Catholic School Week 2024 Amazing Grace – How Sweet the Sound

Catholic Schools Week 2024 Jan. 28 - Feb. 3

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL 223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS 39702 www.annunciationcatholicschool.org Instagram/Twitter: @Annunciation_cs TikTok: @acseagles

Pre-K4 thru 8th Grade

(662)328-4479

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Natchez, MS 39120 www.cathedralgreenwave.com Facebook: @cathedralschoolnatchez Instagram: @cathedralschool_natchez

Pre-K3 thru 12th Grade

(601)442-2531

COLUMBUS – Huff Morgan and Luke Thomas are amazed during reading time at Annunciation School. (Photo courtesy of school)

NATCHEZ – Kindergarteners – Jack Aubic, Anna Claire Mireles and Colin Gibson – pray during Atrium time. (Photo courtesy of school)

“I see ‘Amazing Grace’ in how my grandchildren have thrived and grown during their time at Annunciation. Two of my grandchildren are ACS graduates and now excel in high school, while one of my grands still attends in the fourth grade and has made incredible strides thanks to her teachers. For us, the Dyslexia Therapy program has really made an impact on not only Whitney’s academics, but her confidence. We will always be thankful for this precious school.”

– Mary Helen Waggoner, ACS grandmother

“In my school I have witnessed ‘Amazing Grace’ when people fully accept God’s grace and that he is our Lord and Savior. Following that, they can live their lives joyfully and peacefully in harmony with God and his children.”

– Tracen Cusic, seventh grade student

TRADITION: Annual Art Auction – Annual event where our students work together and each class does a themed art project that is later auctioned off to the highest bidder. This event allows us to come together as a school and also allows us to get our parish community involved. This is an open event for anyone in the school, church and community. In February, we will host our 23rd Art Auction.

SERVICE: Annunciation school is passionate about community outreach. “Jeans for Green” is held monthly, and benefits one grade’s service project each month. These proceeds go to a number of recipients including Operation Christmas Child, St. Vincent De Paul, Columbus Humane Society, the MS College Dyslexia Center and others. During Catholic School’s Week, the Jeans for Green service project is school-wide and this year, the school will be raising money and volunteering with Bedz4Kidz. Additionally, the school has programs such as Valentines for Veterans, Special Friends Program at the local nursing homes, and last year, students donated over 1,000 bags of food to Loaves and Fishes.

TRADITION: First Day of School Senior Sunrise Prayer Service has become a much-loved tradition at Cathedral School. On the first day of the school year, the senior class meets on the football field to begin their last first day of school together in prayer.

SERVICE: Cathedral School has a long standing tradition of conducting Advent service projects to assist the Natchez community. During this Advent season, students and families demonstrated “Amazing Grace” from Pre-K through grade 12 with the following projects: • Pre-K3 and Pre-K4: students sent a Christmas Care Package to alumni, Wyatt Fair (2023) currently in Army basic training.

• Kindergarten and first grade: collected and distributed travel size hygiene products and socks to the Senior Citizen Center and Stewpot.

• Second – fifth grade: collected gifts for families in need through Catholic Charities.

• Middle School: collected food and items needed for the Natchez Stewpot.

• High School: collected food and items needed for the Natchez Adams County Humane Society.

Continuing the Proud Tradition of Catholic Education

www.cathedralgreenwave.com

Natchez w 601-445-9844

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. PAUL EARLY LEARNING CENTER 5969 Highway 25, Flowood, MS 39232 www.saintpaullearningcenter.com Facebook/Instagram: Search St. Paul Early Learning Center

Infants thru Pre-K5

(601)992-2876

FLOWOOD – The “Older Twos’” class makes lemonade to share with friends. (Photo courtesy of school) “I witness ‘Amazing Grace’ daily at St. Paul ELC when my children are truly excited to attend school because they love the staff, curriculum and time with friends.”

– Allison Wallace, parent

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL 150 Florence Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 http://seseagles.com Facebook: @seclarksdale Instagram: @seseagles47

Pre-K3 thru 6th Grade

(662)624-4239

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth sixth graders, Anna Mims Linley and Avery Ruscoe, sort and pack donation items for Fairland Treatment Center for their Advent Service Project. Fairland Treatment Center serves residents with “Amazing Grace” as a long-term residential alcohol and drug facility specializing in the unique needs of pregnant women, mothers, and fathers with children. (Photo courtesy of school)

“I witness ‘Amazing Grace’ at St. Paul Early Learning Center every day as the Lord provides me with a place that I feel totally at peace sending my children to as a working mom. I am thankful for their precious teachers, directors and support staff for loving and guiding them as they grow and learn each day.”

