Hope for the Future

United in faith, hope, and love against bullying, Catholic schools of the archdiocese observed their fifth annual Solidarity Day on October 5, with orange shirts and blue jeans the uniform of the day for students.

St. Pius X Catholic School announced a million-dollar gift in a unique way at the conclusion of the school Mass on August 25.

Teachers and administrators serving the 38 Catholic schools of the archdiocese filled to capacity the sanctuary of the largest parish in San Antonio -- St. Mark the Evangelist Church -- for an August 10 liturgy on the feast of St. Lawrence to spiritual prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Catholic schools in the archdiocese began the 2021-2022 academic year on August 16.

Each year, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, bestows the Archbishop’s Medallion Awards upon a Catholic High School senior from each of Catholic high school who is committed to assist the school, parish and community to encounter the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to promote Catholic teachings and values.

Eighteen years ago when Providence Catholic School first entered the Central Catholic High School JROTC program, the number of females was nominal. Fast forward to 2021: not only does the female population now also include students from Incarnate Word High School, but the overall enrollment of girls in the program is at a new all-time high at 22.

St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) has announced that former NFL player and UTSA star Ashaad Mabry has been hired as the new Yellow Jackets head football coach. In addition, Interim Athletic Director Michael Salas has been elevated to the permanent athletic director position. Coach Mabry and Athletic Director Salas were introduced to SACHS students, parents and staff on May 17 at Lang Field on the SACHS campus.

The Chaminade Guard Armed Drill Team, AKA “The Machine,” of Central Catholic High School was recently inducted into the National Drill Hall of Fame at the National High School Drill Team Championships on May 1 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The 29th Catholic Schools Leadership Awards event held at St. Anthony de Padua Church May 7 had a different format this year but the same mission: to honor those who educate and invest in the success of the whole child committed to excellence in academics rooted in Gospel values.

The Hope for the Future Khaki and Plaid Gala on May 1 raised more than $400,000 for families which need financial assistance in order to make their dreams of Catholic education come true.

Madre Eisquia serves as a religion teacher for the for the early childhood grades. Madre’s graceful, loving leadership has made St. Mary Magdalen School better, and Madre has improved the lives of parents, students, and staff.

Gina Rodriguez has been volunteering in Catholic schools since 1997. Her love and dedication to service has been distributed between St. Joseph’s, St. James, and St. Gerard schools. She and her husband have sacrificed for many years to put their two daughters through kindergarten and 12th grades in Catholic schools.

Elise Denoux was hired as a middle school science teacher at Providence 14 years ago. During the almost decade and a half she has been at the school, she was appointed athletic director in 2008 and in 2018 began her dual role as assistant principal and athletic director.

St. Mary’s School is a well-established school with a great tradition that has had a positive reputation in the area for years. However, when Mr. Mein took over, the school itself took on new life. Enrollment has increased each year that he has been principal. The students, teacher, and parents love him and listen to him. He is well respected at the school and in the community of both Fredericksburg and Kerrville. More and more families desire to be part of the St. Mary’s family each year due in part to the reputation Mr. Mein has built.

This week marks the 47th anniversary of celebrating Catholic Schools Week. All across the Archdiocese of San Antonio, our Catholic schools will be taking time out of their normal schedules to show their appreciation and celebrate people who help to make Catholic schools strong -- parents, teachers and staff, clergy and religious, students, and our benefactors.

Members of the San Antonio-area Roman Catholic and Jewish communities will participate in a livestreamed interfaith Hanukkah celebration on Thursday, December 10, at noon.

“Thankful for Today, Thriving Tomorrow,” was the theme of a gathering held in person and virtually by all 38 Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio on October 7 that launched a campaign to raise awareness of the value and needs of Catholic schools.

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Church and School experienced a fire on Saturday afternoon, August 15, which originated from a stove in the first floor kitchen of the parish hall.

Catholic Teachers of the Year were recognized and honored a liturgy and ceremony by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, on August 7 in Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary, following an almost four month delay. In most years the honorees receive their awards at a banquet in early May, however, that event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Luke’s Catholic School student Madison, felt the need to help her brothers and sisters throughout our community. COVID-19 has been an uncertain time for many who have lost their jobs or income. While making pizzas with her family, she was inspired to help others by fundraising for Catholic Charities.

