Monitor Mag Feb 2024 In Focus: CSW

Asuccessful Catholic Schools Week 2024 is down in the books, and the memories created for Catholic school families, teachers, staff and supporters will last for a long time to come.

The Diocese’s Catholic school communities observed National Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28-Feb. 4, with special activities that included school-wide Masses, welcoming visitors for open houses and special guests for presentations, hosting unique exhibits, and events to benefit the community. There was a lot of fun stuff too, like sporting competitions between faculty and students and ice cream socials.

 “There is so much joy and excitement within the schools...”

Across the nation and here at home, Catholic Schools Week provides a unique opportunity to promote all the good that a Catholic education has to offer.

“When I go to visit schools during Catholic Schools Week, I love seeing the pure joy on our students’ faces, and teachers and school leaders taking time to connect with the whole community,” said Bonnie Milecki from the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools. Milecki spent time on the road visiting schools as did Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent, and Daniel O’Connell, associate superintendent.

Milecki recounted, “We visit schools frequently and when we do, we talk to focus groups of the students. I always ask, ‘In

Catholic Schools Week fills school communities with lasting memories

10 years, what will your favorite memories of your school be?’ and students will always say that Catholic Schools Week will hold special memories.” Milecki said, noting that the numbers of people who experienced the week in the Diocese’s schools were some 8,500 elementary school students; nearly 5,000 high school students and 1,350 teachers and staff.

Since 1974, the National Catholic Educational Association has hosted Catholic Schools Week for elementary and secondary schools in the United States. This year, the annual event had as its overarching theme “United in Faith and Community.” Each day was dedicated to recognizing a particular group within the school and Church community, including “Celebrating Your Students;” “Celebrating Teachers;” “Celebrating the Nation,” and “Celebrating Vocations.” Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, the wider community and the nation.

“To be out seeing the schools is always a great experience for me as superintendent,” said Dr. Schmidt.

“I always seem to learn something new, while allowing me to share education news with all the schools we visit,” he said. “But Catholic Schools Week takes it to a new level. There is so much joy and excitement within the schools and everyone is full of the Catholic school spirit that makes us unique in the education world.

“Also,” Dr. Schmidt added, “I love the opportunity to meet and talk about the direction of the schools with the parents.

“The investment in Catholic schools is clearly paying dividends,” Dr. Schmidt observed.

A student from Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, engages in a Catholic Schools Week conversation during a “Celebrating Vocations” presentation.

Mike Ehrmann photo

The unequivocal value of Catholic education

A Message for Catholic Schools Week 2024

BY BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

When a child is baptized in the Catholic Church, his/her parents, supported by godparents, make promises to help their child grow in the Church’s faith. Parents are their “first teachers,” their “first preachers” of the faith and, as a result, the family home becomes the “first Catholic school” and a “domestic Church.”

Without their direct and active involvement in their child’s Catholic faith formation, however, faith doesn’t happen, it won’t happen. Some parents mistakenly suggest that their children will choose to believe or not on their own later in life. What a disservice! Simple things like teaching and “hearing” a child’s prayers, telling Bible stories, taking a child to church, showing a child the difference between right and wrong, giving good example, treating people with respect and charity and so on, these are all part of Catholic parents’ primary responsibilities to their baptized Catholic children.

 Catholic schools should be an extension of the Catholic home and faith.

What if parents don’t exercise their faith responsibilities for whatever reason? What happens to the faith of their baptized child? The answer is simple: nothing. Bringing a child into the Catholic Church through Baptism without making him/her feel welcome, at home, familiar with the Church at least on a level appropriate to a child make him/her a stranger to and within the community that is home to the Catholic faith.

Thank God for Catholic schools! (Thank God, also, for Catholic religious education programs in our parishes!)

Although nothing can substitute for parents’ active witness to the faith in the Catholic home, Catholic schools should be an extension of the Catholic home and faith, building on its foundation or, more often than ever before, becoming a first foundation where it does not yet exist.

In either case, Catholic schools are or should be partners with Catholic parents forming and engaging their children in Catholic faith, along with other school subjects as well. The goal is to help children become good Catholics, with knowledge of their faith, exposure to prayer and the Sacraments, becoming

part of their parish church community and the experience of living and relating to others —adults and peers alike — with respect and charity. These are all things taught in Catholic schools, through their religion curriculum and Christ-centered environment. And children live what they learn.

“Catholic Schools Week” annually provides all Catholics — whether they have children in Catholic schools or not — with the chance to think about how the faith is taught and witnessed and the “value” that Catholic schools offer to children, to parents, to families, to the Church and to society at large with respect to that faith and its influence.

Is that “value” worth the sacrifice it takes for parents and families to provide Catholic school education to their children when public school education is readily available without any extra cost required? The research has been done and a majority of graduates of Catholic schools at the primary and secondary levels have demonstrated greater success across the board in a variety of measures than their public school counterparts. Having worked in Catholic education most of my life, I can state without hesitation, Catholic education is definitely worth it!

We live at a time, however, when many Catholic schools throughout the country, including our own Diocese, are facing significant challenges to their continued operations because of steadily declining enrollments and the resulting strain on available financial resources; the inability of parishes and dioceses to provide subsidies to Catholic schools at past levels; competition with public schools for faculty, staff at higher salaries and competition for facilities; demographic shifts in traditionally Catholic population centers; growing secularization among

14

Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

Professor Annmarie McLaughlin, MA

July 14

Zoom, and in-person at Huntington

July 14

Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation

6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

• Open to qualified lay men and women, clergy and consecrated religious

Introduction to New Testament with Dr. Jose Enrique Aguilar, SSD

Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

Christology

July 10 – 14

Via Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

30 | 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

• Zoom in from any location to join a class

• Tuition: $1,500 for three credits, $500 to audit

6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

• 50% off for new students, alumni auditors, and full-time (arch)diocesan employees

Christology with Fr. John Cush, STD

July 8 – 12 | 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Theology with Msgr. Donald Guglielmi, STD

Via Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

Introduction to the New Testament with Prof. Annmarie McLaughlin, MA

May 30 – July 11 | Tues. & Thurs. | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

The Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation with Professor Annmarie McLaughlin, MA

Via Zoom and in-person at Huntington

Ecclesiology with Msgr. Donald Guglielmi, STD

May 31 – July 14 | Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

Via Zoom, and in-person at Huntington

June 24 – 28 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Via Zoom and in-person at Yonkers

Introduction to Church History with Fr. Michael Bruno, STD

RCIA: Theology and Practice

with Dr. Donna Eschenauer

Liturgical

Catholics regarding Catholic teachings and practices; and, as mentioned before, questioning the “value” afforded by instruction in our Catholic schools, especially in the Catholic faith and its influence.

