When students returned to school in August, they walked into a school completely transformed in 11 weeks by workers from Charlotte-based Choate Construction.

The $5.1 million renovation that touched every part of the 70-year-old school, which opened in 1955 and hadn’t received such a significant update since then.

The work included new paint in hallways and classrooms, a new HVAC system, improvements to the library and playgrounds, new cabinets, flooring, lights, acoustic ceiling tiles, tutoring classrooms and more.

This was made possible by a $3.5 million grant from Shea Homes, part of the Shea Family of Companies, one of the most significant supporters of Catholic education nationwide since the 1980s. Funds for the renovation also included $600,000 from the Mecklenburg Area Catholic schools systems, $700,000 raised by the school and $300,000 by the parish.

Principal Celene Little fought back tears of joy as she opened the ceremony attended by Bishop Michael Martin, diocese schools superintendent Dr. Gregory Monroe, other diocesan staff and donors from the parish and school community.

“It’s unbelievable what has taken place in this school,” Little said. “We have a safer, brighter, more inspiring place for our children to learn.”

Bishop Michael Martin offered a prayer.

“As blessed as we are this day to realize the great ways in which so many people have worked together, have brought their gifts to bear so this school can be a better place for learning … we’re even more grateful for what transpires here every day,” he prayed to God. “…Our teachers, our assistants and our parents all work together so we can find even more creative way for your children to grow as disciples of Your Son Jesus.”

Father Timothy Reid, St. Ann's pastor, reflected on the school’s history and how the renovation changed the building he has known since becoming he was appointed in 2007.

“For years and years and years I walked through these halls and I’ve always thought I would love to renovate this school,” he said . “…What is amazing about this project is that so many different groups came together to pull this off. The money was one hurdle, and the other was getting this done in the course of a summer. I was amazed at how this building got transformed…truly a very beautiful testament to God’s work.”

The St. Ann student choir sang a moving tune called “Graditude” by songwriter Brandon Lake.
John Shea Jr., who lives in the Charlotte area, represented his family’s foundation at the ceremony and took of a tour of school alongside Bishop Martin and others.

After the ribbon-cutting, students presented him with a special gift – a photo of all 356 students surrounded by thumb-prints gathered from every student, with a different color representing each grade.

“It’s exhilarating to see what has happened here at St. Ann’s, and amazing to see that it happened in such a short time,” Shea said.

In a 2024 interview with the Catholic News Herald, Shea said the family’s commitment to Catholic education is motivated by belief in what Catholic education can do for children and society as a whole.

“Learning Catholic values in school and, for me, at home – like loving your neighbor – is key,” he said. “We believe the more kids educated in the Catholic system, the better our future world will be.”

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy C. Hull 

Eaton brings nearly three decades of experience in Catholic education, serving as a teacher, principal and diocesan leader. She holds a master’s degree in School Leadership from St. Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“I am excited and blessed to serve as the next principal of St. Matthew Catholic School,” Eaton said. “Throughout my years in Catholic education, I have been grateful for the opportunity to help students grow academically and in their faith. I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff and families of St. Matthew as we continue the tradition of educating saints and scholars.”

Eaton previously served as Director of Educational Services for the Diocese of Des Moines, supporting schools in curriculum development, professional learning and student services.

From 2011-2014, she was principal of St. Patrick Catholic School in Perry, Iowa. She led the led the school as it grew from 85 to 125 students, strengthened academic programs and built community partnerships. In 2014, she served as the first principal of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School in Ankeny, Iowa, guiding the school through its early development and growth until 2019.

She then returned to her roots, working with students scoring below grade-level in math and reading and the teachers who support them as an interventionist/student support teacher at St. Anthony Catholic School in Des Moines. There, she was also a member of the St. Anthony Leadership Team.

“It was clear from our first conversations that Mrs. Eaton has a real love for her faith and a genuine joy in working with children,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, the diocesan superintendent of schools, “and she will be a great fit for our school system with her past experiences and skillset.”

The search for a new principal at St. Matthew began Jan. 1, when Kevin O’Herron, who served as principal for 27 years of the school’s 33-year history became assistant superintendent of schools for the diocese. Suzanne Beasley, who stepped in as interim principal, will continue her leadership as assistant principal.

“I am grateful to Mrs. Beasley for her steady leadership as interim principal over these many months, and to the search committee for the time, prayer, and discernment they gave to helping us land the next principal of St. Matthew,” Monroe said. “I look forward to working closely with Mrs. Eaton as we build on the great legacy and traditions of St. Matthew and keep pursuing excellence as we look to the future.”

— Trish Stukbauer 

Students honored their heritage by wearing traditional attire at Mass Thursday, showing the richness of a community united in faith. The celebration continued with a food tasting featuring flavors from around the world.

The week was a joyful reminder that while we come from many places, we are one in Christ.

— Troy C. Hull

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what lies ahead. Yet, every day in our Catholic schools, we’re reminded of the uniting power of faith and hope – values that guide us, even in tough times.

You see, hope is more than just wishful thinking. It’s the belief that no matter what we face in life – good times and bad – Jesus loves us and remains with us. And when we share our hope and faith by encouraging and helping each other, we make our world a brighter, better place.

That’s what makes our Catholic schools so special. Here, students are challenged to pursue excellence, with caring, highly qualified teachers and staff who work closely with students and their parents. But it’s not just about academics. Catholic Schools are about educating the whole child – mind, body and spirit – so students can grow closer to God and each other, then go out to transform the world.

I challenge you to think about what faith and hope mean to you. Whether it’s working as a team, being kind to your classmates or simply doing your best on homework – when you act with faith and hope, you help build up our entire school community and you begin to change the world.

As we go through this week, let’s lean into hope – hope for each other, hope for the future, and hope in the One who loves us: Jesus.

Thank you for being part of what makes our Catholic schools truly special. Let’s make this week – and this Jubilee Year – a beautiful example of being united in faith and hope.

Bishop Michael T. Martin delivered this video address to students, teachers and school staff across the diocese in honor of Catholic Schools Week.

Catholic Schools Week in photos:

To begin October, the month of the Holy Rosary, students came together to pray a living rosary, deepening their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Thanks to the diversity of the student body, the rosary was prayed in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tigrinya, Burmese, Hakha Chin and Arabic — a true reflection of the school’s universal Catholic faith.

— Troy C.Hull

The addition includes two classrooms, a band room, a shop and a cafeteria. Additionally, spaces in existing buildings such as the cafeteria, kitchen and shop will be transformed into classrooms.

As Principal Mark Tolcher explained, “This new extension will provide more space for teachers to help transform the lives of students and help these young people grow into the sons and daughters they were created to be.”

The addition will also feature a fitness training area, administrative offices, a larger entry point to the gym and a north lobby equipped with concession stands, ticket booths and a Crusaders Spirit Store.

The additional 17,000 square feet will allow the school to accommodate up to 650 students instead of its current capacity of 450.

“We are really excited about the beauty of the building, the size of the building, and the grandeur of the building,” Chist the King President Carl Semmler told the crowd of teachers, clergy, students and community members.

Semmler quoted Psalm 127, "But, ‘the Lord does not build the house in vain that the builders labor.’ What this building is really all about is the smaller Church…the children that form the Body of Christ. They are the future of the church. They’re the real edifice… this building is going to create the Church of the future.”

The Oct. 2 groundbreaking was also attended by Bishop Michael Martin who celebrated an All School Mass prior to the event.

Bishop Martin emphasized that point in his earlier homily, which focused on the Feast of Guardian Angels.

He asked, “Don’t you feel like I would probably have a better homily if I had a student up here assisting me?” and the congregation adamantly agreed.

Sophomore Noah was called upon but did not know the answer to Bishop Martin’s question: What the word sophomore meant. He was able to phone a friend, ironically on this Feast day a freshman named Raphael, who responded with the correct oxymoron, “wise fool.”

The bishop used the exchange to illustrate his point that God wants us to guard one another.

“God does not want us to go through this life alone; instead, he gives us people to go through this life with,” the bishop said. “God is trying to teach us, the wise fools that we are, this very simple message…that God doesn’t leave us alone.”

God gives us guardian angels who remain with us all the time, he said, as well us people who sometimes take on their qualities in our lives – spouses, children and best friends.

“Am I my brothers’ keeper?” He asked and then responded. “Yes!”

“We are going to break ground for a new building today. The school’s growing; it is really great,” the bishop remarked. But he cautioned that he “wouldn’t give you a dime for it, not a dime, if I didn’t think what we were building here was students who were more concerned with building up the good in their classmates. That’s the school I want to build.”

He instructed the students to look out for one another, and to imagine what the school would look like if everyone became a guardian.

“Imagine a CTK where everyone has someone, where everyone is reaching out amid the difference to hold someone else accountable,” the bishop noted.

