Jada Gutierrez ’19, Colleen Osbahr ’19, Holly Doig ’19 and Isabel Duncan ’19 at Mass.
St. Mary’s students and staff commemorated Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27-31 with a variety of events designed to celebrate the value of a Catholic education and the important role it plays in the St. Mary’s community. The National Catholic Education Association set the theme for 2014 as Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service, broken down by St. Mary’s into one simple idea: We are Family.
The week kicked off at a school-wide Mass followed by a photo booth for “family portraits” in the Conigliaro Gymnasium for students, parents and alumni.
The week also featured appreciation days for teachers and students. Faculty members were treated to a luncheon prepared by parents and letters of appreciation from students. Parent volunteers included Piri Collard of Peabody, Carol Anne Cushing of Marblehead, and Lenore DelVecchio of Revere. Students enjoyed a dress-down day and ice cream social.
Service to others was celebrated as students collected thousands of toiletries for the homeless, to be delivered during this year’s Hunger for Justice on Easter weekend. The Marian Division (grades 6-8) was recognized for bringing in the most items. Headmistress Grace Cotter Regan shared how she recently lived the call to service with a presentation on her January mission trip to Belize.
The week concluded with Kristen Homan, a licensed clinical social worker, and Rev. Matt Williams, Director of the Archdiocese of Boston Office of New Evangelization, speaking with students about being a unique and honored member of the St. Mary’s family. Conversations with each grade focused on self-respect, body image and student health.
The Catholic Schools Week Committee included faculty and staff members Andrea Alberti, Jade Henne, Jacqueline Foley ’90, Chris Carmody, Mike McDuffee, Beverly Buckley, Lisa Morin-Plante, Pat Gill ’71 and Sam Lipscomb.