Catholic education in America has transformed for the better, supported by Pope Benedict XVI’s vision of maintaining excellent traditions while looking ahead. Parents nationwide continue demonstrating strong commitment to Catholic schooling, making it the foundation of Catholicism across the country. Chelsea’s St. Rose School, under the leadership of Principal Mrs. Maryanne Babineau, exemplifies this commitment. The school’s deep roots in the community stretch back more than 100 years, with Mrs. Babineau serving as its driving force. “We have strong academics. This is a very structured and disciplined school,” she said. “The key is that we are all about family here. Everyone knows everyone else and we’re all on a first name basis. There is a good feeling here and family is at its essence,” she said. According to Mrs. Babineau, faith-based education forms the core of what St. Rose offers. The school currently enrolls 250 children from diverse backgrounds and welcomes families from all walks of life to visit and learn about its mission.
Across the region, other Catholic schools are thriving. In East Boston, Central Catholic School (EBCC) is having an exceptional year, with officials highlighting its status as perhaps the most diverse Catholic school in the area. “We have a wonderful group of children from all walks of life who take a great interest in their Catholic heritage,” said the officials. The American dream remains vibrant at EBCC, which recently held its open house and registration during Catholic School Week. Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 students learn under the school’s motto: “Where faith and knowledge meet.”
Revere’s Immaculate Conception School, directed by Josephine Felice, is experiencing optimism about both the present and future. “Catholic School students get involved. We are a family. Everyone knows your name. We’re small enough so no one falls through the cracks but we’re large enough to make sure they get the academic preparation they need to do well in high school. We’re grounding them in their faith and in the values and beliefs that allow them to make moral decisions when they are adults,” she said. The school educates 240 students. “We reflect Revere more and more. We are totally diverse,” she added. Similar enthusiasm resonates in Everett at St. Anthony School, where Principal Maria Giggi observes that Catholic school education continues improving. “Catholic School education is more diverse than ever before. There is more integration. More diversity. In our case, being the only Catholic elementary school in Everett, we are in the forefront and we are attractive to parents and children from the 19 communities we serve.” “We have 301 students. We’re on the cusp of everything that needs to be done to give these children a good education,” she added. Giggi expressed her passion for the school’s impact on students. “We maintain and endorse Catholic identity and values in a safer environment. We know everyone on a first name basis. We have the opportunity to do a lot of good – such as raising money for the Haitian people. We are about reaching out. Our students are learning. They don’t have to worry. Everyone here knows they are safe and in a solid learning environment,” she said.
Pope John School also radiates strong commitment to Catholic education. “When you walk through the doors and you come inside here you find an atmosphere of community and family – it is a tremendous place,” said Sylvia Hampton, the director of advancement at Pope John. “Pope John has a great community feel and it carries on to the school. We have a wonderful faculty. We give individual instruction and care to the kids. I’ve been around in my career. Believe me, this is a fabulous place,” she added. As Catholic School Week (January 31 – February 6) unfolds, parents should actively visit schools and evaluate where their children will attend during the 2010-2011 school year. Catholic schools aim to provide rigorous academics rooted in Roman Catholic teachings while developing students’ intellectual, moral and physical capacities. Teachers and administrators work to cultivate leaders who love God, work hard, and show compassion—individuals equipped with personal responsibility, proper use of freedom, and ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Core values include preserving Catholic identity through faith-based education, fostering stewardship, and promoting community and service. Excellent options exist throughout the region: in Brighton, Mount St. Joseph Academy; in Boston’s North End–St. John School; in Everett, St. Anthony School and Pope John; in Chelsea, St. Rose School; in East Boston, Central Catholic School; and in Lynn, St. Mary’s and St. Pius. Parents exploring Catholic education should investigate these schools during this week of celebration.