“That is what Christ the King came to establish on this Earth: a place where everyone, everyone, didn’t follow Him like a mascot but rather worshiped Him as Lord and accepted the responsibility of caring for those around us with a greater love…that’s the school we want to build.”

Principal Julie Thornley of St. Mark in Huntersville, a feeder school to CTK, with 98% of their students becoming future Crusaders, called the groundbreaking a blessing.

St. Mark Dean of Students and mother of two Crusaders herself, Hillary Shores, agreed with the bishop. “There is so much goodness in this school, and such a platform for building up the faith, I am just proud of it.”

— Lisa M Geraci. Photos by Troy C. Hull 

Miller, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, took home his first title as conference champ at the Big South Indoor Track and Field Championship in Mill Spring while maintaining his evangelistic, God-warrior attitude, wherever his sneakers carry him.

“He is one of my very active Catholic students at High Point,” Father Harrison said. “AJ’s faith while also being a D1 athlete and conference champ is an inspiration to so many.”

The track champion, who is known for praying before runs, not removing his crucifix for races, and making the sign of the cross at meets is gaining attention for his speed and perseverance.

“I just try to keep God at the focus, remember why I am doing it, and hope that I can glorify Him,” Miller said. “I want to reach out to people and inspire them to do the same.”

Miller didn’t come to High Point University for its Division I track team.

“The weather is what brought me South,” Miller laughed. “I wanted a lot less of the winter than I usually would have back in Pittsburgh.”

As a freshman, he tried out for track not expecting much, even though he has run since he was in seventh grade and at Montour High School in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, where he won the Track and Field Most Valuable Player award in 2024.

“Throughout high school I was not bad at track, but not great. During senior year I was able to really focus and get better. I was able to barely make the team here,” Miller said. “Then last year, the standard got really strict, and I had to devote a lot of time to even stay on the team. Now, this year, I’ve kept that momentum, and I’ve come to be like our top runner for the 800.”

Though his success came as a welcome surprise, his competitive attitude and dedication were always a part of him.

“I started running as a dare from a friend. To prepare for soccer, my friend went out for cross-country, and he said I should, too,” Miller said. “I didn’t want to, and he said I was scared. So, I joined.”

Miller admits to initially hating running, taking years to like it even after he joined cross country.

“Once you get to a certain point, it becomes enjoyable. It is almost like a release, kind of therapeutic,” Miller said.

The college experience has brought him closer to the finish line faster and to God, who he credits with his successes.

“Throughout most of my life I didn’t really practice my faith much. I always believed, but I wasn’t big on doing stuff with it” said Miller, who was raised Catholic. “ But, then, when I got to college,

I decided to step it up. I actually started knowing why I believe what I believe.”

Miller’s dedication to both God and track is hardcore. He lifts weights and runs eight to 15 miles every day except Sunday, which he reserves for Mass and prayer.

While he runs, he often contemplates God.

“On runs, if I am on my own, I have some philosophical thoughts to keep me busy. But on race days, the night before I always pray, an hour before I’ll pray, too, and even at the start line I’ll make the sign of the cross – it focuses me on God instead of the pain I am about to go through,” Miller said.

Sometimes he is accompanied by his running buddy, Father Harrison, and in between breaths, they talk about faith.

“Father Harrison is so relatable, and he is a runner, too. He is training for Iron Man right now, and when I go on runs with him, he is fun to talk with,” Miller said.

Miller’s coach, Mike Esposito, who has coached for more than 20 years, is as impressed with Miller’s physical progress as Father Harrison is with his spiritual journey.

Miller’s personal-best time of 1:50.6 minutes 800-meter, puts him on track to be one of the elite collegiate contenders who may qualify as one of the top 48th on the East Coast, allowing him to later compete in the NCAA East Preliminaries on a national level.

Miller’s parents often come down to the Carolinas, not wanting to miss a beat of their son’s newfound stamina and faith. Miller credits God for his ability and with each step, runs closer and closer to Him.

“I’m all about pushing my limit and finding a new one, so I’m seeing how far I can take this,” Miller said. “Whatever the plan God has, I’ll trust that.”

— Lisa M. Geraci

CHARLOTTE — Students crowded into the gym for Mass at Charlotte Catholic High School this morning to hear from Bishop Michael Martin, who urged them to focus on Jesus with enthusiasm.

But first, the teens got a wake-up call from their new bishop at the start of the Mass. When the group responded with a weak “amen” during the introductory rites, he channeled his former coaching self.

“We’re going to try again!” he exclaimed. “Let’s put some heart and desire to praise our God into it and sound like we mean it! Our God deserves our attention!”

The students immediately perked up, responding with a loud “Amen!”

In his homily, the former Catholic educator and coach focused on three characters described in the day’s Gospel from Mark, which recounts the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. (Aug. 29 is the feast day, or memorial, of his death.)

The story of John the Baptist’s beheading may not seem relevant to students today, the bishop acknowledged, but it offers important lessons for navigating life’s challenges.

The Gospel story features three characters, he explained: Herod’s cruel wife Herodias, her daughter Salome, and St. John the Baptist himself.

Herodias wanted John the Baptist to be killed for criticizing her illegitimate marriage to Herod. She symbolizes people who ruin their lives by making wrong, selfish decisions, Bishop Martin said.

“None of us ... ever starts out thinking that we’re going to do something really, really bad,” he said. “Don’t think you’re not capable of doing something really, really wrong. You are, I am. It’s all part of the broken human condition.”

The bishop then asked the students to repeat after him: “I am one poor choice away from disaster.” Then he reminded them that everyone is accountable for their actions – to one other and to God.

The teenaged Salome, the bishop continued, was about the same age as many of the students and spent her time “gliding through life dancing for everyone, without ever thinking what she’s doing.” She ended up dancing for Herod’s guests and following Herodias’s suggestion to ask Herod for John the Baptist’s head on a platter.

Anyone could easily end up in a similar situation of being dragged without thinking into bad situations by their friends or others, the bishop said. He urged them to seriously consider their decisions so they can make good choices.

The martyred John the Baptist offers a model way of life, Bishop Martin said.

“John the Baptist focused on proclaiming Jesus as Lord – he recognized Jesus even from the womb,” he said. “Focus upon Him along the course of this year…show who you are and what you’re about. Be singularly focused on Jesus and willing to take small steps each and every day to say, 'This is who I am, this is who my God is, and this is how I choose to live.'"

At the end of his visit, Bishop Martin granted Charlotte Catholic students the following day off from school – in keeping with a tradition when the bishop visits a Catholic school.

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy Hull and video by César Hurtado.

The project will include new bleachers, restrooms, and an emergency access road, creating a safe and welcoming environment for students, families and visiting teams.

The joyful celebration, which included music, snacks and pizza, coincided with Senior Night for the women’s soccer team, making it a special time to honor student-athletes and celebrate their contributions.

—  Photos provided by Nicole Seeling

Holy Trinity Middle School football player Carter Russell scored a touchdown during the team’s game against Weddington Middle. Coaches, teammates and referees worked together to make the player’s dream come true. (Photos submitted)CHARLOTTE — The Bulldogs from Holy Trinity Middle School were playing football against the Weddington Middle Wildcats Sept. 27, and things weren’t going well for the Bulldogs. As halftime approached, they hadn’t scored.

But moments before the whistle blew, the team ran one more play. The quarterback handed Carter Russell, number 58, the ball and he ran it five yards into the end zone. His team cheered, chanted his name and lifted him on their shoulders.

That wasn’t an ordinary touchdown. It was a dream come true for the Holy Trinity sixth-grader – made possible by his coaches and fellow players.

Carter, 11, is a student in Holy Trinity’s Options Program for children with special needs. He was born with a rare medical condition that impacts nearly every part of his body and causes continual health issues. He also is physically smaller than most of his peers.

Carter is also a huge football fan. He cheers for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Cincinnati Bengals.

But Carter wanted to do more than just watch football. He wanted to play.

Both his parents and doctors were hesitant. But Carter persisted.

“We spent months trying to convince him not to join the team, talked through all the dangers and risks, but he had his own opinion,” says his mother, Michelle Russell. “When he found that anybody who wanted to be on the sixth-grade team could be on it, he assumed that meant him.”

Despite his challenges, Holy Trinity’s coaches said they wanted him on the team. Carter’s fellow players supported him from the moment he put on a uniform and stepped on the practice field.

“Carter makes you realize the true meaning of why you’re out there to coach,” says Ed Doughty, Holy Trinity’s head football coach. “In his case, with the magnitude of the medical battles he faces on a regular basis, it’s just so inspiring to see his level of dedication to the sport of football. He lifts up the entire team.”

One of Carter’s biggest supporters is Assistant Coach Ryan Arends, who appreciates his determination to play.