Catholic schools are at the heart of living our Catholic tradition and supporting parents in passing on our faith. It is a ministry of the Church committed to providing our community the academic and spiritual benefits of a Catholic education, even in this time of great challenge.

“Matt’s leadership went beyond the field of play, he led in the mind, heart, and spirit of his teammates.”

All across the United States, school administrators and teachers are working hard to develop the best way to provide the highest quality education for their students while managing the implications of a virus unlike any other we have seen in our lifetime. For educators in Catholic schools -- institutions known for producing some of the most well-educated people -- we often have to remind families that education isn’t only about the grades a student gets in rigorous coursework. As families seriously weigh the economic costs and benefits of the investment in Catholic schools, we at Antonian emphasize that it is in times like these, one major benefit of Catholic education is needed most -- community.

In 1993, St. Matthew Catholic School opened its doors to welcome the first class of Cardinal students. We are a Pre-k through eighth grade school located near USAA and the Medical Center.

St. Anthony Catholic School announced the launch of a Spanish immersion program for students, offering a best-in-class academic option for families who wish to either reinforce or develop Spanish language skills in their children. LISTA -- Language Immersion at St. Anthony -- was developed by a local committee of experts in language studies, curriculum and instruction. The program will officially launch this Fall.

They often say during a child’s development that it “takes a village” to ensure that every one of the child’s needs are met. But what happens to that metaphorical village when hit with an unexpected pandemic that could undoubtedly have disastrous effects?

A Catholic education was always important to Christopher’s Mom Cathleen. Christopher attended Catholic schools since kindergarten where he started at St. Mark the Evangelist. Here is a quote from Cathleen’s friend Lorenda: “Chris’ kind-hearted manner and strong faith is a reflection of his mom’s love and lessons in life. Chris’ Catholic education was a goal his mom set out to see happen.”

Dr. Alma L Garza is a dentist and owner of a private dental practice for nearly 30 years. She attended El Centro College in Dallas and received an associate degree in Nursing, the University of Texas at Austin receiving a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Baylor College of Dentistry, where she earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Mount Sacred Heart’s school year begins on Monday, August 17, and with great joy, we have announced the inaugural year of the Mother Cabrini Formation Center. The Mother Cabrini Formation Center will increase the presence of religious sisters at Mount Sacred Heart, enriching the academic and spiritual experience for our students and families.

Antonian College Preparatory High School, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Castle Hills partnered to stock the Catholic Charities Food Pantries at St. Stephen’s CARE Center, Guadalupe Community Center, and the Mobile Food Pantry on June 20.

I think we can all agree that it is a blessing that we are able to gather together during these troubling times to recognize our accomplishments. I know this year has not turned out the way we expected. I know that sports seasons have been cut short and time with friends has been lost. I know this lengthy quarantine has testing our sanity and durability. But I also know that we have grown and become stronger because of it.

Twenty three carloads of eight grade graduates and their family members anxiously awaited on Nunes Street on the Southside of San Antonio May 22 to enter the gates of their precious Catholic school that many attended for the past 11 years. Church bells resounded, horns honked, and “Pomp and Circumstance” played as cars entered the courtyard of St. James the Apostle Catholic School to attend their first-ever drive-in graduation. Students exited their cars wearing the traditional cap and gown accessorized with face masks. They sat eight feet apart in front of the outdoor classrooms. Once the music ended, the ceremony began.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Marti West presented nine high school graduates with the Archbishop’s Medallion at a small reception at Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary on May 15.

What a year 2020 has been! I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our school faculty and staff, as well as parents and students for persevering through the challenges the pandemic posed. We are proud of the swift pivot to distance learning our schools made, and the continued learning and high level of student engagement that continued. We learned a lot from our experience with distance learning and it has paved the path for planning for the future.

As a result of recent events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors across the country have felt a void and continue to miss out on end of year milestones, whether large or small. Antonian College Preparatory High School has been working diligently to continue to support their seniors by honoring them through various social media campaigns.