– Maegan Speights, parent

“Choosing a Catholic School not only enriches our children academically but also spiritually. The amazing grace and love of God literally shines through their smiling faces each and everyday. I’m so thankful to be a part of SES! “

– Vanessa Campbell, second grade assistant teacher

MISSION: Christ-centered, quality care, early education for the whole child.

MISSION: St. Elizabeth School provides a safe and loving environment where all members of our school family become life-long learners and disciples of Christ.

TRADITIONS: Each December the school celebrates the Christmas Story with a program that includes all the children – ages two months to five years old.

At the end of the school year, St. Paul Early Learning Center celebrates with a “Family Fun Day’” with barnyard animals, snow cones, a picnic lunch and lots of games.

SERVICE: Every year the school hosts a luncheon for first responders to show appreciation for their service to the community. Additionally, the school assists the St. Paul parish Backpack Ministry by collecting food for children in need.

TRADITION: The St. Elizabeth Parish Fair has been held for more than 75 years to support our school. It is an event the entire Clarksdale community looks forward to each year.

SERVICE: The school offers “Free Fridays” where students bring $1 to wear their choice of bottoms with an SES t-shirt. All funds collected are donated to a charity such as our local animal shelter or St. Jude Hospital.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SISTER THEA BOWMAN SCHOOL 1217 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS 39209 www.theabowmanschool.com Facebook: @SrTheaBowmanCatholicSchool Instagram: @srtheabowmanjackson

Pre-K3 thru 6 Grade th

(601)352-5441

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 www.stjoebruins.com Facebook: @StJosephMadison Instagram/Twitter: @stjoemadison

7th thru 12th grade

(601)898-4800

JACKSON – Deacon Denzil Lobo gives a blessing to Pre-K students, Ka’Miyah Anderson and Joelle Carpenter, during Friday Mass. (Photo courtesy of school)

MADISON – Senior Brandon Cooley helps Theology chair, Ryan Starrett deliver collected food items to The Gleaners to provide meals for families who don’t have enough to eat. (Photo courtesy of school)

“I witness ‘Amazing Grace’ through everyone getting along with each other. We pray everyday during the morning and afternoon announcements. We pray for each other also.

We sing at Mass and programs.”

– Harry Noel Chia, fourth grade

“Amazing Grace encompasses the atmosphere at St. Joseph Catholic School through everyone who sets foot on the beautiful campus. Here at St. Joe, we welcome all – the academic, the athlete, the artist, the advocate, the amuser – and encourage everyone to live out the gifts God has given them. On the daily, I witness academically inclined students helping developing learners or talented athletes cheering on budding ones to keep pushing. Everyone has purpose here.” – Jessica Brown, seventh grade parent and senior English/Dual Credit teacher

“We sing ‘Amazing Grace’ every year during Black History month. The teachers uplift us to be better students each day. The student council works together to have events that the other students will enjoy.”

– Caleb Johnson, sixth grade TRADITIONS: The annual $5,000 Draw Down is held the last Saturday in April to raise funds for the school. Also, parents and the parish community look forward to student performances in the annual Christmas program.

SERVICE: Green 4 Jeans – Every Wednesday, students donate $1 to give back to a charity of our student council’s choice.

Due to the water crisis in Jackson on multiple occasions, the school began a recycling initiative where they recycle empty water bottles and cans. The school has partnered with “Replenysh” to ensure products are recycled properly.

PreK3 - 6th Grade theabowmanschool.com 601.352.5441

1217 Hattiesburg St. Jackson, MS 39209

TRADITION: The holiday cheer at St. Joseph Catholic School extends beyond the campus, reaching the wider community through the much-anticipated annual Christmas concert, Gifts of the Season. This event, starring the Bruin Band and St. Joe Singers, has become a beloved tradition that brings together students, families, and community members for an afternoon of musical delight spreading Christmas joy and goodwill.