“We do our best in practice to make sure we give him a real experience, but we also make sure other kids don’t hit him at full speed,” Arends says. “It’s incredible to see the support the other players give him. He’s got 55 brothers that protect him like you would not believe. He’s just an incredible spirit. He always listens and has a smile on his face. God was showing off when He made Carter.”

It was Arends who came up with the idea to give Carter a touchdown opportunity.

When the coaches arrived at the Weddington game, Arends told Doughty and then coordinated with the Weddington team’s coaches and referees. Carter’s teammates and the Weddington players were excited. Everyone was on board.

Right before halftime, the referees threw a flag and said there would be one more play. The teams lined up, and Carter was handed the ball. He cradled the ball to his chest like a pro, ran it into the end zone and did a quick victory dance. The players chanted his name and lifted him on their shoulders. Weddington ultimately won the game, 32-0, since Carter’s touchdown wasn’t scored, but the final result didn’t matter. It was Carter’s play that everyone remembers.

“It was perfect the way it unfolded,” Arends says.

Michelle Russell happened to be the only person from her family in the stands because her husband, Michael, was with the couple’s two daughters, who also had games that day. She was overwhelmed by the reaction.

“Other parents who have known Carter since he was little were cheering for him,” she says. “One of the moms was sprinting down the field to get pictures and videos, sprinting full force to not miss the moment. I called my husband, and he was in tears when he heard what happened.”

She can’t thank the Holy Trinity coaches enough for what they’ve given her son.

“This whole season they’ve gone above and beyond to make the team such a supportive, inclusive environment, and then they go out of their way to coordinate a moment like the touchdown,” she says. “It’s so special that they gave him an experience like that. A lot of people don’t realize how much that lifts someone up, to give them a memory like that.”

After the hugs and the cheers, Carter described the experience with simply, “It was all I ever wanted.”

— Christina Lee Knauss

The Sophia Institute for Teachers was founded in 2013 to renew and rebuild Catholic culture through service to Catholic education.

The Institute’s Master Teacher Council recognizes teachers and administrators nationwide who demonstrate exceptional instructional expertise, strong student outcomes and a proven ability to mentor and support fellow educators.

Members serve as instructional leaders, content experts and partners to teachers seeking to grow in pedagogical skill.

Charlie McKinney, president of the Sophia Institute, explained, “Selection to the Sophia Master Teacher Council reflects both professional excellence and a deep commitment to strengthening Catholic education through mentorship, collaboration and faithful witness.”

At a time when Catholic educators face increasing academic expectations, cultural pressures and the responsibility of forming students in faith and reason, the Sophia Master Teacher Council provides concrete, classroom-tested support by offering mentorship, practical resources and real-time guidance that strengthens and develops teachers and the students they serve.
— Catholic News Herald

St. Matthew School’s new mural design incorporates elements of its vision and mission statements and depicts worship, service and academics. St. Matthew School replaced all of its chairs over the summer, worked with artist Dean Kiradjieff to refresh its walls, and updated its library to accommodate new technology.

Artist Dean Kiradjieff, a parishioner at St. Matthew Church, put in 65 hours of work over the summer to create the mural that greeted students when they returned to class in August.

The mural is part of other recent updates to the school. Thanks to funds raised by the PTO and support from St. Matthew Parish, the school library received a complete overhaul including removal of the circulation desk, all new furniture, technology updates and a fresh coat of paint.

New chairs were purchased for every classroom in the school, offering a new look as well as improved seating for students. The chairs were selected for their ergonomic shape and other features to “help maintain correct back posture while encouraging natural body movement – improving alertness, concentration and well being,” said Principal Kevin O’Herron.

The school PTO approached Kiradjieff to paint the mural after O’Herron asked if it would be possible to brighten up a plain white wall in the cafeteria.

Kiradjieff is no stranger to painting murals for his parish. Several years ago, he painted a Noah’s Ark theme in the church’s nursery.

The vision for this mural came from elements of the school’s mission and vision statements, which were revised by the long-range planning committee of the School Leadership Council during the 2024-2025 school year.

“The goal was to bring the mission and vision to life in a very Catholic way that kids would relate to,” Kiradjieff said. “I wanted to make it colorful and fun, and to also create something beautiful.”

The artist sat down with his wife Diane Kiradjieff, director of religious education for St. Matthew Parish, and sketched the mural, which incorporates images of the church and school with portrayals of Catholic worship, service, academics and fun daily activities familiar to every child. He showed it to PTO Presidents Kristina Villella and Cameron Jung.

“I was speechless when I saw the sketch, and I immediately thought this is going to be a teaching tool for everyone who sees it,” Villella said. “I knew the Holy Spirit was involved with this because we had just completed the (school’s) mission and vision statements.”

Kiradjieff started work on the mural June 28 and finished Aug. 14.

At the center of the mural is an image of the school topped with a large, radiant monstrance, representing Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist and His role as the center of both the Catholic faith and everything that goes on at St. Matthew.

“I wanted it to be front and center, the first thing that catches your eye,” Kiradjieff said.

Written out are the seven virtues, which students focus on throughout the school year.

To the left of the school is St. Matthew Church and to the right is a house, symbolizing the two other places that have the most influence in the lives of students.

Service plays a big role at St. Matthew School, and the mural depicts annual projects to help needy families at Christmas and feed the hungry.

The mural is encircled by images of the globe and words from Matthew 28:19-20, which begins: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” reminding students to take what they learn at St. Matthew and share it with others.

Scattered throughout the mural are 20 hidden crosses painted onto the figures, a fun element that young children especially enjoy finding.

The mural is in a section of the cafeteria where parents sit when they come to eat lunch with their kids.

“If parents eat with their children, they sit surrounded by the mural, and it’s a great reminder of why they send their kids here,” Jung said.

The PTO prepared a description of the mural that hangs next to it so people who view it in the future will understand the symbolism, Vilella said.

“It’s really such a joy to have this mural here,” she said. “It feels like something that should have always been here, because it really describes what this school is all about.”

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy C. Hull

— Photos by Troy Hull

After the storm claimed lives, homes and infrastructure, the school became a relief distribution center for weeks during October 2024.

As Principal Margaret Beale noted, “We didn’t get to have last year’s Oktoberfest, but we still had a community event; it just looked a little different.”

A special ceremony during the festival recognized several individuals and organizations for assisting the relief effort. They included: Dan Ward, director of Properties and Risk Management for the Diocese of Charlotte; Dr. Gerry Carter, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte chief executive officer; the City of Hendersonville; McNeely’s; Missionary of Charities sisters; El Paso,

Montano family; Indian Aroma; Camps Kahdalea and Chostanga; and St. Margret Mary Men’s Club, Slidell, Louisianna.

Fourth grader Eleanor Angel summed up the impact of the recipients. “They helped people feel better and see Christ,” she said.

“The honor is Catholic Charities’, the diocese’s, and parishes’ to bring relief to this area that was devastated,” Carter said. “A year later, it’s so moving.”

Oktober Family Fest is an annual fundraiser for the school. The eight-hour event offered everything from food and carnival rides to a silent auction and concluded with a performance by The Stipe Brothers.

— Provided by Jay Siltzer

Talley, who promised students “a holistic education strong both in academics and in building faith and morals,” was formally inaugurated during a Vespers of the Holy Spirit service in the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians. The service was celebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of the college. Earlier in the day, Talley met with faculty and staff at a special luncheon.

Many of the pews at the basilica were filled with faculty members dressed in their academic robes. Some seminarians studying at the college while in formation for priesthood in the Diocese of Charlotte also attended, along with many others from around the diocese.

Talley offered a Profession of Faith and took an Oath of Fidelity during the service, a gesture that tied together his role as leader of a college known for combining academics with a commitment to strong Catholic faith and values.

“I’m just very grateful to be here, working with all of the people here, and so happy to be part of this wonderful community,” Talley said during a reception held afterward in The Haid theater building. “This is a great school with a great mission.”

Talley was selected after a seven-month search that started when Dr. Bill Thierfelder announced his retirement in early 2025 after 20 years as president. Under Thierfelder’s leadership, the college more than tripled undergraduate enrollment, expanded academic programs, opened five new residence halls, enhanced campus facilities, launched and carried out an unprecedented $150 million capital campaign, reinvigorated the college’s Catholic identity, and strengthened community partnerships. 

Talley’s background combines experience in the academic and business worlds with a decorated 34-year active and reserve military career, culminating in his appointment as the 32nd Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. He has received three Bronze Stars, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, and the Gold de Fleury Medal, which is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ highest individual honor. Talley has also been a Benedictine oblate for nearly 40 years.

He has taught, conducted research, and offered academic leadership at the University of Notre Dame, Southern Methodist University, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University and the University of Southern California.

Abbot Placid said he looks forward to seeing how Talley guides the college into the future.