Introduction to New Testament with Dr. Jose Enrique Aguilar, SSD

July 3 | Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

May 30 – July 11 | Tues. & Thurs. | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

May 31 – July 14 | Mondays and Wednesdays | 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

Hy-flex: Hybrid-Flexibility allows students to choose in-person, synchronous / online, or asynchronous online learning

Via Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

Yonkers on campus | Zoom synchronous | Zoom asynchronous

Principles of Sacred Music

Spiritual Theology with Msgr. Donald Guglielmi, STD

with Prof. Conner McCain, PhD (cand.)

Year and Environment of Worship with Fr. Matthew Ernest, STD

June 26 – 30 | 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

14 | 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Via Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

May 29 – July 10 | Mon. & Wed. | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Via Zoom

Introduction to Church History

with Fr. Michael Bruno, STD

Introduction to Church History with Fr. Michael Bruno, STD

Via Zoom

Resolution in Ministry

May 30 – July 1 | Mon., Tues., Thurs. | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Via Zoom

June 1 – July 3 | Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.

Introduction to Liturgy with Fr. Matthew Ernest, STD

July 15 – 19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Via Zoom and in-person at Yonkers

information, go to www.dunwoodie.edu/summercourses or email us at sjsacademics@dunwoodie.edu

Christine Hammill-Cregan, JD, MSW

6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. | Via Zoom

The key to the future of primary and secondary Catholic schools lies in the hands of Catholic parents and families as well as non-Catholics who “value” Catholic education for their children. It comes down to a decision. Catholic schools do the job and do it well. A Catholic environment with its emphasis on caring for the whole person; a commitment to unity of purpose provided by Catholic faith, identity and mission; the presence of institutional structure and teaching personal discipline; adherence to codes of conduct and appropriate behavior; advocacy of social justice and service; excellence in education and a proven record of academic success; religious instruction; the personal commitment of deeply dedicated administration, faculty and staff (a profound thanks to them!), a sense of partnership with parents and family, the loyalty of alumni — these characteristics of Catholic schools demonstrate the “value” that Catholic education provides.

Liturgical Year and Environment of Worship with Fr. Matthew Ernest, STD

July 10 – 14 | 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Via Zoom, and in-person at Yonkers

The Books of Romans and Galatians

with Dr. Jose Enrique Aguilar, SSD

May 29 – July 10 | Mon. & Wed. | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

22 | 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. | In-person at Huntington

May 31 | 6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. |

A healthy and strong society needs good public schools. The history of American education reveals that good Catholic schools have also made a substantial contribution to society and are, likewise, necessary. “Catholic Schools Week” is an annual reminder that Catholic schools continue to make an incredible, faith-based difference in the lives of students with a “value” worth choosing. My mantra has never changed through all these years: “Catholic Schools Have it All” … and give it all, in the Lord!

Conflict Resolution in Ministry with Dean Christine Hammill-Cregan, JD, MSW

June 19 – 22 | 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Via Zoom and in-person at Yonkers

CELEBRATING Teachers

The hard work of school teachers, principals and staff did not go unrecognized during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Many schools honored them with special meals and tokens of appreciation. There were a few schools that had the teachers and students switch roles for the day. 

Ameriquin Laccetti, head of school and Spanish teacher in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, shown bottom row, second from left, stands for a Catholic Schools Week photo with some of her team. Facebook photo

The teachers in St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, have a relaxed and casual “Celebrate Teachers Day.” Facebook photo

For Celebrating Vocations Day in Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, Father Pierre Alabre, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, and Father Todd Carter (shown), pastor of Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, were invited to share their inspirations for becoming priests.

Mike Ehrmann photo

CELEBRATING Vocations

Teaching young people about what it means to have a vocation occurred in various ways during Catholic Schools Week. Some schools had students dress in outfits that represented their future career choice, other schools invited parents in to talk to students about vocations and there were some schools who focused on what it means to pursue a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life.

Father Jim Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, takes a selfie with a student who celebrated the day by dressing like a priest. The student wore a Roman collar and a chasuble, the vestment a priest wears for the celebration of Mass. Facebook photo

The students in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, pose for a photo with religious sisters who addressed the student body. Facebook photo

Catholic Schools Week provided the occasion for students to extend appreciation to the many volunteers who give of their time and talent to their schools.

Simple, yet meaningful messages were created by the St. Paul School, Burlington, community thanking volunteers for their efforts and generosity. Courtesy photo

CELEBRATING Service

CELEBRATING

V olunteers

PTA members in St. Dominic School, Brick, go all out to make a special day for teachers during Catholic Schools Week. Courtesy photo

The Villa Victoria Academy, West Trenton community, can attest that a key aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. Shown is a photo of a past diaper drive for mothers in need. Courtesy photo

A special day of service was held Jan. 29 in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford. Eighth graders, shown here, made sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen in Camden while students in grades five through seven made Valentine’s Day cards for residents of a local nursing home. Courtesy photo

St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, provided a peaceful backdrop for the gathering of school students and first responders during Catholic Schools Week.

CELEBRATING Community

Schools showed their appreciation of those who serve their neighborhoods in a variety of ways including special breakfasts, prayer services and presenting of notes and gifts of gratitude.

Courtesy photo

Handmade messages and drawings were posted around St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, letting everyone know how grateful the students are to those who serve and protect them. Facebook photo

In an act of gratitude, student council members in St. Paul School, Princeton, spent a Catholic Schools Week day walking through town and handing out care packages to neighbors and local businesses. Courtesy photo

 Collaboration was at its finest with students in the older grades in St. James School, Red Bank, working with their pre-school counterparts during the week. Courtesy photo

CELEBRATING Students

Crazy Hat Days, dress down days, motivational speakers, special treats and entertaining guests were among the highlights of “Celebrating Students Day” during Catholic Schools Week.

