Celebrating Our School
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Seeing the dedication of our principal Kelly Roche and the great teachers who serve at Saint Joe’s, it goes without saying that our students are prepared not just for the 9th grade but on how to continue to grow in their faith on their lifelong journey. What a joy it is to be here, and this will be the 18th year of my priesthood, each one blessed with being part of a school.
This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week nationally. So what is it that makes Saint Joseph’s such a remarkable school?
For one, we have outstanding programs at all grade levels, PreK through eighth. School students receive daily religious instruction and prayer, go to Mass each week, and also have opportunities to live out the faith throughout the year.
The core values of our school include:
Evangelizing- Our parish school possesses an evangelizing attitude that is inherent in our words, actions, and ministry reflecting that all of us are children of God created in God’s image and likeness.
Life Long Learning- Our parish school is dedicated to growing in our knowledge of Jesus through formal and informal education throughout our lives. We embrace opportunities for continual learning and strive for achievement in all areas of learning and life.
One in Christ- Our parish school is strengthened by diversity, a product of God’s creative wisdom. By expressing and utilizing our unique individual gifts, we are cultivating the Kingdom of God on earth.
Prayer and Worship – Our parish school values prayer and worship as a sacred means through which we deepen our relationship with God and one another. Our expressions of faith embrace tradition and a relevant message for 21st century Christians.
Respect for All People- Our parish school is committed to God’s commandment to love one another. We welcome and engage all who are served by our ministry. We interact with people, whether within or outside our school community, in a respectful, welcoming, and caring manner.
Service- Our parish school values and promotes service in living out our faith both locally and in our greater community. God calls and empowers us to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others, especially those who are most in need.
With these values as our foundation, students are grounded in the faith and learn what it means to grow as a Christian.
Over the years, we’ve also seen changes made in how the curriculum gets adjusted, but also the expansion of our school to include a thriving preschool led by Shannon Carroll, and an expansion of grades so we now have two Kindergarten, first, second and third grades.
Faith of course is also a cornerstone of our school; we have Mass each week; each Monday starts with a convocation; students experience faith immersion experiences while in the school, and throughout the year our school helps the students appreciate Catholic Social Justice teachings as well. We also have events such as adoration, reconciliation during Advent and Christmas, the Living Rosary, the Christmas Program and May Crowning just to name a few.
Educating the mind, our students are exposed to an excellent curriculum focusing on language arts, math, social studies and science, along with music and physical education. We also offer Spanish and opportunities for kids to learn more about technology.
In the school, you also see great things every day. You see the kids caring and looking out for one another. You see teachers caring so deeply about them and going above and beyond what their vocation requires to go the extra mile. You also see so many parents volunteer and show their love for the school. The Holy Spirit is very much at work at Saint Joe’s – and people recognize this, which is why our enrollment has increased and there is such strong support for our school.
And of course there is the leadership of Mrs. Kelly Roche, our school principal. It’s been a joy and honor to work with her, and she’s been an incredible shepherd of the school, helping so many students and teachers to truly excel. She’s been incredible with her ideas, her passion and love for the school, navigating us through the turbulent pandemic year, thinking of ways to improve programs, doing fundraising work and above all else helping the students in so many ways.
As I’ve said many times at our parish and in others, this is always “our” school in the sense that the school is part of the parish and the parish part of the school. Whether one has children in the school or not, all of us share in the mission of helping one another to grow in the faith, and the school is a mission that does just that. Thank you so much for the love that you have shown for Saint Joseph’s school over the years.
At this time we are looking at the school year of 2025-26, and if you are looking at options for education for your children, please prayerfully consider our parish school. You can reach out to our principal Kelly Roche with any questions, or to arrange a tour.
Celebrating this wonderful week, I’d like to thank all who support our school and please keep all involved in our school, from staff to volunteers to the students and alumni, in your prayers. We truly have something very special in our parish school – so let’s celebrate that not just one week out of the year, but every day of the year as part of our parish mission and identity.
God bless,
Fr. Paul
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January 2025