“Dr. Talley brings to us the right combination of skills we need to build on the legacy left by Dr. Thierfelder,” he said. “He’s very solid in his faith and as a retired general he’s well versed in leadership. He has the training to take on a mission and make it effective. As a Benedictine oblate, he also has a real love for the mission of the college.”
Talley formally stepped into his new role on Jan. 2 and immediately focused on one of his priorities – hearing from the college community. He’s been involved in more than 20 listening sessions with Belmont Abbey College students, discovering what they like about their college experience and taking suggestions on things to be changed or added.

“I’m very much in a listening mode,” Talley said. “I want to find out what we can do to help students continue to have a great experience here and also ways we can make the campus more fun. I want this to be a college where students receive a holistic education strong both in academics and in building faith and morals, where we also teach students not what to think but how to think, so they will be prepared to become leaders.”

Talley is planning a statewide and national tour to connect with alumni, donors and community partners.

— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy C. Hull

Related: Belmont Abbey College names retired general and Oblate as new president

St. Pius X School’s new LEAP program is designed to be centered around math and science, with integrated literature, writing reflections, and historic and religious connections as well. (Photos provided)

The LEAP program was designed by second-grade teacher April Parker and centers on math and science, along with integrated literature, meaningful writing reflections, and historic and religious connections.

Throughout the fall semester, LEAP students at St. Pius have discovered plant and animal cells with digital microscopes, designed their own robots, launched weather balloons, and built model jets for Santa Claus to fly around the world on Christmas Eve. In the new year, students will look forward to using mathematics to build ancient structures such as pyramids, reconstructing a scaled model of Solomon’s Temple using measurements from the Bible, designing and printing their own 3-D furniture and textiles, learning the science of cooking and gardening, as well as raising their own chickens through embryology.

Parker attributes the success of the program to parent volunteers who donate supplies and assist with expertise in certain career fields, as well as partnerships with local colleges and universities.

“One goal of the program is exposure to different STEM-based careers such as aviation, meteorology, farming, engineering and medicine,” Parker said, adding, “Students love the program. The wide range of ages allows students to develop teamwork skills, encourage peer coaching, and get real-world experience in a workplace environment.”

The LEAP class is composed of 30 third- to fifth-grade students who meet three times a week in the afternoon during “Grace Period” or Study Hall. Students must keep up their academic achievement, demonstrate exemplary behavior, and meet classroom expectations to participate in the LEAP program. In addition, Parker offers challenges outside the

LEAP class to her students through a Google Classroom where they can find virtual escape rooms, math puzzles and more.

St. Pius X School is already planning ways to extend the program by offering an after school competitive robotics club for middle school students, thanks to a partnership with the Early College at Guilford Technical Community College. The club is set to begin in mid-January, Parker said.

Parker also has plans for a robotics club for the intermediate grades and a possible Crypto Math Club for aspiring mathematicians, she said. She welcomes additional partnerships with business and schools to further extend the possibilities for the school’s LEAP program.

“I can’t wait to see where the program can go from here,” she said. “It has been a tremendous step toward 21st century education, as well as meeting the needs of all learners in our school.”

— Catholic News Herald

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., celebrated the Mass, which also happened to fall on a special day: Sept. 4 was the 85th anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral.

Bishop Martin addressed most of his homily to the dozens of children present.

He encouraged them to share with others what they learn at home and at church.

“Our homes are special places for learning, just like Jesus’ home was a special place for learning. And our church is a special place for praying. Let’s make sure that we keep both of those places holy.”

After Mass, the bishop greeted the many families who had come out for the special liturgy.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle

Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, parochial vicar of St. Mark Parish, cuts the ribbon on the new gym floor at St. Mark School. (Troy Hull | Catholic News Herald, and provided by Amy Miano)HUNTERSVILLE — October has been a flurry of activity at St. Mark Catholic School. To celebrate two decades since its founding in 2003, the school held a blessing and pep rally Oct. 11 to fete the milestone and the freshly painted gym floor. New banners were also added and required updating just days later after championship wins in soccer and cross country.

On Oct. 22, Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Parish, presided over the rededication of the school’s Marian courtyard, which students had recently cleaned and beautified with new plants and flowers. Updates to the courtyard included the installation of artificial turf to create a beautiful area for students to gather and play as well as new flower beds and wall. A celebration followed at the historic Hunter House & Gardens for donors, faculty, staff and clergy members.

Five teachers who have worked at the school since its founding were among the speakers at the celebration. They were Holly Roberts, Stacy Desormeaux, Amy Myers, Taylor Garcia and Carolyn Galante..

“As a teacher I felt honored and appreciated,” Roberts said. “The greatest thing I took away from the celebration is hope. Given today’s world, a faith-based school with loving families and staff is the best gift we can give our children.”

“I am blessed to be a part of this community and so very happy to have been called to this school as their principal,” added Julie Thornley, who is in her fifth year as principal of St. Mark. “I am so very proud of this school and our amazing faculty and staff and for the wonderful families who call St. Mark home.”

Father John Putnam, pastor, Principal Julie Thornley (left) and former PTO President Devika Boulio (right) celebrate St. Mark School’s 20th anniversary Oct. 22. Debbie Butler, principal of St. Mark from 2004 to 2019, attended the anniversary celebrations as well. She also was present for the groundbreaking of the school more than 20 years ago, not knowing she would be asked to take the principal role in St. Mark’s second year in operation.

Butler noted the passion, generosity and hard work of the parents who desired a Catholic school north of Charlotte.

“Parents in Huntersville and Mooresville had been driving their kids all the way to Saint Patrick and Our Lady of the Assumption and so we had to combine those two mindsets of people and make a new school community,” she recalled.

Butler also noted that she saw the school grow from 300 to 400 students to as many as 721 one year and that having such involved families has made the school beautiful.

“The people were just amazing and so welcoming. The Spirit was so alive there. We all just got in and did a lot of work. There was so much to be done, including establishing traditions,” the former principal said. “I was blessed to be a part of that community, see that growth, and to be a part of the lives of those kids every day.”

When Butler retired from her position as principal in 2019, Thornley took the reins, seeing the school through the pandemic while remaining open, growing the staff, welcoming more students, attending Mass weekly, refreshing the gym, and refinishing the schools’ floors and the Marian Courtyard. She noted that she plans to continue traditions that started 20 years ago such as the Living Rosary, Living Stations of the Cross, annual musical, May Crowning, and Catholic Schools Week basketball and volleyball games.

“As a school, we are incredibly grateful for the blessings of our faith and the freedom to practice it daily as a learning community,” Thornley said. “This is a remarkable faith-in-learning environment where God is the center of all that we do. It is my desire that every single alumnus remembers that they are a child of God, and they are on this earth for a special purpose and plan.”

— Annie Ferguson

The competition, which has art and writing components, is open to pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students.

Nine students made it to the finals: Monica Bernal, Thy Tran, Saulo Sosa, Shilo Kangauka, Stefan Selemun, Dimitri Pappas, Alina Ruiz-Villalobos, Batel Kassahun, and Colette Kojis.

Bernal, Tran, Selemun and Pappas won at the Cabarrus County level, while Tran and Pappas were also state winners. The school participates through the Greater Cabarrus Reading Association.

— Troy C. Hull

Sign up for the school system’s nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) officially opens Nov. 2, with parish-based schools following soon after.

“Our schools are thriving, as we continue to become a destination diocese for teachers and students,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools. “Families are spreading the word about the great education and faith-filled environments we offer across our 20 schools.”

More than 8,100 students enrolled in Catholic schools for the current 2022-’23 school year, an increase of 18 percent since the pandemic started in 2020. Interest in attending next year is expected to increase, so Monroe encourages prospective families to research schools they are interested in and begin the enrollment process as soon as possible.

Monroe said he was recently reminded of the impact of Catholic education.

Last month in Raleigh, Monroe met a man and through conversation learned his son had attended Charlotte Catholic High School. The son graduated with a solid foundation, the father said proudly, and is now doing well at The College of Charleston.

The man then pulled out his phone to show Monroe a photo of his son walking across the stage at Charlotte Catholic’s graduation in 2022. Monroe laughed when he noticed that he himself was also in the photo – shaking the son’s hand.

“He told me that choosing to send his son to Charlotte Catholic was one of the best decisions he’d ever made,” Monroe said.

“To meet one of our parents, and hear that, is a testament to what we do in our schools. We want parents to know we see each child as uniquely beloved by God, and we will help them succeed – not only in academics and careers, but also in their ultimate vocation and finding who God wants them to become.”

MACS schools (Charlotte area)

MACS is a family of nine Catholic schools in the greater Charlotte area. Online enrollment for the 2024-’25 school year for MACS begins Nov. 2. Apply and learn more at www.discovermacs.org/apply.