 For “Celebrate Your Students” in Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, Jan. 28, the school hosted two “Wacky Science” assemblies by Mad Science that were designed to present science concepts on polymers, static electricity and super absorbers. That day, students were invited to wear tropical attire. Mary Stadnyk photo

In St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, it’s tradition to host an annual carnival as a way to recognize students during Catholic Schools Week. The PTA and many parent volunteers help to make the event a huge success. Facebook photo

Students in St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, had a virtual out-of-this-world experience when Mobile Ed Productions brought a portable, inflatable planetarium where students could enter and see a star-filled sky. Technology allowed students to tour the Northern Hemisphere and see the stars exactly as they appeared on Feb. 2. John Batkowski photo

St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, celebrated their students Jan. 30 with a Buddy Bear Mixer during which students got to dance with their buddies. An ice cream treat added to the fun of the day. Facebook photo

Students from both St. Rose High School and St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar, came together for Mass during Catholic Schools Week. Courtesy photo

Students in Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy, Hamilton, spent part of their Catholic Schools Week observance visiting their parish churches. Here three students pose for a photo in the sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church, Trenton. Courtesy photo

CELEBRATING Faith

Along with providing a solid educational foundation, the goal of Catholic schools is to keep students rooted in their faith. Throughout Catholic Schools Week, there were plenty of opportunities for students to attend Masses and specially planned prayer services.

St. Joseph School, Toms River, students participate in the Offertory Procession during a school-wide Mass. Courtesy photo

Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, blesses the students from St. Mary School during a Catholic Schools Week Mass. Mike Ehrmann photo

Prayer partners were the highlight of Jan. 30 for students in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park. After attending Mass, middle school students helped their younger counterparts learn about and identify many of the holy objects in the church. Facebook photo

ALL GIRLS K-12 PRIVATE SCHOOL | CO-ED PRESCHOOL STUARTSCHOOL.ORG/ VISIT

EMPOWERING GIRLS SINCE 1963

MEN OF FAITH, CHARACTER & ACTION

Proud supporter of Catholic Schools Week since 1959

Academy men on one of the Senior Kairos Retreats at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, TOMS RIVER

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Showcase

The Catholic schools of the Diocese were invited to share some of their good news with our readers. The Monitor is happy to feature this special content in honor of Catholic Schools Week 2024.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, LINCROFT

This January, Christian Brothers Academy’s Office of Mission and Ministry completed its first two-night Kairos Retreat. Nearly 50 CBA seniors spent 42 hours at the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch.

Led by Mr. Matthew Meehan, CBA’s director of mission, the boys spent this time having good conversation, listening to guest speakers and personally reflecting on their time at CBA. Several CBA faculty members accompanied the boys to the retreat house, leading group discussions and helping to challenge the students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their peers and God. With the ocean as their backdrop, these seniors experienced a unique opportunity to disconnect from their everyday schedules and gain some new perspective from both classmates and faculty members.

In Donovan Catholic, Catholic Schools Week focused on the value of Catholic education as the school remains united in faith and community.

The week began by extending gratitude to the alumni, PTA and benefactors. Time was set aside to celebrate the students with a school-wide trivia game and a semester-one academic showcase for parents.

Helping others is an important part of Donovan Catholic’s mission and the school is blessed to have a strong Christian Service program that organizes and promotes service for others in the community. Students have assisted at Seeds of Service, located on the campus of Visitation Parish, Brick, which is a non-profit agency providing 28 different services to the sick, the poor and the needy in Ocean County.

Students do a variety of jobs at SOS, such as unloading trucks filled with donations, restocking the on-site food pantry, filling holiday food bags for distribution, sorting donations of clothing and furniture, cleaning the agency’s grounds and posting items for sale online, which provides additional resources for the agency, as well as other tasks on the agenda for the day.

HOLY CROSS ACADEMY, RUMSON

At the heart of Holy Cross Academy, the Early Childhood Program stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds in a God-centered environment.

The dedicated team of Early Childhood educators at Holy Cross Academy employs a play-based, multisensory approach to teaching. This approach caters to individual strengths and fosters academic success for every student. The emphasis on creating a loving and supportive atmosphere is a cornerstone of the teaching philosophy. The faculty leads by example, instilling in students the virtues taught by Jesus, creating an environment where love for one

Students volunteer stocking shelves in Seeds of Service . Courtesy photo

Early childhood education is successful in Holy Cross Academy. Courtesy photo

Christian Brother Joseph Brienza facilitates the Kairos retreat for the Class of 2024 in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. Courtesy photo

another is truly palpable.

Holy Cross Academy’s Early Childhood Program is a well-balanced and comprehensive curriculum. The program covers a spectrum of subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, and religion. However, what sets this curriculum apart is the integration of essential elements of social and emotional learning. This holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically, but also develop into well-rounded individuals.

In the past two years, Holy Cross Academy has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its preschool and pre-kindergarten program, growing by almost 400%. Responding to the increasing demand, the institution extended the hours of both preschool and pre-kindergarten classes. This expansion has resulted in the opening of a third preschool class this year, a testament to the success and popularity of the program. The anticipation of further growth reflects the positive impact the Early Childhood Program has had on the Holy Cross Academy community.

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, LAWRENCEVILLE

Visit the new eSports room in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, where there are high-tech PCs, cool dangling lights, lively chatter and the smiling faces of students playing games together. The games played during club meetings range from Super Smash Bros to Splatoon 3, Fortnight and more.

eSports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Most commonly, eSports takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, between professional players and teams. Competitions have long been a part of video game culture largely between amateurs until the late 2000s, when participation by professional gamers and spectatorship through livestreaming saw a surge in popularity. By the 2010s, eSports was a significant factor in the video game industry, with many game developers actively designing toward a professional eSports subculture.