SERVICE: Guided by the principles of compassion and empathy, each student, from middle school to seniors, actively participates in service projects designed to spread love and support to those in need. This year, middle school students took the lead in the Thanksgiving drive, assembling 20 family boxes for the season. Each box thoughtfully contained a $25 gift card for a turkey, ensuring that families could enjoy a bountiful feast. Moreover, the students collected a staggering 595 pounds of food, which were delivered to the Gleaners organization, to alleviating hunger in the community.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK VICKSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1900 Grove Street/ 1400 Hayes Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 St. Francis Xavier/St. Aloysius www.vicksburgcatholic.org Facebook: @vicksburgcatholicschool Instagram: @vicksburg_catholic_school

Pre-K3 thru 12 grade th

(601)636-2256 (601)636-4824

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL 395 West Street, Holly Springs, MS 38635 www.hfamilyschool.org Facebook: @hfamilyschool Twitter: @holyfamilyscho9

Pre-K3 thru 8th grade

(662)252-1612

VICKSBURG – Senior Theology students assist lower elementary students as part of the Senior Buddies program. (Photo courtesy of school)

HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family students sort and package fresh fruit for food baskets to help struggling families in the Holly Springs area. (Photo courtesy of school)

“Being a part of a Catholic school community means to me that I have a family that will always be there for me – most importantly to help me strengthen my relationship with God. It means to me that I have a family that loves me, will always support me, and will push me to my full potential that God has planned for me. Being a part of this amazing Catholic School community is something that I will forever be thankful for and I don’t know what I would do without them.”

– Grace Windham – senior and member of St Michael’s Catholic Church

”We remain steadfast and remember the Lord in everything that we do. We praise Him for his everlasting mercy and rejoice in Him at all times.”

– Anita Pledge, Kindergarten teacher

“By seeing students be kind to each other, give each other grace, and make genuine attempts to make the days of their classmates and teachers brighter and full of love.”

– Noah Ponder, sixth grade MISSION: Lead with humility, Serve with love, Strive for excellence, Prepare for distinction.

TRADITION: In the spring, students memorialize and honor loved ones, both past and present, by inviting the community to join in prayer by walking the prayer labyrinth.

SERVICE: Each year, students collect food for the food pantry, make Christmas cards and ornaments for the Carmelite Monastery and participate in the yearly Sister Fatima Thanksgiving Basket Collection.

VICKSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL Lead with Humility Serve with Love Strive for Excellence Prepare for Distinction

www.vicksburgcatholic.org

”Being a part of a Catholic school community allows the unique opportunity to combine our Christian obligation of serving others through projects which target the needy of the community with an education in academics as well as the Catholic faith.”

– Lesa Scott, interim principal MISSION: Holy Family School is a Catholic environment dedicated to developing young people whose actions reflect respect, love, compassion, knowledge and integrity.

TRADITION: All staff and students gather for daily prayer and devotions. The school’s Reading Around the Christmas Tree program and annual Christmas production are dearly held school traditions.

SERVICE: Students take part in a variety of service projects throughout the year, including: volunteering at the Sacred Heart Southern Missions Mobile Food Pantry and Garden Café (soup kitchen); delivering Thanksgiving and Christmas food/gift boxes to elderly community members; as well as, various individual service projects throughout the year.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024

NATCHEZ – The Cathedral School Emerald Tide Dance Team prays prior to an out of town Friday night football game. (Photo by Cara Moody) COLUMBUS – Annunciation first grader, Noah Stafford, happily receives a blessing from Father Jeffrey during our Thursday morning Mass service. (Photo

by Logan Gentry)

HOLLY SPRINGS – Bishop Kopacz celebrated Mass at Holy Family school in October 2023 and took time to visit our classrooms.

(Photo by Laura Grisham) CLARKSDALE – Preschool and kindergarten students sang Christmas carols for residents of Flowers Manor, a local assisted living community in Clarksdale. (Photo by Sarah Cauthen)

MADISON – James Bowen and Mac Brown enjoying hanging out together during Malouf Construction’s visit for “Community Helper” month at Assisi Early Learning Center. (Photo by Chiquita Brown)

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School hosted a Thanksgiving Lunch on Nov. 16. Students were able to invite their parents, grandparents, and relatives to fell o w ship together and be thankful for God’s G r a c e .

