Jan. 26-30 is the annual observance of Catholic Schools Week,
for three decades, a time set aside each year to highlight the work
of Roman Catholic educational institutions throughout the United
States.
Jan. 26-30 is the annual observance of Catholic Schools Week, for three decades, a time set aside each year to highlight the work of Roman Catholic educational institutions throughout the United States.
The Catholic Church has the country’s largest system of non-public schools. In reaction to a perceived domination of the U.S. public schools by Protestants, bishops met in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1884 and directed local churches to establish elementary schools for the education of parish children (hence the term “parochial” schools). Later secondary schools were established by dioceses, religious orders, or groups of parishes.
According to figures released by the National Catholic Educational Association, there are now 2.5 million students enrolled in 6,785 elementary and 1,215 secondary schools. Approximately 13 percent of these students are non-Catholic.
These schools employ some 163,000 professional staff. Although earlier in the century the overwhelming majority consisted of religious brothers and sisters, today 94 percent are lay people.
The Diocese of San Jose, which includes all of Santa Clara County, has 30 elementary and six secondary schools. Total enrollment is approximately 16,000 students. There has been discussion of building a new elementary school in Gilroy’s northwest quadrant and a new high school north of Morgan Hill, but no definite construction dates have yet been set.
Currently South County has two thriving Catholic elementary schools, both of which are inviting the public to Open Houses on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Gilroy’s St. Mary School was established in 1871. Founded by Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Presentation Sisters replaced them and continued to operate the school until 1981 when they left and were replaced by an all lay staff.
The present school building, located at First and Church streets, was opened in 1953, followed by another classroom wing in 1973 and a computer lab in 1990. Today there are 300 students enrolled in grades K through eight.
Under the leadership of Father Dan Derry, St. Mary’s pastor, and Principal Christa Hanson, the school has continued to grow and improve both its physical plant and curriculum, expanding physical education, music, art, Spanish, and sports programs. For more information see the internet at www.stmarygilroy.org or call 842-2827.
Morgan Hill’s St. Catherine of Alexandra School was founded under the direction of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1963. The school recognizes the importance of a supportive educational experience that fosters a strong sense of community. This sense of belonging grows from the commitment of faculty, staff, parish priests and involved parents.
Under the leadership of Father Gene O’Donnell, pastor of St. Catherine, and Principal Suzanne Rich, the school gives parents many opportunities to enhance their children’s education through the School Advisory Board and Parent Teacher Guild, as well as a variety of religious, social, athletic, and academic events.
Beyond the school’s basic curriculum, support services like counseling, resource teachers classroom aides, and extended care, as well as a long list of expanded curriculum opportunities are available to the school’s 300 students enrolled in grades K through eight. For more information call 779-9950 or see the Internet at www.stca.org/school.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School. Write him c/o The Dispatch, P.O. Box 22365, Gilroy, CA 95021.