The eSports Club Executive Board members are: Cliff Russell, Simon Lee, Sarah Colon, Madison Fajardo and Simeon Salins. Courtesy photo

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL, ASBURY PARK

The students of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School participated in two different service projects centered around respecting the human dignity of others. Students in Kindergarten to fifth grade collected items to create blessing bags for individuals who are home insecure in our local area. Items included granola bars and gloves.

The middle school students were invited to participate in a “Baby Shower for Birthright.” Birthright is an international organization that serves pregnant women in need of help, no matter their circumstances. Items for newborn babies were collected as “gifts” for the baby shower and the celebrations were complete with games, snacks, prizes, and prayer cards that were created to accompany the donations. All of the collected items will be donated to our local chapter of Birthright in Red Bank.

As we celebrate Our Lady of Mount Carmel School’s 100th Anniversary, each grade was given a decade to research and study during the weeks approaching Catholic Schools Week. The students learned about the technology, clothing styles, inventions, transportation, as well as music and popular dances during their assigned decade. On February 1, students were able to dress in clothes from their decade and perform a song during our Dancing Through the Decades assembly.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS SCHOOLS, HAMILTON

At the high school level, players generally compete for cash prizes of thousands of dollars and scholarships. Schools now offer scholarships for eSports athletes.

The Notre Dame Gladiators eSports League Team will participate in the High School eSports National League. The team will compete in the following Nintendo Switch tournaments: Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon 3. On PC, the team will compete in Minecraft, Rocket League and Valorant. Members of the eSports Club tried out for each team of interest. The potential to win scholarship money is available if teams place high enough and apply to colleges that have eSports programs.

During Catholic Schools, students in Our Lady of Sorrows Schools, Hamilton, collected socks for the Trenton Salvation Army and the students worked with their ‘Church Buddies’ to write and color notes of encouragement to those receiving the socks. This project

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Fourth grade students decked in the 60’s attire get ready to perform “The Loco-motion” during the Dancing Through the Decades assembly.

Courtesy photo

Students are inducted into the Our Lady of Sorrows School Honor Society during First Friday Mass Feb. 2. Courtesy photo

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In Focus is important, with socks being one of the most asked for items from those who serve the homeless population.

An additional service project was held where each student created a Valentine’s Day placemat for a local nursing home. The nursing home that was selected was special to the OLS community as faculty members have family who reside there. Those family members have shared that these small acts of kindness provide “color and cheer” for the residents.

Another event that was special was the induction of students into the Our Lady of Sorrows Honor Society. The students have attained and maintained high honors, and they were recognized during the First Friday Mass during Catholic Schools Week. Msgr. Gervasio blessed their Honor Society pins and then awarded them to the students.

RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, RED BANK

Formore than 20 years, Red Bank Catholic has offered the Enhanced Learning Program for students with unique learning needs. Students achieve success through working with talented faculty and utilizing a three-prong approach that includes: individualized academic support programs, a focus on social-emotional growth, and an emphasis on fostering executive functioning skills. In the fall, RBC expanded the program’s reach with the addition of C.A.S.E.Y Time (Can Achieve Success Every Year).

With C.A.S.E.Y Time, additional time is available before and after the regular school schedule, creatively allocated through a “0 period” and a “9th period,” as well as continuing to utilize the lunch period for the Lunch & Learn program.

“Students exhibit diverse learning styles, paces and preferences. C.A.S.E.Y Time offers a platform for personalized learning, enabling students to concentrate on specific areas where they perceive a need for additional support or enrichment. This initiative, extended to all students, caters to their varied needs, nurtures holistic development, and equips them for future challenges. Granting students autonomy in determining how they make use of this extra time has the potential to enhance their engagement in the learning process,” shared Karen Falco, RBC principal.

C.A.S.E.Y Time is available to Red Bank Catholic students at no additional cost thanks to the generous leading support from Douglas and Heather Forsyth ’21, ’25 and Michael and Andrea Trebino ‘88, ’17, ‘27, ‘27.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, MOUNT HOLLY

To kick off Catholic Schools

Week in Sacred Heart School, families put their faith into action and eagerly answered the call.

Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, the school community generously donated travel size toiletries for a Catholic Schools Week Blessing Bag service project. After the Family Mass, on Jan. 28, the families gathered in the school auditorium to sort and assemble the Blessing Bags benefiting a local Mount Holly charity, The Extended Hand Ministries.

In total, more than 120 bags were packaged, each complete with a note of encouragement, oral care, hygiene products and cold weather essentials. The project was a huge success thanks to everyone’s humble heart and generous spirit.

ST. ANN SCHOOL, LAWRENCEVILLE

Catholic Schools Week was marked by the students and staff of St. Ann School with many events this year that focus on the community.

The newly funded Service Society Student Club led the student body in the main service project for the week. Students, with the support of their teacher, Kelly Meyer, organized a Winter Item Drive and asked all school families to donate winter hats, scarves, gloves, socks and hand warmers to be given to our friends at HomeFront. On Jan. 30, all students and faculty gathered in the school gymnasium where they assembled bags also to be delivered to HomeFront, along with handmade cards. The Service Society Student Club has also assisted include Meals on Wheels and Pet Pantry.

This is only one of the many community outreach efforts in which students are encouraged to actively participate during the school year. More information about the Service Society Club can be found at saintannschool.org/clubs.

Enhanced Learning has proved to be a unique but necessary learning tool in Red Bank Catholic. Courtesy photo

Students prepare Blessing Bags for persons in need. Courtesy photo

Students collect warm clothing items for HomeFront clients. Courtesy photo

ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL, HOLMDEL

Two newly-formed student clubs are empowering young women and promoting student-led community service initiatives in St. Benedict School, Holmdel.

The Lauren’s Light Foundation is a non-profit organization established in memory of Lauren Hewski, a 2019 SBS graduate, who passed away tragically in a car accident last May.

Lauren‘s Light “is committed to building a future where girls learn, live, and compete in a pro-girl world. A world where they can confidently embrace their power, nurture their authenticity, and celebrate their success. A world where they LEAVE NO DOUBT about who they are and what they can accomplish.”

