Catholic Schools

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.

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.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, said that the Catholic Church is currently in a “very dark moment” in its history, and that Catholics should look to the example of Mary in reacting to the abuse crisis.

St. Leo the Great Catholic School will permanently close its doors at the end of this 2017-2018 school year and not re-open for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year due to declining enrollment and financial challenges. A meeting was held with parents and staff at the school on Thursday, May 17, at 6 p.m., to discuss plans moving forward for the students and personnel there.

National Catholic Schools Week 2018 (CSW) will be observed in dioceses around the country January 28–February 3. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education.

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.

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.

Hope for the Future is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and we want to thank YOU. Since inception, 12,000 children have received the help they need to experience a Catholic school education. We are so blessed to have the support of so many from across the archdiocese. THANK YOU!

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.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Student Support Services classrooms.Student Support Services exist to empower our students in becoming successful academically, emotionally, and socially.

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.

Katie Ledecky, Lia Neal, and Anabelle Smith are some names you might hear on television if you are watching the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this year.

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.

Choral Conductors from across the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic Schools selected their performance music that would best fit the “Jubilee of Mercy” theme. The three category options to compete in were: A Capella, Accompaniment (one instrument), and Contemporary during the 2016 [email protected] CAAC event.

The Catholic Arts and Academic Competition saw a record number of students participate with nearly 600 students from 22 Catholic schools to compete in nine categories.

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

​This school year ​St. Thomas More Catholic School (STM) embarked on an exciting concept, The Industry Challenge! The Industry Challenge bridges academics with industry by providing the opportunity for students to develop and apply skills in thinking critically, creating solutions, and demonstrating leadership… Think… Create… Demonstrate…

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.

Little Flower Catholic School Interim Principal, Nora Mozingo, was recently recognized during a Great Day SA segment on KENS5 TV called 'Good People.'

Catholic School students participated in the creating the world's largest periodic table. The elements were assembled and unveiled yesterday evening.

St. Monica Catholic School continues its service efforts by sending supplies to children in need along the Texas-Mexico border.

Student-athletes from Holy Cross of San Antonio bring home their 12th national title during the National Cheerleaders Association High School Nationals Competition.

St. Gregory the Great Catholic School recently announced a new school logo and the creation of an 11-man football team for its middle school.

Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of San Antonio shared their talents in art, writing, poetry, music, and photography through the Catholic Creative Arts Contest. The contest was sponsored by the Department of Catholic Schools Enrichment Program Office

St. Louis Catholic School students are actively engaged in acts of service and mercy, including collecting boxes of macaroni to provide to the local Saint Vincent DePaul. The school ministers to the whole child to help each child develop to their full potential.

Though in the first year of the program, 4th and 5th grade students from St. Anthony Catholic School earned top honors at the innagural Lego League Robotics Qualifier Competition. The team utilized their knowledge of STEM to identify and solve a problem using robotics.

St. John Bosco Catholic Schools celebrated their patron saint feast day with visits from other Salesian Middle School students, priests, and religious women from around the world.

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.

During the week of January 31 – February 6, 2016, Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of San Antonio will joyously celebrate the gift of a Catholic school education with open houses, service projects, school spirit days, and special liturgies to thank parishioners, volunteers, teachers and staff.

Catholic school students from San Antonio joined the nearly 700 from around the state for the 2016 National School Choice Rally in Austin. The rally was to help bring more awareness to parents and legislators about school choice and creating successful students.

The Hope for the Future Ambassador program provides Catholic School students in grades 8-12 an opportunity to learn and demonstrate their leadership abilities. Student ambassadors will attend events and represent Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

In the heart of Advent season with the coming of the birth of Jesus Christ, Veronica Montalvo, Director of Enrichment Programs for the Dept. of Catholic Schools, reflects on her portrayal of Mary in a Christmas Vigil pageant from her childhood. She recalls the importance of learning about Mary and becoming inspired by her.

The Catholic Arts and Academic Competition held its Cheer-4-Christ contest, sponsored by the Department of Catholic Schools. Eleven schools participated in the event at Holy Cross of San Antonio with over 150 cheerleaders competing.

The “New Beginning Campaign” renovation – which initiated in March 2015 – includes four new classrooms, boys’ and girls’ restrooms, a piano room, a spacious Fine Arts classroom, an expansive hallway with student lockers, central air/heat, new roofing, over 100 new student desks, fixtures and technology equipment.

Catholic schools can embrace their identity through familiarity with Christ, devotion to the Virgin Mary and a commitment to Christian life and teaching, the apostolic nuncio to the United States told the nation’s bishops.

The 9th Annual Run with a Mission 5K, held at Mission County Park #1, was blessed with a large crowd to celebrate the Catholic school community. Participants from across the area didn't mind the wet and cool weather as they stayed warm in the comfort of family and friends from Catholic schools.

Little Flower Catholic School recently celebrated the first ever, Homecoming Alumni Dance with proceeds going toward technology and school improvements. Over 300 came out to dance the night away and enjoy the company of former classmates.

Alumni parents, students, and teachers gathered in August to celebrate these 50 years of excellence. ​Holy Spirit Catholic School began as a school for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in 1965 in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church parish hall initially staffed by Benedictine Sisters.

In an effort to usher in a new era of collaborative leadership at Antonian College Preparatory, Principal, Tim Petersen, has appointed two vice principals and a director of admissions.

St. John Berchmans Catholic School in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension created 10 raised garden beds to encourage education about gardening, sustainability, nutrition and healthy eating. The project was made possible through a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio go through an extensive accreditation process to show compliance to standards and continuous growth. Associate Superintendent Cindy Luna briefly explains the process and who oversees the accreditation for our schools.

Notre Dame Catholic School in Kerrville, Texas has a rich history of Catholic school education over the last 103 years. Today, through the help of its Parish and school supporters, Notre Dame sets up students for success in a technology rich environment.

Hope for the Future officially announced the 2016 Khaki & Plaid Gala Homecoming Court. The Homecoming Court nominees will help creating awareness and raise funds for Catholic school education. The Khaki & Plaid Gala Homecoming 2016 | Red Carpet Reunion is set for Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Catholic school supporter and alumna, Mary Jane Clark, has gifted $408,000 to the Hope for the Future endowment fund to provide tuition assistance to children from economically disadvantaged families to attend a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Clark wants her gift to help children receive a Catholic school education to provide a foundation of faith, much like it did for her.

The Catholic Schools Office welcomes Teressa Lowrance as the new Academic Interventionist.

The Catholic Schools Office welcomes aboard Mrs. Cindy Luna as the Associate Superintendent. Luna brings to the position 36 years of experience as an educator and feels her success is a direct result of her Catholic school upbringing.

Catholic Television of San Antonio's 'On the Scene' was at the recent Archbishop's Medallion reception to talk with medallion recipients about why Catholic school education and this award was so special to them.

Transfer grants up to $3,000 available for families with students who attended a public, charter, private or homeschool last year and want to transfer into a participating Catholic school. Space is limited.

Recent Catholic high school graduates in the Archdiocese of San Antonio celebrate their accomplishments, but are already looking toward the future. And thanks to Catholic school, it's a future full of hope.