• St. Ann School, 704-525-4938; www.stanncatholic.org
• St. Gabriel School, 704-366-2409; www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org
• St. Matthew School, 704-544-2070; www.stmattwildcats.com
• St. Patrick School, 704-333-3174, www.saintpatrickschool.org
• Our Lady of the Assumption School, 704-531-0067; www.olacatholic.org
• St. Mark School, Huntersville; 704-766-5000; stmarkcatholicschool.net
• Holy Trinity Middle School, 704-527-7822; www.htcms.org
• Charlotte Catholic High School, 704-543-1127; www.charlottecatholic.org
• Christ the King High School: 704-799-4400; www.ctkchs.org

Prospective families can also contact the MACS Admissions Office at 704-370-3273 or admissions@rcdoc.org.

Parochial schools

Outside the Charlotte area, 11 other Catholic schools in the diocese will soon begin enrolling students, at elementary, middle and high schools. Contact the specific schools to check for start dates and application details, and to schedule visits.

• Asheville Catholic School, Asheville. 828-252-7896; www.ashevillecatholic.org
• Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville. 336-564-1010; www.bmhs.us
• Immaculata School, Hendersonville. 828-693-3277; www.immac.org
• Immaculate Heart of Mary School, High Point. 336-887-2613; www.ihm-school.com
• Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro. 336-275-1522; www.olgsch.org
• Our Lady of Mercy School, Winston-Salem; 336-722-7204; www.ourladyofmercyschool.org
• Sacred Heart School, Salisbury; 704-633-2841; www.salisburycatholicschool.org
• St. Leo School, Winston-Salem; 336-748-8252; www.stleocatholic.com
• St. Michael School, Gastonia; 704-865-4382; www.stmichaelcs.com
• St. Pius X School, Greensboro; 336-273-9865; www.spxschool.com

Affiliate

An affiliate of the diocesan school system is Canongate Catholic High School in Arden, which offers a classical education. More information is available at 828-712-8294 or at canongatecatholic.org

Financial aid
Scholarship opportunities and financial aid are available to qualified families, making Catholic education more accessible to all. Go online to: www.discovermacs.org/financialaid or call your local Catholic school to explore the best financial aid options for your family.

— Christina Lee Knauss

This year’s theme is “United in Faith and Community,” and it runs from Sunday, Jan. 25, to Saturday, Jan. 31. With 8,288 students enrolled in 20 schools spanning the diocese from the mountains to the Piedmont, there will be lots of cherished moments where faith, fun and education converge.
Catholic schools across the nation have participated in this week-long celebration since 1974, joining together as one united Catholic school community to spread a message of unity and hope.

“Catholic Schools Week celebrates the gift of a Catholic education and the people who make it possible. It gives us a chance to thank our students, families, faculty and clergy for the mission we share,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, the diocese’s superintendent of Catholic schools.

The 2024 Nation’s Report Card, released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress on Sept. 9, 2025, statistics showed that Catholic schools outperform public schools in many areas. National results report Catholic school students in grades 4 and 8 scored 247 and 293 in math, respectively, compared to 237 and 272 in public schools. Catholic school students in grades 4 and 8 scored 230 and 277, respectively, in reading, compared to 214 and 257 for students in public schools.

WHAT’S ON THE SCHEDULE

Catholic Schools Week celebrates the importance of vocations, staff, faculty and volunteers, students, parents, the nation, parish and communities. While every school has unique scheduled events, here is a sampling of activities:

Many parishes will celebrate a special school Mass on Sunday to kick off the week. In some parishes, students will take on key roles during the Mass, children’s choirs will sing, and clothes showing school pride will be worn.

On Monday, students from Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville will venture off campus to serve the community, while St. Patrick and St. Matthew students in Charlotte will pack meals and blessing bags. Christ the King High School in Huntersville will host eighth-graders for a tour, pep rally and a sample class. Students at St. Pius X in Greensboro will perform a George Washington Carver play, while Charlotte Catholic High School students will have “Superhero Day.”

On Tuesday, Bishop Michael Martin will offer Mass at Bishop McGuinness High School. Students at Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point will deliver community gift baskets, students at St. Ann in Charlotte will put on a talent show, while St. Gabriel in Charlotte and St. Leo the Great in Winston-Salem will host bingo and trivia.

On Wednesday, most schools will have a Mass. St. Ann will host military veterans for a Q&A session, and St. Leo the Great will host a family trivia night.

On Thursday, Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville will celebrate its centennial with a walk-through-time event. Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Leo schools will welcome clergy and members of religious orders to talk about vocations. John Woods, speaker and author of the Seven Deadly Dragons series, will visit Sacred Heart in Salisbury and St. Ann. St. Patrick will visit Catholic Charities, and St. Pius X will have a saints-themed parade.

To end the week on Friday, Jan. 30, most schools will focus on friendly competitions. Students at the high schools and St. Patrick will be playing basketball. St. Leo the Great and St. Matthew will host volleyball games. Students at St. Michael in Gastonia will skate the day away at Kate’s Skate.

“Every day in our schools, students are formed in faith and virtue while being challenged to pursue academic excellence, so they are ready to love God, serve others, and lead with conviction and joy,” Monroe said.

— Lisa M. Geraci 

Dr. William Thierfelder, the 20th president of Belmont Abbey College, has announced plans to retire. (File photo)

BELMONT — After 21 years at the helm, Dr. William Thierfelder has announced plans to retire as president of Belmont Abbey College. His last day will be Aug. 2 – the 21st anniversary to the day of his arrival on campus.
Under Thierfelder’s leadership, the Catholic liberal arts college west of Charlotte has gone through remarkable growth and transformation. It has expanded academic programs, opened five new residence halls and enhanced campus facilities to accommodate rising enrollment, launched and carried out an unprecedented $150 million capital campaign, reinvigorated its Catholic identity, and strengthened community partnerships.

ThierfelderLast fall, the college recorded the fourth highest total enrollment in its history: a total of 1,687 enrolled students and a 2% increase over the prior academic year.
“Serving as president of Belmont Abbey College has been the joy of a lifetime,” Thierfelder said in his retirement announcement Feb. 20. “Together with an incredible team of administrators, faculty and staff, we have achieved tremendous milestones. I am deeply grateful to our students, alumni and supporters for their commitment to our shared mission. I have overwhelming gratitude to God for giving me this charge and the grace of the confidence to know that I am leaving the college a more secure, more stable and more faithful place dedicated to His mission.”

A licensed sports psychologist before coming to Belmont Abbey College, Thierfelder helped more than 100 Olympic and professional athletes achieve dramatic improvements in performance. He is also a former NCAA Division I coach, Olympian (did not compete due to injury), national champion (Ireland) and a two-time All-American from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Sports Faith International Hall of Fame.
Thierfelder said he was driven by his faith to join the mission of Belmont Abbey College in 2004. Inspired by an ad in a newspaper, he applied and, once hired, made it his life’s mission to strengthen the college for the glory of God – a reference to the Benedictine community and college’s motto “That in all things God may be glorified.”
Chuck Cornelio, who chairs the college’s Board of Trustees, reflected on the impact of Thierfelder’s presidency.
“Belmont Abbey College would not be the wonderful place it is if not for Bill Thierfelder,” Cornelio said. “Bill’s leadership over the last two decades has been instrumental, and we congratulate and honor his faith-filled stewardship of our vibrant Catholic community.”
Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, who serves as Belmont Abbey College’s chancellor and spiritual leader of the community of Benedictine monks that founded the college in 1876, also thanked Thierfelder for his leadership and commitment.
“On behalf of all the monks of Belmont Abbey, I wish to express our profound gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Thierfelder for their 21 years of generous and dedicated service to Belmont Abbey College,” he said in a statement. “We give thanks to God for their leadership and devoted service to Belmont Abbey and Belmont Abbey College.”
Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., added, “Bill Thierfelder has helped shape Belmont Abbey College for over 20 years, preparing students to take on the issues of our day with faith, hope and charity. His enthusiasm for Catholic education and for the growth and well-being of students is clear, and his personal faith and discipleship are inspiring. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him, Abbot Placid and the Benedictine monks who make the abbey and college a gem that distinguishes our diocese and the southeastern United States.”
Thierfelder said he plans to return to Belmont Abbey College this fall to join the faculty after a short sabbatical.
The college said it plans to initiate a national search for Thierfelder’s successor, and to announce more details on the transition process in the coming months.