(Photo by Chris Payne)

GREENVILLE – Abigail Duthu helps load up cans at St. Vincent de Paul for the Annual St. Joseph School Canned Food Drive. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

JACKSON – St. Richard sixth graders, Lorin Bass and Sutton Davis help a shopper for the Manhattan Mall Service Project. Annually, sixth graders collect items and set up a shopping area for residents of the Manhattan Nursing Home to choose Christmas gifts for themselves and family members. (Photo by Kelly Kron)

FLOWOOD – The Pre-K4 class works as a team to build a structure in the outdoor play area. (Photo by Susan R. Irby)

MADISON – Sixth grader Nicholas Harris assists second grader Ava Harris with her preparation for First Reconciliation. (Photo by Anne Cowger)

MERIDIAN – First grade teacher Melanie Pressly helps students, from left to right, Isadora Oregon, Krit Patel and Jace Smith with their reading. (Photo

by Helen Reynolds)

SOUTHAVEN – The Sacred Heart School fifth and sixth grade varsity volleyball team won the league championship, as well as the tournament championship for the Parochial Athletic Association. (Photo by Bridget B. Martin)

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 1501 V.F.W. Road, Greenville, MS 38701 Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary St. Joseph Middle/High School www.stjoeirish.org Facebook: @sjsgreenville

Pre-K3 thru 12 grade th

(662)334-3287 (662)378-9711

JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2023 ASSISI EARLY LEARNING CENTER 4000 West Tidewater Lane, Madison , MS 39110 www.aelcmadison.org Facebook: @AELCMadison

Infants thru Pre-K4

(601)856-9494

GREENVILLE – Sophia Jones and the Interact Club visited Magnolia Gardens Nursing Home and delivered handmade Christmas ornaments and sang a few Christmas carols. (Photo courtesy of school)

MADISON – Robin Love assists Nathaniel Hernandez to explore a vehicle on “Community Helper Visit Day” at Assisi Early Learning Center. (Photo courtesy of school)

“I am witnessing ‘Amazing Grace’ in my school by the family the school has created. Everyone lifts each other up. The Irish family feels like a home which helps people succeed.

The family the school has built is everlasting and will continue to bring joy to my life, as I succeed and thrive with others from this family.”

– Kent Tonos, senior 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.

“Amazing grace is shown in the way the teachers love the children!” – Jennifer Kilburn

TRADITION: A unique tradition at the school is the big/lil program that fosters relationships between older students and younger ones. This is something that each student looks forward to at some point in both elementary and high school.

SERVICE: Each year the sixth grade class participates in an Advent service project where they adopt six children through the Department of Human Services for Christmas. The students then do a little shopping for them to help fill the season with a little more joy.

Each year students also collect food to donate to St. Vincent de Paul. The organization allows those who need it to come in and have access to things that they need throughout the year and especially during the holidays.

“ Amazing grace is shown daily at Assisi Early Learning Center. The teachers love like Jesus.

They accept their students for who they are and celebrate the students for who they are as individuals. AELC also shows daily grace to us parents by exhibiting compassion and mercy as we work together to raise our children to show God’s grace to others.”

– Anabeth Duncani 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: We have a tradition that we have a door decorated with Christmas cards from both current and past families. When it is Mardi Gras season, the school holds a Mardi Gras parade with the children, with traditional Mardi Gras music and a dance party around the courtyard.

As a center, each year the school hosts a huge Thanksgiving feast for families and students make handprint gifts for the parents for Christmas.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. RICHARD SCHOOL 100 Holly Drive Jackson, MS 39206 www.strichardschool.org Facebook: @StRichardJackson Instagram: @saintrichardcardinals

9 Pre-K3 thru 6 Grade th

(601)366-1157

JACKSON – Beck Kenyon, Parker Ramsey, Samuel Nicholas, Olivia Mokry, Federico Diaz, Presley Creel, Cecilia Brown and Lucius Hoover were recognized on “Praise Friday” – a monthly celebration where students gather for prayer and recognized for virtuous deeds such as kindness towards others, being helpful and working hard. (Photo courtesy of school) “When I think about grace, I think about the idea that it is free and undeserved – a gift. So much about our school is a gift to me as a teacher and as a parent. I witness this gift at Mass in the voices of children being used to serve in the liturgy and in the atrium where they share their love of Jesus so freely. I witness it in the classrooms of my own children – in the love they are given by each of the adults they interact with. This is a school filled with ‘Amazing Grace’ and, no matter how undeserved, I’m so grateful to be on the receiving end of it.”

