CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The celebration marked the culmination of 33 days of learning and discussion, prayer and Scripture readings, community service projects, and a special focus on the virtues. The celebration included Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and a special blessing of the school by Father Timothy Reid, diocesan vicar of education for Catholic schools.
Joining the school community and Principal Tyler Kulp for the special day were Father Enrique González Gaytán and Deacon David Reiser of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, and Dr. Greg Monroe, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.
The goal of the 33-day consecration was to encourage students and the school community to learn more about Mary and follow her example as a disciple of Jesus – and ultimately, entrust themselves to Mary’s care, protection and guidance in their lives.
By consecrating the school to Mary, Kulp said, “we acknowledge her as our spiritual mother and seek her intercession and maternal care for our entire school family.”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos provided by Our Lady of the Assumption School.
HICKORY — Quoting Aristotle and Abraham Lincoln, Bishop Michael Martin called on Catholic school leaders from across the diocese to “accentuate the uniqueness of our moment” by embracing new technology and new teaching methods to help the schools achieve their mission: building disciples.
A former Catholic school educator himself, the bishop met with the principals and presidents of the diocese’s 20 schools during their two-day spiritual retreat Oct. 29-30 at the Catholic Conference Center.
He urged them to recognize “the kids today” are different from those of 10, 20 and 30 years ago and to inspire their teachers – and themselves – to adapt their approach to better reach today’s students.
The bishop drew laughter with stories from his days as a Catholic school principal and student (when gym class meant climbing a rope to the ceiling).
He also posed for photos amid the fall color outside the conference center and pledged that, as long as school leaders remain committed to the mission, “I’m your biggest cheerleader.”
Asked what he missed most about his days in education, he smiled and replied: “The kids. There’s just such a richness there.”
— César Hurtado and Liz Chandler