— Catholic News Herald

Key achievements during Dr. Bill Thierfelder’s tenure

Academics:
• Achieved an academic level change to award master's degrees with eight new programs launched
• Launched the Honors Institute, which has since evolved into the nationally recognized Honors College
• Launched the nation’s premier Motorsports Business Management Program
• Oversaw the faculty’s recognition as the #1 teaching faculty in the South by US News & World Report

Enrollment:
• Increased undergraduate enrollment from less than 500 to more than 1,600
• Grew on-campus residency by over 65%
• Achieved most recently an all-time high in retention of 72%

Facilities:
• 40 new or refurbished facilities, including:
• Sacred Heart Extension
• St. Joseph Adoration Chapel
• Jerry & Martha Schmitt Dining Hall
• Five new residence halls
• Lowry Alumni House
• Belmont House in Washington D.C.
• Eight refurbished sports fields and playing venues

Philanthropy:
• More than $185 million raised since 2004
• Surpassed Made True Capital Campaign's original $100 million goal
• Increased the total number of annual donors to the college fivefold

Athletics:
• Instituted the Sport & Virtue approach in all athletic programs, inspiring coaches and athletes to pursue athletics as a method to achieve personal virtue
• During President Thierfelder’s tenure, more than 65 teams won the Messik Award, the Conference Carolina’s recognition of best overall sportsmanship.
• Grew athletics program to the 7th largest in the country, including adding 15 programs for a total of 44 teams.

Community:
• Spearheaded a relationship with CaroMont Health to build a medical campus adjacent to the campus
• Launched effort with a North Carolina state grant to build a performing arts center for the college and the Gaston County community
• Helped to launch the Benedictine Leadership Institute and Benedictine Leadership Award
• Participated in more than 1,000 speaking engagements and media appearances extolling the virtues in sport and academics and the role of faith in the public square
• Served on the NCAA Presidents Council for five years.
• Published two bestselling books: "Less Than a Minute to Go" and "MVP Hands"

Families with students enrolled or wanting to enroll in any of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 Catholic schools qualify regardless of income and are strongly encouraged to apply.

“It has definitely provided more opportunity across our diocese for a lot of our parents who have wanted to have the ability to come to our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe said. “It has also allowed a lot of our families to put money they used to have to go towards tuition to other essentials. So, it is improving the quality of life by freeing up $2,000, $3,000 or $6,000.”

The priority deadline for new applications is Monday, March 2. Renewal applications for students previously funded under the school voucher program are being updated in the North Carolina Education Assistance Authority’s (NCSEAA) “MyPortal” at the end of January. Parents have until Thursday, April 16, to renew their existing vouchers.

During the 2025-2026 year, Opportunity Scholarships provided a total of $14,896,201 in funding thus far for Diocese of Charlotte Schools, helping families at all income levels with significant financial assistance toward school tuition and fees for grades K-12. Statewide so far, 104,599 reported private school students throughout the state received a total of $291.8 million.

“Still, there are families out there that don’t know that this is an option,” Monroe said. “New families have probably heard about it, but there are some families already in the system who have yet to apply.”

New application awards are on a first-come, first-served basis, with special priority for those on the lowest income bracket (Tier 1). Then they trickle down to Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 until all funds are eventually exhausted. Officials emphasize the earlier the application is received, the more likely it is to be funded.

Awards range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000, with income thresholds on each of the four tiers differing depending upon family size. They are expected to stay on par with the 2025-2026 amounts. Monroe noted the tiered system fosters diversity.

“The tiered system makes sure that that money goes to the people that need it the most,” Monroe said. “And the byproduct is, folks are coming in from a socioeconomic place where they have not been able to attend our schools in the past. It just further leads to the idea of Catholic schools being universally open to all kids.”

While enrollment numbers remained stable across the diocese, Monroe wants to make sure all families are able to benefit through the program.
Some obstacles, contributing to lack of funding are parents unaware they qualify for the program, difficulty with the NCSEAA portal, and missing the March deadline, Monroe said
Monroe attributes the decline to parents unaware they qualify for the program, difficulty with the NCSEAA portal, and missing the March deadline.
If parents need language assistance with the portal, the schools and Catholic Schools Office are committed to helping.
“For some of our non-English speaking families, we sit down with them and help them fill out the application on the portal because it is somewhat challenging,” Monroe said. “I suggest they work with us directly through the school, the billing office, or the Catholic Schools office.
Monroe reported that all families needing further assistance were fully funded using Catholic Diocese aid.
“Before Opportunity Scholarship, we were not able to meet the full amount of aid that was required by our families that wanted to come to our schools,” Monroe said. “Now we are able to meet 100% of aid because of the Opportunity Scholarship.”
However, to receive further tuition assistance through the diocese, it is essential to apply for opportunity scholarships first.

— Lisa M. Geraci

More online

At www.k12.ncseaa.edu/opportunity-scholarship/how-to-apply: Learn more and apply online. A companion program, the Education Student Account Scholarship (ESA+), has the same application window and provides financial assistance for private school and homeschool tuition for students with special needs.

Enrollment open for 2026-2027 school year

CHARLOTTE — With most of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 schools at or near capacity, now is the time to apply for the 2026-2027 school year.

The deadline for new families to apply for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools grades 1-12 is Feb. 28, but students should apply by Feb. 6 for ABC test scores to be returned by the deadline. Priority admission in pre-kindergarten, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten is set for Jan. 31.

Once the priority admission round ends, applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis – with priority given to siblings of current and former students, children of alumni and employees, and registered parishioners. Some classes fill up quickly, so new families are encouraged to register early and get on a waiting list if their preferred school’s classes are full.

Deadlines for schools outside the Charlotte area vary but are also approaching; check your desired school’s website for specific deadlines.

• At www.discovermacs.org/admissions/apply-now: Learn more about enrolling in MACS schools.
• At www.charlottediocese.org/schools: Learn more about the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 Catholic schools, their mission and their leadership.

Members of OLC’s Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir filled the air with joyful harmonies as hundreds of students packed the gym to enjoy the special concert.

The renowned OLC choir performed a number of gospel songs, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with CCHS choral students.

English Department Chair and Achievers Club sponsor Lincoln Sigwald shared reflections on the deep impact that attending Black churches has had on his personal faith.

Sigwald also encouraged students in a moment of call-and-response: “I think you ought to say: ‘Thank you, God! Thank you, Lord! For saving me, for rescuing me, for making a way for me, for preparing a future for me – and for giving me this incredible, diverse Catholic faith.’ We say, ‘Thank you God.’”

— Photos by Troy C. Hull

“Remember every Hail Mary you pray is like giving Mary a flower and look how many flowers we gave her today with just this one rosary,” said Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish.

The living rosary is prayed outside, with each person symbolizing a prayer bead. Father Matthew Dimock, Father Eckert, and three altar servers represented the first five beads, while students and faculty formed a large circle of Hail Marys, Our Fathers and Glory Be’s.

A statue of the Queen of Heaven sat perched on a table in the middle. After each Hail Mary, two students, an upperclassman mentor and their younger mentee, carefully placed their flowers in the vases surrounding the statue. Soon hundreds of daffodils, daisies, roses, sunflowers and carnations surrounded Mary.

For the Dolphins, it also was a day to appreciate their clergy that started with an All School Mass. Afterward, the children presented the three priests with T-shirts inspired by the house system made popular in the Harry Potter series, but with a Catholic twist.

“They all have houses—House of Fatima, House of Knocks, House of Lourdes, and House of Guadalupe. Since I’m not in a house, they made me a shirt with all four represented,” Father Eckert said.

Father Eckert said he is fortunate to be assigned to a parish with a school. The children are so uplifting, and when he is feeling down, they always know how to make him smile, he said.

Thanks to all the high-fives and songs they share with their clergy, the students can’t help but smile, too.

— Lisa Geraci, Catholic News Herald

The annual Book Battle sees teams of students from Catholic schools face off against each other at MACS Fine Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School. It’s similar to Quiz Bowl, a national competition that tests knowledge of general academic subjects. The difference is these questions are focused on literature – a book lover’s dream.

Dru Edwards, a fourth-grader at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, said the contest helped him get out of his reading comfort zone.

“I like reading, and through this I read a lot of books I would not normally have been interested in, but discovered were really good,” Edwards said.

The St. Jerome Book Battle was created by the diocesan Catholic Schools Office to encourage students to read books “that promote the true, the good and the beautiful and foster growth in virtue.”

Each school year, lists of 15 books are provided for fourth- and fifth-grade students and sixth- through eighth-graders. Guided by team coaches, the students spend months reading the books and participating in activities to increase their understanding of the works.

This year’s lists featured everything from historical and adventure novels to fantasy and mystery offerings, and two books focused on the lives of famous Catholic saints.

All of the books explore important themes such as faith, family, resilience, community, friendship and loyalty.

For Monday’s Book Battle, each school sent one team of 12 students who were asked questions about their books and awarded points for their answers. Teams compete against each other in preliminary rounds. The two highest scoring teams from the preliminary rounds compete head-to-head in a championship round.

Defending fourth and fifth grade champion St. Ann School edged out St Mark in a sudden death match to reach the championship round. St. Ann then won first place in today’s competition, with Our Lady of the Assumption School as the runner-up. Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte won the middle school competition held on March 9, and the runner-up was St. Mark School in Huntersville.