Adam Olmos of Holy Spirit Catholic School was selected for Archdiocesan Elementary Teacher of the Year by the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools and a selection panel. He received news of this honor at a surprise ceremony at Holy Spirit School on May 8 with archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools Marti West. The event was livestreamed on archdiocesan social media platforms.

Antonian College Preparatory High School science teacher Jenny Russell is the San Antonio Catholic High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Superintendent Marti West presented the award at a small gathering at the campus May 8.

To all who are to be graduating at this time, moving on to the next stages of your life, I know there is no way you envisioned what would be happening now. You expected to be gathering with excited classmates, listening to speeches from school officials and invited guests, and walking the stage to receive your diploma in front of parents, family, and friends.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and The Renee Benson Family Foundation have recently finalized an agreement to continue the legacy of Mount Sacred Heart School.

I find myself writing this letter to you with mixed emotions after listening to Governor Abbott’s announcement today in response to measures being taken to re-open the state of Texas. The governor stated that it would not be safe for schools -- both private and public -- to resume operations on campus this academic year, and schools would therefore remain closed. Of course, our priority is the safety and well-being of our students, families, faculty and staff. So, in that respect, I received the governor’s message with hope for what can be re-opened and getting people back to work. Yet, there is tremendous sadness for us in knowing that we will not have the opportunity to gather as a school community with all our students as we end this historic school year.

The Providence Alumnae Association (PAA) has announced eight new scholarship opportunities for current students at Providence Catholic School. Its membership and alumnae outreach has engaged with seven decades of alumnae through fundraisers, networking events, and now virtual meet-ups.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio and Department of Catholic Schools have been closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. In an appropriate response to the current crisis, this morning officials with the city of San Antonio and Bexar County announced that they were banning gatherings of more than 500 people, and strongly suggested that this measure extends to groups of 250 or more. The governor of Texas this afternoon also declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus.

Blessings abounded at an annual “rite of passage,” students from Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese gathered for the annual fifth grade at St. Rose of Lima Church on February 25.

Catholic Life Insurance helped 57 Texas Catholic Schools sell over 200,000 tickets to raise over $1 million during the 13th annual “Catholic Schools Sweepstakes.”

Renowned San Antonio high school football coac, Van Fuschak has announced that he will retire as head football coach at Antonian College Preparatory High School effective Friday, Feb. 28. Fuschak completed nine seasons with the Antonian Apaches. He joined the school in 2011 after retiring from a successful coaching career in the Northeast as well as the Northside Independent School Districts.

The 10th Annual Khaki and Plaid Royal Ball, “Once Upon a Time,” was an amazing gathering of Catholic school alumni and friends who came together at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center February 1 to support students and their families through Hope for the Future.

St. John Paul II Catholic High School recently celebrated the grand opening of their newly constructed Stevenson STEM Advancement Wing. This new wing houses state-of-the-art Physics/Engineering and Chemistry labs, as well as a new Robotics room and a video tech room, with filming space, a green screen, and editing stations. The school celebrated with a ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony with their design and construction team as well as school and archdiocesan leadership.

Speaking about the importance of Catholic schools, Pope Francis recently said that Catholic education “gives soul to our globalized world and radiates the promise of Christian salvation.”

This week marks the 46th anniversary of celebrating Catholic Schools Week. All across the Archdiocese of San Antonio, schools will be taking time out of their normal schedules to show their appreciation and celebrate people who help to make Catholic schools strong -- parents, faculty and staff, clergy and religious, students, and our benefactors.

Proudly, Hope for the Future, has awarded more than $23 million in tuition assistance to more than 18,000 children in the Archdiocese of San Antonio who are pursuing a Catholic school education. This dream is becoming a reality for more students because of the generosity of supporters whose prayers, time and treasure both exemplify and promote the mission of Catholic schools.

St. Gerard Catholic High (SGH) School and Regional Middle School hosted a Mass on Tues., Dec. 3 to dedicate the school’s chapel in memory of former SGH principal, president and Catholic educator Maurice S. “BC” Abadie, who passed away Jan. 6, 2016.

The 2020 Khaki and Plaid Homecoming Court was announced at a gathering at the Sonterra Country club October 28. Members of the Court are Imelda Guzman, Bqeui Sierra, Kathy Ornes, Dr. Kristina Vidaurri, Rick Galindo, David Kauffman, Michael Specia, and Father Patrick Guidon, OMI.