– Catherine Simmons, Religious Education teacher and parent TRADITIONS: The school honors the Sisters of Mercy each year by hosting a Mercy Day Mass and Tea for them as founders of the school. Also, the school has a house system that separates students into four houses that have competitions and participate in monthly service projects.

SERVICE: St. Richard School participates in monthly service projects. The school works to mold students to be community-minded adults. Students are encouraged to participate in collections for Birthright, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Pennies for Patients. Not every month involves physically donating items, rather the students are encouraged to think of other ways to give back to the community by writing notes and cards of encouragement for seminarians and patients in facilities such as St. Dominic Hospital.

Serving a need for parents who have to work by providing a loving, safe, stimulating environment in which each child can become the best version of themselves.

A ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Parish

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024 ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL 1585 Old Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 www.stanthonyeagles.org Facebook: @StAnthonyEagles Instagram: @st.anthonycatholicschool

Pre-K4 thru 6h Grade

(601)607-7054

MADISON – Jonathan Stringer and Joseph Rouse work together to make a blanket for patients at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of school) “I witness grace at STA from the moment we start our day in prayer until we end the day.

Our teachers are constantly leading us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and are always willing to help us. I love the way that students go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome at St. Anthony.”

– Josie Jones, student MISSION: Recognizing each child’s unique gifts, our curriculum is taught in the light of Catholic faith, emphasizing character development and academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment.

TRADITIONS: Because St. Anthony is a ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, they celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with an annual pet blessing. Students look forward to the day each year when their pets can join them at school for a special blessing from the pastor.

SERVICE: The St. Anthony community participates in several service projects each year. Students and their families pack “Boxes of Joy” to send to children overseas through Cross Catholic Outreach, make blankets for community members who are ill in hospitals or nursing homes, collect Silver for Saltillo, make door decorations for the residents of St. Catherine’s Village, and assist with the Mississippi Food Network’s Backpack Ministry.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. PATRICK SCHOOL 2700 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39301 www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org Facebook: @stpatrickcatholicschool2700

Pre-K3 thru 6th Grade

(601)482-6044

MERIDIAN – Juliana McKenna and her grandparents, Kay and Mark McKenna, participate in St. Patrick School’s 7th Annual Candy Cane Dash on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of school) “At St. Patrick School all students have the opportunity to participate in leading Mass each Thursday. This is a great way for us to serve the Lord and each other.”

– Helena Rutledge, sixth grade student “Being a part of a Catholic School Community means that I learn how to put my faith into action. It is important to know why we do what we do in the Catholic church, and I like having the opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith with my peers.”

– Jackson Spitzkeit, sixth grade student TRADITION: Kindergarten students dress up as saints for the annual All Saints Day Mass and tell a little bit about why their saint is special. Also, first grade students act out a live Stations of the Cross for students and parents on Holy Thursday each year.

SERVICE: Each year St. Patrick students participate in Jeans for Green on the last Friday of each month, where students may wear blue jeans for a $1 or more donation. Funds are giving to a charity at the end of the year.

Students also collect canned goods during November and early December to donate to local charities/food banks.

CELEBRATING

150

YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

St. Patrick Catholic School

2700 Davis Street • Meridian, MS 39301 • 601.482.6044 www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 5150 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671 www.sheartschool.org Facebook: @sheartschool

Pre-K3 thru 8th Grade

(662)349-0900

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School kindergarteners assist Sister Margaret Sue Broker pick vegetables from the winter gardens. The next day the students got to have a tasting party with what was picked! (Photo courtesy of school) “We begin our day with prayer and sing songs praising the Lord. We are kind to one another and our teachers. During NET Team retreats, we play games about serving the Lord. We have fun and enjoy giving back to our community through several service projects during the year.”

– Lyla Moore, student TRADITION: On the first day of school, eighth grade students are presented with their eighth grade jersey at a special assembly. They may wear the jersey with jeans every Friday if they are in good academic and behavior standing. After the assembly there is a breakfast for the students and their parents.