During a break between rounds, the team from Sacred Heart enjoyed snacks and talked with coach Leigh Yelton about how things were going. A book lover herself, Yelton teaches third grade but volunteered to handle the fourth- and fifth-grade team because it gives her a chance to interact with many of her former students.

“I’ve got a real love for literature and the language arts, so this is a wonderful thing to do,” Yelton said. “It honestly takes a lot of time and effort because our students start by reading the books the previous summer, and then our team meets frequently to prepare for the competition.”
Peyton Bloxsom, 11, a fourth-grader at Sacred Heart, said she enjoys the Book Battle because it not only gives her a chance to read but also to make some new friends.

— Christina Lee Knauss

Interested in reading the books featured in the St. Jerome Book Battle? Here are the books students read for this year’s event:

4th-5th grade reading list:

“A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

“All-of-a-Kind Family” by Sydney Taylor

“The Big Wave” by Pearl S. Buck

“Breaking Stalin’s Nose” by Eugene Yelchin

“The Buried Bones Mystery” by Sharon M. Draper

“The Courage of Sarah Noble” by Alice Dalgliesh

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl

“Farmer Boy” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

“The Island of Two Trees” by Brian Kennelly

“The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis

“Princess Academy” by Shannon Hale

“Saint Clare of Assisi – Runaway Rich Girl” by Kim Hee-Ju

“Snow Treasure” by Marie McSwigan

“Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin

“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown

Middle School:

“100 Cupboards” by N.D. Wilson

“Fever 1793” by Laure Halse Anderson

“Freckles” by Gene Stratton-Porter

“Ghost: Running for His Life, or From It?” By Jason Reynolds

“The Golden Thread: A Novel about St. Ignatius Loyola” by Louis De Wohl

“Guardian Angel House” by Kathy Clark

“I, Juan de Pareja” by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

“Kon-Tiki” by Thor Heyerdahl

“On the Far Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George

“Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper

“Saving Mount Rushmore” by Andrea Jo Rodgers

“Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster” by Jonathan Auxier

“Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann David Wyss

“Thirst” by Varsha Bajaj

“The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt

CHARLOTTE — A second-grade boy walked into the cafeteria at St. Patrick School pulling a suitcase, wearing a neck pillow, and carrying a passport. He wasn’t lost – he was portraying St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
He was one of two dozen students taking part in a “Saints Wax Museum” project undertaken at several schools to celebrate All Saints Day, Nov. 1.

At St. Patrick, students dressed as saints held paper shields containing information about their saint and stood statuesque around the cafeteria, coming to life only to talk about their saint with visiting parents, teachers and other students. Similar events also took place at Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Gabriel schools.

The project, teachers said, was more than a fun way to observe the holy day. It also prompted students to learn about the saints – as encouraged by Pope Francis – and to consider how these holy men and women have relevance to their own daily lives.

Making saints more relatable and appealing to students is important, teachers said, because saints serve as better role models than superheroes, video-game characters and other pop culture figures that compete for kids’ attention.

The wax museums help kids discover similarities they share with saints, teachers said, to demonstrate that saints are not simply figures in stained glass or books, but were real people who had their own joys, sorrows, struggles and things they liked to do.

“We didn’t want the students to just look for the same well-known saints we all hear about for their project,” said Angie Noonan, second-grade teacher at St. Patrick. “Instead, I asked them to research saints who shared their birthdays or their first names, or who was patron of a common interest for them.”

In cases where more than a few students wanted the same saint, Noonan helped them come up with alternatives. For instance, several students who play sports wanted to portray St. Sebastian because he is patron of athletes, so Noonan instead helped them do research to find saints connected to their particular sports. One boy wore a California Angels baseball uniform because he picked St. Rita, the patron saint of baseball players. Another student who liked swimming selected St. Adjutor patron of swimmers and boaters, and dressed in a blue robe and white headdress.

Katherine Ortiz, 7, picked St. Gemma Galgani because she is a patron of gymnastics, which is Katherine’s favorite sport. She came up with her own outfit, which included a black satin robe and a golden halo.

“This was a really fun project for her because she loves gymnastics, and it gave her a chance to bring out her creativity,” said her mother Annabella Batista. “Creating the shield and putting the costume together was super fun for her, and she really learned about the saint and enjoyed putting the information together.”

Teachers make clear to students that Catholics do not worship saints, but instead pray to saints in heaven to intercede on our behalf with God.

In his All Saints Day address Nov. 1, the pope encouraged all of the faithful to learn more about saints to deepen their own personal holiness: “In their lives we find an example, in their prayers we receive help and friendship, and with them we are bound in a bond of brotherly love.”

At Our Lady of Assumption School, fifth-graders selected a variety of saints aligned with their interests or character traits, teacher Whitney Hannah said. One boy who loves soccer picked St. Luigi Scroscoppi, the sport’s patron saint, while a girl who dreams of becoming a teacher selected St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the first Catholic schools in the U.S. and patron of Catholic schools.

Hanna Isayas, 10, selected St. Maria Goretti because she thought the saint’s biography offered an important lesson.

“Even though someone hurt her during her life, Maria Goretti was able to forgive, and that is a lesson we all can learn and a great way to live life,” she said. ‘If you hold onto something someone has done to you instead of forgiving them, you’re just going to end up living a life of anger.”

Teacher Hannah asked students to research their saints and find a traditional prayer of intercession to the saint or write one of their own.

“I was hands off during most of the process and have been so happy to see the excitement from them,” she said. “It was great to be able to help some of the kids who had a harder time picking a saint to find one they really connected with. Our Lady of the Assumption has a very diverse population, and you can see that in the diverse group of saints they picked.”

—  Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy Hull

CHARLOTTE — With half the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 schools at or near capacity, now is the time to apply for the 2024-25 school year.

Continuing demand and a new automatic re-enrollment system for students already in the system mean schools are filling up fast. Enrollment deadlines for new students begin Feb. 1, as the diocese continues to manage record enrollment of more than 8,000 students.

School leaders are already planning additional expansions and new school construction but say for now, it’s important for families to secure a place at their chosen Catholic school.

“Catholic Schools excel in forming well-rounded students grounded in faith – and families are increasingly recognizing that,” says Superintendent Greg Monroe. “We support parents as the primary educators of their children by offering strong academics, a clear Catholic identity and culture, and unparalleled opportunities in arts, athletics, and other passions.”

Enrollment at every school is on the rise as more families discover the value and benefit of a Catholic education, Monroe says. Across the diocese, enrollment is up 12 percent from a decade ago – and almost 18 percent since the pandemic began in 2020. Students already attending Catholic schools receive priority for securing a spot next year, and inquiries, tours, and open-house visits from new families have been steady.

The deadline for new families to apply for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) is Thursday, Feb. 1. The deadline to apply for grades 1-12 is Friday, March 1. Deadlines for schools outside the Charlotte area vary but are also approaching; check your desired school’s website (listed below) for specific deadlines.

Applications are accepted on a rolling, space-available basis – with priority given to siblings of current and former students, children of alumni and employees, and registered parishioners. Some classes fill up quickly, so new families are encouraged to register early and get on a waiting list if their preferred school’s classes are full.

Additional interest and applications are expected this year thanks to the North Carolina Legislature’s expansion of the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship.

The school choice program is now open to all North Carolina students, kindergarten through 12th grade, who wish to attend a participating “direct payment” school, which includes each of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 schools. The state-funded scholarship had been reserved for students in low-income brackets based on family size.

Other requirements such as attending a public school the prior academic year were also in effect. Now all students, including those who already attend “direct payment” schools, are eligible. Current recipients who wish to renew their scholarships still get priority status. After that, scholarships will be awarded starting with the lowest income tier until funds are exhausted.

Like many schools across the diocese, St. Pius X School in Greensboro has seen steady growth over the past five years, and Principal Chris Kloesz credits a variety of factors. He expects some of this year’s growth to come from the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship, noting that the program has enabled the school to have a broader outreach, encouraging more families in the area to consider St. Pius X.
We’ve had touring families tell us the Opportunity Scholarship made it more possible – or turned the possibility into a reality – to consider a Catholic education for their children,” he says.

Many schools also cite the pandemic as a factor in their growth, Kloesz says.

“Although the pandemic brought a few families our way, we were already growing,” he says. “We retained the vast majority of students who joined us during the pandemic. That is very special and a testament to our staff and school community. The students who enrolled during the pandemic had the opportunity to experience how amazing St. Pius X Catholic School is – and they wanted to stay.”

That “discovery” played out across the diocese, says Sissie Kilby, director of admission for MACS. She tells the story of one father from St. Matthew Catholic School who called to let her know that he applied to MACS simply because they had in-person learning, but he also said he stayed because his child was finally on grade level for the first time ever.