More than 3,000 people took part in the Hope for the Future Fun Run at Morgan’s Wonderland on October 27, a record number of attendees.

The statue and relic of St. José Sánchez del Río were at the school named in his honor for an October 18 liturgy with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS. While the relic of “San Joselito” will be returned to Mexico, the sculpture will be on permanent display at the school’s lobby.

Incarnate Word High School (IWHS) has announced and celebrated that Mary Ann De la Garza, director of Student Services, has just completed her 40th year of service.

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Pleasanton celebrated rosary month on October 1 with a Student Living Rosary.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, celebrated a Mass at Mount Sacred Heart School October 8, an institution which is marking nine decades of educational ministry this year. Concelebrant at the liturgy was Father Raymond Mwangala, OMI.

St. Gregory the Great School celebrated the feast day of its patron saint on Sept. 3 with a special Mass with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, and a reception after the liturgy.

The football teams from Central Catholic High School and Holy Cross of San Antonio gathered at the Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) on Sept. 6 for a Mass prior to the 48th Holy Bowl game at Alamo Stadium the next night.

It’s been a mission two years in the making, now St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) has taken the latest step in its high-tech journey by issuing laptop computers to every student. The school held a celebration to kick off the initiative Sept. 5 in their library. Students, parents, faculty and staff gathered along with community leaders and others who helped to make this major investment in the future of SACHS students.

There is new leadership at St. Gerard Catholic High (SGH) School for the 2019-2020 academic year. SGH, founded in 1927 and originally operated by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and School Sisters of Notre Dame, was designated an archdiocesan high school in 1988.

A Back to School Mass for the newly-named St. José Sanchez del Rio Catholic School was celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in the campus gym on Aug. 10. At the end of the liturgy, the archbishop blessed the students, faculty, and staff, and the youth presented Archbishop Gustavo with a painted rock as a commemorative gift.

Principals from around the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic schools attended an “All Principals Meeting” at St. Luke Church August 2 to kick off the school year.

“Building a Catholic Culture of Accompaniment” was the theme for the Aug. 6 Catholic Schools Convocation, the annual gathering of teachers and faculty which precedes opening of the school year, held early last month at St. Mark the Evangelist Church.

Each year, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, bestows the Archbishop’s Medallion Awards upon a Catholic High School senior from each of Catholic high school who is committed to assist the school, parish and community to encounter the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to promote Catholic teachings and values.

Welcome back to a new school year! What a joyful time of year; filled with new beginnings and old friends. There is so much to look forward to: physical, academic, and spiritual milestones to achieve and celebrate at every age and grade level.

A proposed federal tax credit-based scholarship program could provide a boost for parents who want to send their children to Catholic school, and it has the backing of a major Catholic education group.

St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) has named Ed McCabe as its new head football coach for the upcoming season. McCabe currently serves as the SACHS athletics director (AD) and will continue to work with the school in that position.

The Department of Catholic Schools and Hope for the Future celebrated the 28th Catholic Schools Leadership Awards ceremony May 10 at the ONMI San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, honoring individuals sharing humility and grace, not seeing that their everyday actions stand out as extraordinary, impacting so many others.

Following is the homily given by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at the Baccalaureate Mass for Antonian College Preparatory High School on May 28.

Hope for the Future is one of 40 Archbishop’s Appeal-funded ministries. Its mission is to assist families in obtaining the academic and spiritual benefits of a Catholic school education. With the support of Appeal donors like you, families and students receive a faith-filled education which form our youth through academic excellence and Gospel values.

With the unanimous approval by the search committee, board of directors and the Ministry Council of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dr. Anna Downey has been named the new principal at Incarnate Word High School (IWHS).

For over 15 years, the faculty, staff and students of Blessed Sacrament School have participated in an annual Curriculum Immersion Day. This has become a tradition of our school and remains a much anticipated event for the students.

St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) Yellow Jacket Bella Sanchez was selected as one of just 50 of the top high school softball players in the greater San Antonio area to take part to take part in the inaugural 4 Heroes High School All-Star Game. The game took place at St. Mary’s University June 4. All proceeds benefitted two local charities, the San Antonio Firefighters Benevolent Fund and Women Veterans of San Antonio.