The SBS middle school club Lauren’s Light Explorers formed in September to explore topics such as breast cancer awareness, wellness, fitness, keys to success and more. The club has focused on empowering girls with ample confidence to try new things.

Drops of RAINE is a new community service club for SBS fifth through eighth graders. Since its inception, the club has held a fundraiser for pediatric diabetes, run a Thanksgiving food drive for the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference food pantry and served the community at a Thanksgiving dinner, helped raise more than $3,000 in gifts to local children for the holidays, and wrapped hundreds of gifts for the RAINE Foundation for Christmas.

For Catholic Schools Week, the club hosted a community service day for visiting seniors from local assisted living facility Bethany Towers, where students assisted with a painting lesson, trivia and game, and served lunch.

Both Lauren’s Light Explorers and the Drops of RAINE clubs have more than 50 student members and have proven to be a true testament to making a difference in the lives of others and have taught the students how best to live their own lives in the true image of God.

ST. CATHARINE SCHOOL, SPRING LAKE

St. Catharine School has undergone a transformation renovation.

Highlights include: a fully renovated gym with new flooring and bleachers dedicated to a long-time teacher, Ellen Meixsell; energy efficient lighting; upgraded security system; new elementary and upper grade libraries; expanded cafeteria with new daily hot lunch program; restored limestone and stained-glass school entrance, and expanded staff parking lot.

Some aesthetics include new tile and freshly painted walls throughout the school, and in addition to the building improvements, the school has also expanded its administration to include Meixsell to serve as the new dean of students and Mary Jayne Nelson as administrative advisor. St. Catharine School has also welcomed Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin as the structured literacy teacher. These new roles

Necessary renovations help to create a more viable environment for students.

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO PARISH SCHOOL, CINNAMINSON

St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, has taken a fun approach to helping others.

Recently, students and faculty collected more than 2,200 boxes and bags of pasta in January to donate to three local food banks: Bread of Life Pantry, Oaks Integrated Care and SJ Food Bank.

But before sending the boxes off to their respective locations, the PTA and volunteers constructed a marble run out of those boxes and foam pool noodles. The entire school watched as Father Daniel Kirk, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, and school principal, Jeff Johnson, competed. The winner, Father Kirk, awarded the school a pizza party for their efforts on collecting so many boxes of pasta.

Aside from the marble run, other Catholic Schools Week highlights included students competing in Penny Wars, a Penny Wars Art Finale, and students versus staff volleyball.

Also held was the annual Buddy Bear mixer, in which students had a dance party with their buddies. Students and staff also spent time remembering others by writing letters to active-duty military personnel. The eighth graders also spent time in the teacher role teaching the younger grades for an entire period on Teacher Turnabout Day.

“From the time that planning began earlier in the school year until the last point was scored in the volleyball games on Friday, I continually witnessed our community’s generous and committed heart for our students,” said Johnson.

“And this fills my heart with pride for our community!” he said. “Part of what makes us great is the fact that both the staff and PTA have worked so well together, especially to accomplish everything we did during Catholic Schools Week.”

Seniors from an assisted living facility enjoy attending the community service day. Courtesy photo provide additional resources to work closely with faculty and students to improve the learning environment.

On ladders are Father Kirk, left, and principal Johnson as they participate in a marble run.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Continued from 27

ST JEROME SCHOOL, WEST LONG BRANCH

Each year we celebrate the opening of Catholic Schools week by inviting everyone to reconsecrate their hearts and return to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

Highly respected for our rigorous academic standards, student interaction and a safe and nurturing environment, we not only foster Catholic teachings and Christian formation, but we also provide students with skills they will need to live in a global, technologically challenging society.

VEX Robotics is an exciting addition to our curriculum. Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups and allows educators of all types to engage and inspire the STEM problem solvers of tomorrow!

Ever mindful of the needs of our children who are not only the future of our Church, but her very present, we continue to renovate our curriculum – in particular our Early Childhood Program, which offers developmentally appropriate practices which promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strength-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning.

ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOL, MARLTON

Schools Week, which this year was Feb. 2. The day begins with the celebration of Mass during which the church is packed with students, grandparents, special persons and parishioners.

After Mass, the guests enjoy refreshments served by the PTA and then take a tour of the school and visit the classrooms. From the school’s point of view, it is a wonderful celebration of faith, students, families, the school and parish community.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL, HOLMDEL

St. John Vianney High School students have regularly taken campus ministry pilgrimages to the diocesan shrine of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament on the campus of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, where they participate in a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays. The school has also created a culture of eucharistic reverence with Adoration following first Friday Masses in the chapel for the duration of the school day this year.

Patrick Smith, director of campus ministry and Christian Service, was instrumental in beginning the Friday pilgrimages. A graduate of Mater Dei High school, Middletown, he noted that he and Father Jeff Kegley, St. Mary’s pastor, have known each other since the 90s when they both attended Seton Hall University, South Orange.

“So, when St. Mary’s Chapel became our Diocesan Shrine for Perpetual Eucharist Adoration, I pledged to bring a group of our SJV students over to help support the shrine’s efforts.”

He pointed out that the pilgrimages coincide with the second year of the Eucharistic Revival and the pilgrimages are another way to help students gain deeper appreciation for the Eucharist.

As for Catholic Schools Week, principal Margaret Kane said, “At St. John Vianney High School, we believe Catholic schools are a special place! Many of our alumni feel the same way and have come back to help support Catholic education and live out our motto of ‘Knowledge, Commitment, Involvement.’

“We are thankful to have 20 alumni faculty and staff members, not only during Catholic Schools Week but every week,” she said.

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, TOMS RIVER

One of the favorite days of the year in St. Joan of Arc School is Grandparents/Special Persons Day.

A celebration is always celebrate held on the Friday of Catholic

St. Joseph School students combined research with collaborative creativity to produce a magnificent adventure called “Traveling the  World.”