“The same father also mentioned his family had become involved with the school community, which led him and his wife to take RCIA classes,” Kilby says. “He said because MACS put a child’s education first, the dynamics of his entire family has changed for the better. He called just to say thank you!”

Tuition for registered Catholic families ranges from less than $5,000 to about $13,000 per year, depending on the school and grade level. For many, the Opportunity Scholarship would cover all or a significant portion of the tuition, as funding ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000 per student. Applications for the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship open Feb. 1 and close March 1; families can learn more and apply online at www.ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity.

Additional assistance comes in the form of tuition discounts for multiple children enrollment, and every school offers need-based financial aid for qualifying families. In addition to the Opportunity Scholarship, all of the diocese’s schools participate in the N.C. Disability Scholarship program.

“I believe we will set a new record enrollment in the new school year based on the number of people who have already applied, coupled with the Opportunity Scholarship and the general growth of the area,” Monroe says.

The schools have already been expanding classes to accommodate growth, and school leaders continue to evaluate further expansion plans. This year marks the first full academic year using the new gym at Christ the King High School in Huntersville, the fine arts center at Charlotte Catholic High School, and the STEM lab expansions at Immaculata School in Hendersonville and Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte.

“We’ve hosted outside organizations in these facilities, which have become community-building hubs,” Monroe says. “We’ve also seen an increase in faculty and staff joining us from other states, and an increase in the number of families moving from other states to the Charlotte diocese.”

Select schools in Charlotte and Greensboro offer special learning programs to better meet the needs of diverse learners. In many instances, parents can provide their special-needs child with a Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through high school.

All of the diocese’s Catholic schools are accredited through Cognia (www.cognia.org), the largest accreditation system for primary and secondary schools in the U.S. Cognia has local and global networks, giving schools access to successful practices implemented by educators around the world.

— Annie Ferguson

More online

At www.charlottediocese.org/schools: Learn more about the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 Catholic schools, their mission and their leadership.

Opportunities: Join us!

The schools are always looking for good people to join their mission and teach, volunteer or be a teacher’s assistant. If you’re interested, go to www.charlottediocese.org/schools/join-us or contact to your local school.

MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The nine Catholic schools in the Charlotte area are grouped together as the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system: St. Ann (PK, TK-5), St. Gabriel (K-5), St. Matthew (TK-5), St. Patrick (K-5), Our Lady of the Assumption (PK-8), St. Mark (K-8), Holy Trinity Middle (6-8), and Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools (9-12).

Visit each school’s website or contact the school directly to schedule a visit:

• Charlotte Catholic High School: 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte; 704-543-1127; www.charlottecatholic.org
• Christ the King High School: 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville; 704-799-4400; www.ctkchs.org
• Holy Trinity Middle School: 3100 Park Road, Charlotte; 704-527-7822; www.htcms.org
• St. Ann School: 600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte; 704-525-4938; www.stanncatholic.org
• St. Gabriel School: 3028 Providence Road, Charlotte; 704-366-2409; www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org
• St. Mark School: 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville; 704-766-5000; stmarkcatholicschool.net
• St. Matthew School: 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte; 704-544-2070; www.stmattwildcats.com
• St. Patrick School: 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte; 704-333-3174; www.saintpatrickschool.org
• Our Lady of the Assumption School: 4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte; 704-531-0067; www.olacatholic.org

For more information, including MACS application forms and financial aid opportunities, please go online to www.discovermacs.org.

Prospective families may also contact MACS Admissions Director Sissie Kilby at slkilby@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3273.
MACS tuition rates for the 2024-25 year for participating Catholic families are: $4,839 for half-day pre-kindergarten or $7,564 for full-day pre-kindergarten; $7,915 for elementary school (transitional kindergarten through fifth grade); $8,882 for middle school, and $12,651 for high school.
There are additional graduation, technology and activity fees.

PARISH-BASED SCHOOLS

Outside Charlotte, the diocese has nine parish-based elementary and middle schools and one diocesan high school.

Each has its own admissions process, tuition rates and financial aid programs.

Visit each school’s website or contact the school directly for registration information or to arrange a visit:

• Asheville Catholic School: PK-8th grade; 12 Culvern St., Asheville; 828-252-7896; www.ashevillecatholic.org
• Bishop McGuinness High School: 9-12th grade; 1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville; 336-564-1010; www.bmhs.us
• Immaculata School: PK-8th grade; 711 Buncombe St., Hendersonville; 828-693–3277; www.immac.org
• Immaculate Heart of Mary School: PK-8th grade; 4145 Johnson St., High Point; 336-887-2613; www.ihm-school.com
• Our Lady of Grace School: PK-8th grade; 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro; 336-275-1522; www.olgsch.org
• Our Lady of Mercy School: PK-8th grade; 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem; 336-722-7204; www.ourladyofmercyschool.org
• Sacred Heart School: PK-8th grade; 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury; 704-633-2841; www.salisburycatholicschool.org
• St. Leo School: PK-8th grade; 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem; 336-748-8252; www.stleocatholic.com
• St. Michael School: PK-8th grade; 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia; 704-865-4382; www.stmichaelcs.com
• St. Pius X School: K-8th grade; 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro; 336-273-9865; www.spxschool.com

AFFILIATE SCHOOL

The newest member of the diocese’s schools is Canongate Catholic High School, an independent school in the Asheville area that features a classical curriculum.

Learn more online at www.canongatecatholic.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

MACS offers special needs programs at various locations, including:

• PACE (Providing an Appropriate Academic Catholic Education),
• MAP (Modified Academic Program),
• MMP (Matthew Morgan Program),

n Options Program, which creates an elementary through 12th-grade path for students in the MAP and MMP programs to continue to flourish in school and beyond.

The Options Program, based at Charlotte Catholic High School, is specifically designed to bring the MAP and MMP together, creating a “certificate” path enabling students to explore options on college/university campuses after high school.

Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro also offers PACE as well as Quest, the school’s autism-inclusion program.

To learn more about these special programs and tuition rates, go online to www.charlottediocese.org/schools/about/special-learning.

Those were just a few of the words that challenged 12 students from across the Diocese of Charlotte who took to the stage for more than 20 rounds at the annual Diocesan Spelling Bee on Jan. 22.

The event is open to fourth- through eighth-graders who win first at the school level, and it serves as the unofficial kickoff to Catholic Schools Week, which begins Jan. 25.

Students study words from a specific list in preparation for the bee and are eliminated from competition once they misspell one. During the competition, they have the option of asking the moderators for the definition and origin of the words they are given.

Competitors faced a wide variety of words, ranging from “squabble,” “deployment” and “isolation” to “bodega,” “leviathan” and “minestra” (a kind of Italian soup).

Two seventh-graders, Gus Blankenbaker from St. Mark School in Huntersville and Peyton Hill from St. Pius X School in Greensboro, battled 15 rounds to see who would come out on top.

Hill ended up winning the day by spelling “dissolution” correctly.

Her victory came after a little over two weeks of studying the list of words she received after winning her school’s bee on Jan. 8.

“I’d work on it in my free time,” she said. “It was challenging because I also had Irish dance, horseback riding and basketball, but I practiced whenever I had the time.”

Along with all those other activities, Peyton also said she is a voracious reader.

Even after all the preparation she did, she was still happy and surprised at her victory.

“It feels very awesome to win this,” she said. “It’s exhilarating because I thought I would go out in the first round.”

Her parents Morgan and Sandy Hill of Greensboro were beaming at the end of the bee. Mr. Hill said his daughter had been working toward this victory for several years after first competing in spelling competitions when she was in the fifth grade.

“It’s just a proud moment to see her win,” he said.

Peyton will stay in the spelling spotlight for a while longer. With her win, she earned the chance to participate in an upcoming spelling bee sponsored by the Carolina Panthers. Two online competitions will be held – one in North Carolina, the other in South Carolina – and the victors of each will meet in a head-to-head championship in Charlotte. The winner of that bee will earn a trip to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.

Other participants in the bee were:

• Bella Coleman from Sacred Heart School in Salisbury
• Frank Gareis from St. Michael School in Gastonia
• J.P. Hammond of Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro
• Annabelle Hillard from Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte
• Emmie Huntley of St. Gabriel School in Charlotte
• Eliana Lieberman of St. Matthew School in Charlotte
• Layla Murrell of Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem
• Anthony Owens from St. Ann School in Charlotte
• Pete Stewart of St. Patrick School in Charlotte
• Valentina Zamora from St. Leo School in Winston-Salem

At the end of the bee, the diocese’s superintendent of schools, Dr. Greg Monroe, thanked the parents for helping their students reach the spelling bee.

“We couldn’t do what we do in and out of the classroom without your support,” he said.

— Story and photos by Christina Lee Knauss