Pope Francis encouraged youth in North Macedonia in May to follow Mother Teresa’s example and make something beautiful out of their lives.

In his follow-up document to October’s youth synod, Pope Francis urged young people to approach holiness not only with the joy and boldness of youth, but with seriousness.

The ‘daily bread’ asked of God in the ‘Our Father’ is for everyone, and Christians will be judged by how well they shared their gifts with those in need, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

What happens when you give a Franciscan $1 million?

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced that the recently constructed tomb of St. Katharine Drexel at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has been declared an archdiocesan shrine.

Students from Antonian College Preparatory High School, The Atonement Academy, Providence Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic High School and St. James the Apostle Catholic School join students from around Bexar County as Mayor's Fitness Council Ambassadors.

Second annual Career Day at St. Monica Catholic Schools brings together a variety of professionals including a public servants, law enforcement, fire fighters, veterinarians, software developers and medical professionals.

Catholic school counselors join together this week in celebration of National School Counselors Week. Counselors have a tremendous impact on the academic, social, emotional, behavioral and spiritual development of Catholic school students.

The San Antonio Spurs Coyote stopped by St. Leo the Great Catholic School as a thank you for their participation in the Team Up Challenge. Students were awarded a grant to help the homeless stay warm during the winter months.

The 2017 Khaki & Plaid ~ Plaidi-Gras Masquerade Ball was an evening of entertainment, fun and pageantry. The event grossed $951,000 to help Hope for the Future's mission of providing Catholic school tuition assistance funding to families in need. Homecoming Nominees John McNair and Laura Macom were crowned Khaki & Plaid King & Queen, respectively.

200 San Antonio area Catholic school students joined an estimated 4,000 during the annual School Choice Rally at the Texas Capitol. The event is held in conjunction with National School Choice Week.

Students from St. John Berchmans 4-H Club created hygiene care packages for the homeless. The project was sponsored by The Children Youth and Families at Risk Grant.

For parents and guardians interested in applying for Catholic school K-12 tuition assistance for the 2017-18 school year, Hope for the Future has announced new deadlines.

St. Mary's Catholic School students in Fredericksburg, Texas saw the need to help students in Louisiana who lost all their school supplies after flooding earlier this school year. Students and the community banded together to serve their neighbor, following the mission of their school.

St. Mary's Catholic School in Fredericksburg, Texas has a rich traditions, a family atmosphere and the love and support of the community.

Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School in Kerrville, Texas celebrates Homecoming and the traditions that come along with the time honored tradition.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH) in Selma hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of a new multi-purpose educational building on the church/school campus on Aug. 28. The building is the beginning of OLPH’s expansion efforts.

Eighth grade students from ​Holy Name Catholic School on the city’s Southeast side sat in a classroom learning how to calculate terminal velocity of objects. While it sounds like a normal Thursday in the classroom, the setting was beyond the traditional.

St. Monica Catholic School recognizes their 8th grade 2016 valedictorian and salutatorian, along with their top 5 students.

​“Do not be afraid. You walk in the Light of Christ, and the future is bright!” These words of encouragement from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, were spoken to the 10 high school graduate recipients of the Archbishop’s Medallion.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio Student Ambassadors to the Mayor’s Fitness Council did a FANTASTIC job this academic year with their service projects.

Hope for the Future and the Catholic Schools Office participate in the 125th Annual Battle of Flowers Parade.

This week, Catholic K-8 schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio begin testing called the Iowa Assessments (IA), formerly the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Learn more about the assessment and read some tips for parents to prepare students.

Submitted by two seniors at Our Lady of the Hills Regional Catholic High School in Kerrville, Texas, they share a small glimpse into the heart and soul of their school community.

Join all of South Central Texas as the community comes together to support nonprofits and their work. Hope for the Future is participating in The Big Give SA, a 24-hour day of online giving. Donate on Tuesday, May 3 and your funds will directly impact a child's life for the better through a Catholic school education.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mrs. Marti West, reflects on inspiring words on how relevant Catholic school education is in today's modern world. Schools around the nation celebrate Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 - Feb. 6.