. We strive to help children grow socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually. From six-weeks to four-years of age, children at Assisi are cared for in a safe, loving and educational environment.
TRADITION: Assisi Early Learning Center has cherished traditions that bring joy to our community. During the Christmas season, we decorate a door with festive cards from current and past families. When Mardi Gras arrives, we celebrate with a lively parade, dancing to traditional Mardi Gras music around the courtyard.
SERVICE: Assisi Early Learning Center hosts a Thanksgiving Feast for our older children and their parents, providing an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy time together. This special event encourages fellowship among classmates and their families, strengthening our sense of community.
SISTERS OF MERCY EARLY LEARNING CENTER
1220 Howard Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 vicksburgcatholic.org
Facebook: @vicksburgcatholicschool
Instagram: @vicksburg_catholic_school
Infants through 2 years
“Sisters of Mercy ELC shows the utmost and top-notch care for their children and it shows! They provide them with a safe and rich Catholic based learning environment as well as nutritious home cooked meals and snacks! Katie and her staff sure care for our children. We love it and so do our kids! This place is the foundation you want in your kids lives to start learning and growing for what’s to come!” – Paul Brasfield, parent
MISSION: Christ-centered, quality care, early education for the whole child.
TRADITION: At Sisters of Mercy ELC, we celebrate cherished traditions throughout the year. In the fall, we host our Annual Pumpkin Patch and Mercy’s Balloon Parade. For Mother’s Day, Make It with Mom brings mothers and children together for crafting. For Father’s Day, Fishing with Dad offers a fun bonding experience as dads and children “fish” together.
SERVICE: At Sisters of Mercy ELC, we support our community through meaningful service projects. In the winter, we collect socks for the Warren County Children’s Shelter and gather food donations to support the local Food Pantry.
ST. PAUL EARLY LEARNING CENTER
5969 Highway 25, Flowood, MS 39232
saintpaullearningcenter.com
Facebook/Instagram: Search St. Paul Early Learning Center
ST. RICHARD EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Infants through Pre-K4 Infants through Pre-K3
(601) 992-2876
“I have been so blessed to be able to watch our students grow in their faith by praying for their friends and neighbors. I see such signs of hope and love when I hear the prayers each day and I see the acts of kindness in our classrooms. The students’ smiles and hugs give us all the inspiration we need to be better each day.” – Wendi Murray, director
“Christmas time at St. Paul is always a special time of the year where we as a school get to reflect on our faith, hope and love. Our students child-like faith reminds me as a Christian that I need to believe without doubt or reservations. I love connecting with the families at St. Paul and helping their children become the best versions of themselves. My hope is for our center to continue to strive to be the best example of Christ for future generations to come.” – Susan Irby, assistant director
MISSION: Christ-centered, quality care, early education for the whole child.
TRADITION: St. Paul ELC holds an annual Family Fun Day and Christmas Program.
SERVICE: St. Paul ELC organizes a food drive to collect canned and dry goods for the pantry at Sacred Heart Church in Camden. Additionally, the school supports the community by collecting donations for the Backpack Buddies program at Pisgah Elementary School, helping families in need.
Christ-Centered, quality care, early education for the whole child
Age 8 weeks to PreK-4 Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
St. Paul Early Learning Center 5969 HWY 25, Flowood, MS, 39232 www.saintpaullearningcenter.com
100 Holly Drive, Jackson, MS 39206
strichardelc.org
Facebook: Search St Richard Early Learning Center
“The teachers and staff are truly extraordinary. I can see how much faith, hope and love they put into the children everyday. ” – Rachel Patterson, parent
MISSION: St. Richard Early Learning Center is a childcare center built on the Christian values of the Catholic Church. We provide safe, quality childcare for ages six weeks to three years of age. We believe that educational and spiritual development begin at an early age in a Christian environment that focuses on each child’s mind, body and spirit.
TRADITION: The Annual Christmas Pageant celebrates the spirit of Christmas through faith, culture and artistry, uniting generations to honor the timeless story of love, hope and redemption. It’s a living tradition that invites reflection on the season’s joy and carries its spirit throughout the year.
SERVICE: Service projects foster compassion, bring communities together and create lasting change. St. Richard ELC partners with St. Richard Catholic School to support St. Vincent de Paul, demonstrating their commitment to serving and strengthening the community through acts of kindness.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 1, 2025 12