SERVICE: Students complete many projects throughout the year. The larger projects include various middle school students volunteering monthly at the mobile food pantry, recycling projects and programs like food donations and toy drives. Each month the school highlights a social service ministry at Sacred Heart Southern Mission. Students learn about the ministry, pray for the people volunteering, working and benefitting from the ministry and make a financial donation at the end of the month.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SISTERS OF MERCY EARLY LEARNING CENTER 1220 Howard Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 www.vicksburgcatholic.org Facebook: @vicksburgcatholicschool Instagram: @vicksburg_catholic_school

Infant thru 2 years

(601)638-5810

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3, 2024

Gift of Catholic education lasts forever MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION

By Karla Luke

VICKBURG – Sisters of Mercy ELC teacher, Connie Southerland reads to her class of one-year-olds about the color red. Seated from left to right are Brody Gargaro, Miller Masterson, Tanner Carruth, Brody Rushing, Marilyn Maynord, Emma Thornton and John Glenn Carpenter. (Photo courtesy of school) “We witness ‘Amazing Grace’ through the love and care we give to our children. Also, how the staff comes together to take care of the children.”

– Lisa Hubbard, staff member “Our family witnesses ‘Amazing Grace’ from the moment that we walk in the doors at ELC by being welcomed with a smile by all faculty and teachers down the hallway to our classroom. It is heartwarming to experience the love that our teachers have for each student in their care.”

– Sarah Soverns, parent since opening in 2021 TRADITION: Fun traditions at the Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center include: Make It with Mom; Fishing with Dad; Mercy’s Balloon Parade; Pirate Day; and Pumpkin Patch.

SERVICE: Families and students participate in a variety of service projects, including: Food Pantry; Keep Vicksburg Warm; and United Way.

VICKSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL Lead with Humility Serve with Love Strive for Excellence Prepare for Distinction

www.vicksburgcatholic.org

As I look through the pages of the Catholic School Week edition of Mississippi Catholic and see the amazing ways our students have demonstrated the Annual theme of “Amazing Grace,” it causes me to think about the amazing graces I received from the benefits of a Catholic education.

When I reflect on my time in Catholic school, I’m flooded with memories of penny parties, First Friday Mass and doughnuts after, weekly school Mass, school fairs, and moments of big and little recess – all defining elements of my childhood. From first grade through college, the Dominican sisters, my teachers, and principals shaped not just my education but also gave me lasting friendships and mentorships.

Catholic education is not just about academics; but about building a solid spiritual foundation. In today’s complex world, the need for deep spirituality and a connection to Christ is more crucial than ever. During the time of my education and now, teachers and administrators in Catholic schools transcend the traditional roles; they are models of Christian faith and trusted advisors, guiding students in various aspects of life.

In sixth grade, I vividly recall Sister Bernadette emphasizing the importance of prayer during the consecration. She even told us what to say, silently of course! In high school, the encouragement from sisters and teachers to build a community has endured, even years after leaving school. College brought an education steeped in Catholic values, emphasizing our responsibility not only to each other but also to all of God’s creation.

Receiving the gift of a Catholic education, courtesy of the sacrifices from my parents, a second-grade teacher, and a postal worker, formed the basis of our value system. It instilled a strong work ethic and a profound understanding of the value of serving others. In the Diocese of Jackson, our focus is to instill the timeless values of faith, love and service in our students today.

The mission of Catholic education here in the Diocese of Jackson is to support and sustain learning communities that foster disciples pursuing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Teachers and staff work tirelessly every day, following Jesus’ example to teach students how to use their distinct gifts in service to others. Committed educators make personal sacrifices to create a unique atmosphere of a school and church family, providing a sense of belonging.

We extend gratitude to Bishop Joseph Kopacz for supporting Catholic education, recognizing its importance in developing young people. We thank our pastors and canonical pastors, who play a vital role in spiritually nourishing the school community, and the support of groups like the School Advisory Council, parent organizations, and school volunteers enhances the school experience. Our extremely dedicated administrators continually seek ways to enrich the Catholic education experience, and teachers, teacher assistants, and staff invest in students’ lives daily, ensuring holistic development. We express our sincere and profound gratitude to all, acknowledging our deep appreciation.

In the Office of Catholic Education, we consider it a privilege and an honor to serve our school communities. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future.

Our Catholic schools are thriving in a diverse and ever-changing world!

Karla Luke is the executive director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jackson.

Catholic Schools Week 2024

January 28 - February 3

Discover the Benefits of Catholic Education...

Join us as we celebrate our schools during National Catholic Schools Week.

For an activities schedule near you, contact your local school.

Visit schools.jacksondiocese.org