With a personal passport in hand, the students passed through custom checkpoints as they traveled from the Everglades in Florida

Two students prepare for Mass in St. Jerome Church. Courtesy photo

Father John Michael Patilla, parochial vicar of St. Joan of Arc Parish, celebrates Mass for students and their grandparents. Courtesy photo

St. John Vianney students stand in front of the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Shrine on the campus of St. Mary Parish, Middletown. Courtesy photo

With passports in hand, students embark on a Catholic Schools Week journey around the world. Courtesy photo

to Oktoberfest in Germany. From there they went to visit the Pope in Vatican City and then explored some wildlife in Australia.  After two days of non-stop travel all passengers arrived safely back at school in time for the Nations “Parade of Flags.”

ST. MARY OF THE LAKES SCHOOL, MEDFORD

St. Mary of the Lakes celebrated another wonderful Catholic Schools Week.

Each day was filled with many exciting activities. On Monday was a Day of Service in which each homeroom completed a service project. The eighth graders made sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen in Camden.

On Tuesday, the school celebrated the students with a movie day! Students enjoyed a movie and popcorn courtesy of the PTA.

On Wednesday the community celebrated the nation by hosting its annual annual First Responders Parade. Local first responders were invited to a drive-through visit at the school and receive a breakfast bag. As the first responders picked up their breakfast bags, the students cheered them, thanking them for their service. A special surprise included one of the Coast Guard parents who landed a helicopter on the front lawn of the school.

Thursday was the day for celebrating vocations during which Father Kevin Hrycenko, parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, visited each homeroom for a Q & A on vocations. He also spoke with the students about his own calling to the priesthood.

The week wrapped up with the annual pep rally and on Saturday the school families were highlighted. A special bulletin board was created with pictures of family photos.

ST. PAUL SCHOOL, BURLINGTON

Doctors, artists and athletes are among the choices of careers students indicated during “Celebrating Vocations Day.” Courtesy photo

Itwas busy in Burlington during Catholic Schools Week in St. Paul School. Every day, students and staff were excited to participate in various activities tied to the different themes for each day.

On “Celebrating Community! – Lighting the way in Christ,” the students got to wear neon accessories and they wrote letters expressing their gratitude to different community organizations.

“We are alike but uniquely different” was the message of “Celebrating Students.” This time the students wore mix-matched accessories to express their individuality. They also tapped into their creativity in art class, during which they crafted decorations for a Catholic Schools Week door decorating contest.

“Our future is bright” was the theme of “Celebrating Vocations!” Students enjoyed thinking about their future career prospects and wearing accompanying attire. On this day, the eighth graders also taught religion to the lower school grades.

Bob Kelly of Fox 29 News in Philadelphia broadcasted live Feb. 2 from SPS, dressed in a groundhog costume, continuing his annual tradition of highlighting different Catholic schools during CSW.

“Celebrating Staff!” included a school open house and a Catholic Schools Pep Rally during which the lion mascot proudly joined the cheerleaders and basketball players. Staff sported their spirit wear while students wore their team uniforms. A high point also included a volleyball game between staff and the eighth grade.

ST. PAUL SCHOOL, PRINCETON

St. Paul School, Princeton, celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a jam-packed agenda of activities. Focusing on each of the daily themes of CSW ‘24, the school spent time celebrating our parish and community, faculty and students, volunteers and vocations.

As part of a school-wide service initiative, 692 boxes of cereal were collected for Mount Carmel Guild, an inner-city Trenton diocesan outreach that assists the poor. Student Council members spent the afternoon of Jan. 31 walking through town, stopping at local businesses and residences to drop off care packages in gratitude for their support of St. Paul School.

The school-wide Mass included the blessing of throats in honor

Continued on 30

Father Kevin Hrycenko, parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, shared his vocation story with students. Courtesy photo

In Focus

Continued from 29

of St. Blaise, whose feast day was Feb. 3, and Father Christopher Dayton, parish administrator, spoke in his homily about his love for Catholic schools and the beauty of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

The week culminated with the school’s annual pep rally, honoring its CYO Playoff Champs and celebrating the entire student body. Families gathered Feb. 3 in Monmouth Junction’s ProSkate Arena for the annual PTA Family Skate Night, which traditionally caps CSW celebrations.

ST. PETER SCHOOL, POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Though the annual Veterans Day show in St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, had to be rescheduled from November, it all worked out for the best in a different kind of way.

Veterans instead were invited to visit the school during “Celebrate Nation Day” during Catholic Schools Week and, according to Tracey Kobrin, principal, “it was the perfect time to show our love and gratitude to those who have served and honored our country.”

After the show, a reception was held during which eighth graders and the veterans engaged in conversation and enjoyed refreshments.

ST. RAPHAEL SCHOOL, HAMILTON

Members of St. Raphael School in Hamilton are inspired to celebrate and share their God-given talents, be passionate lifelong learners who strive for academic excellence, and foster a spirit of respect, reverence and responsibility on their journey together, empowered by the Gospel message to serve the Lord.

The philosophy of St. Raphael School is to further the mission of Jesus Christ: to love God and one another. Through the teaching of Catholic doctrines, experiences of worship and opportunities to serve, students grow spiritually and morally.

Throughout the year, students engage in various acts of service,

Along with prayers, students perform works of service to help people in need. Courtesy photo

embodying the school’s commitment to compassion, empathy and outreach. From fundraising initiatives to heartfelt gestures of gratitude, students continuously demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact in their community and world. Some acts include supporting Joey’s Little Angels to raise funds and toys for families with a child undergoing medical treatment; writing letters and sending gifts to Jade Riley, who was born with a congenital heart defect and recently passed on at age six, reinforcing in students the power of empathy and connection to her family; participating in a “Souperbowl” fundraiser, where students compete to donate the most cans of soup to the parish food pantry; assembling products for hygiene bags for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen along with writing letters to the recipients, and writing letters to veterans, expressing gratitude to those who have served the country. A personal favorite annual Veterans Day tradition is the visit from veteran Mr. Chludzinski.

In addition to service, the school community gathers every Friday for a Mass that is hosted by the students and is attended by family members and friends. Each Mass concludes with a glory and praise song performed by one grade or the student council.

ST. ROSE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BELMAR

Ahighlight of the boys varsity and JV basketball teams in St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar, was receiving an invitation from St. Rose High School to attend a home game and see their older counterparts play the sport. The grammar school boys received St. Rose High School t-shirts, and were able to spend time with the team after the game. This is one of the many ways the two schools foster bonds between the students and school communities. While grammar school students do visit the high school each day for lunch, and both schools attend Masses and prayer services together frequently, sometimes it can be intimidating for the younger students to interact personally with the high schoolers. Events such as the basketball game

Students honor veterans during Catholic Schools Week in Point Pleasant Beach. Courtesy photo

Grammar school and high school students can forge bonds through special activities. Courtesy photo

Principal Kim Clauss gets into the Catholic Schools Week spirit with the students. Courtesy photo

allow the grammar school students to get to know some of the shining examples of student athletes in a more casual setting and get a glimpse of what they have to look forward to in just a few short years.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA SCHOOL, FREEHOLD

Onemajor accomplishment in St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, occurred in December when the students in the grades PreK through eight participated in a Christmas art show. Students were given the opportunity to showcase their talents through artistic representations displayed in the main lobby of the school.

Then, during Catholic Schools Week, there were many exciting activities – but most important was taking time to give thanks for what is considered one of the school’s greatest blessings: Catholic education.

One of the many events that took place during the week was Grandparents Day, which had a patriotic theme. Students performed musical selections for their grandparents.

TRENTON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY ACADEMY, HAMILTON

There are many local businesses, teachers, parents and resources behind the joy of children performing on stage at Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy.

More importantly, a peek behind the curtain of a TCPA Drama Club performance reveals a complex set of emotions and backstage banter among budding actors, talented singers, energized dancers and a focused stage crew. Most importantly, you will see a group of more than 40 students learning to work together, discovering new talents, developing self-discipline, exploring self-expression and enjoying their improved self-esteem!

It is no secret that a school drama club provides an opportunity for growth and confidence building. What’s unusual about the TCPA Drama Club is that many of the students have never witnessed a live stage performance, let alone participated and contributed. Many students join as way to socialize and/or retreat

from going straight home, while not having any idea with what they are getting involved.

Principal Anne Reap says that they have “no quitters at TCPA;” so, even students who begin as reluctant participants literally transform. After roughly 30 days, rehearsals reveal students working in groups to learn songs, practice dances and/or rehearse lines – all with wide smiles and intermittent laughter. The TCPA Drama Club director/producer, Diane Warga-Arias, says, “it is an unimaginable joy to nourish the imagination of children, and help develop the children’s confidences (with the shy/introverted, as well as the extraverted)! To witness the children’s dramatic transformation is mind-blowing.” Reap describes the annual performance as “a broad community initiative with powerful results.” She continues to give thanks for the sponsorships and support of local businesses, parents and teachers who together make it possible.

The next performance of the TCPA Drama Club is May 16 at 6 p.m. entitled “Schoolhouse Rock.” Contact TCPA for tickets/sponsorships.

VILLA VICTORIA ACADEMY, EWING

Aprayerful Catholic Schools Week component in Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, was a project called “Sharing God’s Daily Bread.”

An area in the dining hall was set up with Bibles, index cards, pens and markers. Students and teachers were asked to take time throughout the week to write Bible verses or brief passages from the Bible on the index cards (one per card) and place the cards in the designated box.

The box was made to look like a loaf of bread and the cards were arranged so that people can take them and let the Word of God “feed them” and nourish their spiritual life. Scripture cards will continue to be added. Everyone will be encouraged to try to memorize the verses.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the students will not only make cards for residents of a local home but will also incorporate their experience of “Sharing God’s Daily Bread” by including a Scripture card to go in the envelope along with the Valentine’s Day cards.

The way students and staff at Villa Victoria Academy see it, “Sharing God’s Daily Bread” was an example of the overall theme of Catholic Schools Week “United in Faith and Community.”

A patriotic-themed Grandparents Day was a CSW highlight in Freehold school. Courtesy photo

A drama club offers many ways for students to hone a variety of skills.

Courtesy photo

Villa Victoria students have some creative ways to learn more about the Bible. Courtesy photo

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Students start nonprofit to improve recess

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Brooke and Riley Pulaski have taken their Catholic school lessons on outreach to heart by establishing a nonprofit that seeks to bring healthfulness a step closer for Catholic schools in the Diocese who could use additional resources.

Their organization, “For the Love of Recess, Inc.,” originated in the summer of 2023 when the two seventh-grade students of St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, visited Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, to witness its summer program in action and to discuss with OLMC interim principal Katie O’Meara how they might find a way to help.

“One of the things they needed was recess equipment,” Riley noted. Brooke observed that “schools don’t always have the budget to replace equipment ... [students] need time to relax and unwind,” and having updated equipment “helps promote healthy lifestyles.”

The sisters formed their organization with the help of their mother, Shannon Pulaski, an attorney and executive director of the Mike & Patti Hennessy

Foundation, which granted the Diocese funding for its 2023 Catholic schools’ summer enrichment programs.

They built a website and reached out to a friend’s gym teacher father for ideas, building an Amazon wish list of indoor and outdoor options to guide donations.

“We tried to have a lot of different types of equipment that can be used in different ways,” Riley said, including for gym class, indoor recess or for students healing from an injury that might temporarily prevent outdoor play.

Advertising their collection in the fall yielded over $1,000-worth of equipment to fill three large boxes, which the Pulaskis delivered to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in December.

“The delivery included roller scooters, bubbles, chalk, board games and jump ropes,” Riley said.

“I was blown away when [I saw] what they had accomplished,” said O’Meara. “I was so impressed with their drive and initiative to help others. When unboxing the items, I could tell how much thought went into the items.

“With Brooke and Riley’s support, we are able to provide our students with

Kindergarten students in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School enjoy scooterboards donated by For the Love of Recess. Courtesy photo

safe and engaging materials during their recess time,” she continued. “This means more opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and creative play, all of which are essential for our students’ overall growth and academic success.”

SPREADING THE LOVE

Emboldened by their first effort, the sisters have initiated their first “Spread the Love” campaign, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

“We’re asking the entire school to participate,” Brooke explained. “We don’t have a school in mind right now” to which the proceeds will go, “but Asbury Park is going to give us a few more ideas from other schools.”

Riley agreed, noting that “eventually we’d like to branch out” and invite participants from surrounding schools in the Diocese. “In the future we want to grow an ambassador program so kids can form their own foundation.

“Observing how our children’s education instills the values of service and generosity is a true blessing,” Shannon said. “Witnessing their commitment firsthand fills us with pride, and we are grateful for the solid foundation of faith that propels their efforts.”

u To learn more or to contribute, visit www.fortheloveofrecess.org.

Brooke and Riley Pulaski display some of the donations collected through their nonprofit “For the Love of Recess, Inc.” Courtesy photos

New state law extends eligibility for free meals to nonpublic schools

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

To help offset financial hardship experienced by many low-income families, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law the “Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act” on Jan. 16, expanding eligibility for free school meals to include nonpublic schools.

The “Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act,” or A-5684, will make some 50,000 New Jersey families newly eligible, meaning that a total of 102,000 families in public and nonpublic schools will now be eligible to receive free meals via the National School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program.

The New Jersey Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops, advocated for the expansion bill, writing to Gov. Murphy Jan. 11 to ask for his support.

Introduced in the 2022-2023 legislative session, the General Assembly passed A-5684 June 30, 2023, and amended versions passed in the Senate and Assembly Jan. 10.

 “One of the Catholic Church’s priorities is a ‘preferential’ care for the poor and vulnerable.”

The new law means that public and nonpublic schools can provide in-school meals – breakfast and lunch – free of charge to all eligible students. It extends eligibility to families making up to $67,200 a year (the previous income limit was $59,700) and raises the threshold to between 185 and 224 percent of the federal poverty level.

According to Catholic school leaders,

the expansion will be supported by federal and state dollars. The use of state funds to pay for the additional free meals is an expansion of the federal National School Lunch Program of 1946, making nutritionally balanced, low cost or free meals available for low-income students.

The new law also directs the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to provide funding to each school district and nonpublic school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and to reimburse nonpublic schools for certain free school lunches and breakfasts beginning with the Spring of 2024 and going forward with the 2024-2025 school year.

In his letter to the Governor, NJCC executive director James King, wrote: “One of the Catholic Church’s priorities is a ‘preferential’ care for the poor and vulnerable. Collectively, society must work together to implement laws and policies intended to eliminate barriers that prevent people living in poverty

from obtaining basic needs, such as healthy food, affordable housing and quality healthcare. Without these basic needs, it is nearly impossible to flourish and live a life of dignity, to which, as children of God, all persons are entitled.”

King expressed appreciation that the Governor signed the bill, and added, “The Catholic Church in New Jersey remains committed to these efforts through our daily charge to foster, promote and actionize our charitable legacy of feeding the hungry through a multitude of social agencies, parish-based food banks and Catholic Charities, and are grateful for your administration’s past support of anti-hunger legislation.”

Gov. Murphy signed similar legislation into law in Sept. 2022 – A2368/ S1677 – which increased income eligibility for free public-school meals up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

To read the entire Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act, visit https:// pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/ S4500/4055_E2.PDF

Shutterstock image

FAR LEFT: For students attending a number of Catholic grammar schools in Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties, part of their Catholic Schools Week celebration was attending “Classical Music for Kids” performances presented by American Classical Orchestra. This photo shows the performance held in St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square. INSET: ACO instrumentalists performed Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” in three of the Diocese’s Catholic Schools. Courtesy photo

Orchestra provides unique concert experience for Catholic schools

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

Elementary school students celebrating Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Trenton heard the story of a young boy and his animal friends, told through musical phrases performed by traditional orchestral instruments.

The New York City-based American Classical Orchestra, which sponsors the “Classical Music for Kids” educational initiative, performed Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1 in Catholic schools of the Diocese. Each character in “Peter and the Wolf” is represented by different instruments; for example, the strings tell the story of Peter; the French horns present the wolf; the bird is a flute.

“The cornerstone of our mission is to bring classical music to the children,” explained Carly York, ACO’s Manager of Education and Operations. “We want to expose as many children as possible to the joys of classical music. We have great relationships with Catholic schools in New York City and Connecticut and wanted to bring the program to New Jersey.”

This past September, York, a cantor at St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, and mother of a Holy Cross Academy graduate, contacted Daniel T. O’Connell, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, who approved the orchestra’s visit. The ACO members, all professional musicians, agree to play for far below their usual rate

due to the special educational outreach.

The programs were hosted by St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square; Holy Cross Academy, Rumson; and Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River. Each host school welcomed students from area Catholic elementary schools; a total of 10 schools attended, and York estimated about 900 students enjoyed the three performances.

O’Connell noted, “The Fine Arts Curriculum guidelines used in our schools cover the areas of music, visual arts, dance and theater. [It] examines the history and aesthetics of these areas, as well as performing and taking part in these artistic endeavors.”

York defined classical music as “the foundation of all music. All melodic structure comes from it and, as Catholics, so much of our music is classical. Kids should know where it comes from.”

To prepare students for the 35-minute performance, the orchestra offered teachers a study guide. Six instrumentalists and

a mime participated in the story and later shared their personal journeys in the arts.

Principals of participating schools expressed their joy about the program’s exposure to classcial music. Craig Palmer, principal of St. Mary School, Middletown, said, “My kids loved the show. Although they were impressed by the music and acting, most really loved the mime!” St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, principal Donna White added, “The performance was very engaging for our students.” Jason Briggs, St. Gregory the Great Academy principal, called classical music “an art form” the students “might not often see,” citing the nationwide decline in high school students taking music lessons and joining marching bands. “This was a wonderful opportunity to see talent and encourage the students,” he said.

To see the performance, York invited parents and their children to view it on the American Classical Orchestra website at aconyc.org/classical-music-for-kids/peter-and-the-wolf.

St. Rose High School, Belmar, closed out its 100th anniversary year, with a gala held in November in Spring Lake. The centennial opened in September, 2022, with an event geared for the current student body. Through the year, monthly tours were held during which each decade of alumni were invited

back to visit their alma mater. Courtesy photo