RIVERSIDE — More than 500 guests were in attendance to celebrate St. Mary Academy – Bay View’s 150th anniversary recently at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Representatives from 58 classes, spanning eight decades, were among those who attended the Bay View 150th Anniversary Gala, which raised more than a record $1 million for scholarships at the all-girls Catholic school in East Providence. (PHOTO: CATHERINE LAINE)

WARWICK — The Arts at Bishop Hendricken is proud to announce several nominations for its production of Elf The Musical as part of the 3rd Annual Ocean State Star Awards presented by the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), including full company nominations for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Technical Achievement, and Outstanding Orchestra. (PHOTO: BISHOP HENDRICKEN HIGH SCHOOL)

WARWICK — The St. Peter School community celebrated National Adoption Day with many special activities. National Adoption Day raises awareness of the more than 108,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. (PHOTO: ANNE ROBINSON)

Catholic Schools Week 2025 begins today and runs through Feb. 1! DID YOU KNOW...each school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Students earn scores on standardized tests above state and national averages. 98.4% of students graduate from high school and 99% go on to college. Financial assistance available. Contact schools for details!

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — La Salle Academy mourns the loss of one of their own with the passing of alumnus (class of 1957) and former president, Brother Michael McKenery, FSC. Under his 14-year tenure, La Salle Academy not only thrived, but saw tremendous growth and spiritual renewal. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LA SALLE ACADEMY)

PAWTUCKET — As part of its centennial celebration, Saint Raphael Academy is also marking the 50th anniversary of female excellence at Saints. - In recognition of this milestone and International Women’s Month, the Academy invites its alumnae back for a special event on Thursday, March 27 at 5 p.m. The event will include campus tours, a keynote speaker, and networking with fellow alumnae. (PHOTO: SAINT RAPHAEL ACADEMY)

All School Fair is this Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Rhodes Ballroom, 60 Rhodes Pl., Cranston. (Photo: RI Catholic file)

All are invited to our Open Houses and other Admission events happening at our Catholic Schools for this special week! Come to an Open House, schedule a tour, shadow a student, and more! DID YOU KNOW...each Catholic School in the Diocese of Providence is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Students earn scores on standardized tests above state and national averages. 98.4% of students graduate from high school and 99% go on to college. Financial assistance available.

Advent news from some of our Catholic Schools! (Photo courtesy of St. Margaret School)

EAST GREENWICH — Our Lady of Mercy School announced that applications are now open for the 2025-26 academic year for students who wish to enroll in its Pre-K program for three-year olds. Applicants must be three by September 1, 2025. (PHOTO: OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL)

DISCOVER RI CATHOLIC SCHOOLS!
8th grade students are encouraged to take this test at their first choice school Dec. 7. Contact individual schools to confirm test date/time. Click for High Schools contact info and codes.

PAWTUCKET — With Saint Raphael Academy celebrating 50 Years of Women along with its centennial this year, it seems almost destined that the girls sports teams would do something spectacular. Not only did the girls soccer team win 4-3 against Exeter-West Greenwich for the Division III state title, but they did so backed by an unbeaten conference record of 19-0. The team and school community celebrates their first state title in 16 years. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT RAPHAEL ACADEMY)

DISCOVER RI CATHOLIC SCHOOLS!
Are you ready to take the next step on your educational journey? Join us for the High School Placement Test on December 7. It's your opportunity to explore the outstanding Catholic schools in our community. 8th grade students are encouraged to take this test at their 1st choice school, December 7. Contact the school(s) you are interested in directly for testing details; click for High Schools contact info.

The Our Lady of Mercy School parking lot was transformed into a giant costume party on Friday, Oct. 25!

WARWICK — Jamal Gomes, athletic director, has announced the addition of Stephen Baker ’20 to Bishop Hendricken’s Unified Volleyball and Unified Basketball coaching staff. Baker is a 2020 alumnus of the Br. Thomas Leto Options Program at Bishop Hendricken and recently graduated from Villanova University as part of its VUnited Scholars Program. He will serve as an assistant coach for both teams this season. (PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP HENDRICKEN HIGH SCHOOL)

RUMFORD — On September 11, the St. Margaret School community came together to remember the victims of 9/11 on the 23rd anniversary of the attacks that killed more than 2,700 people at the World Trade Center. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARGARET SCHOOL/BETHANY BESSETTE)

Before the summer season at Mother of Hope Camp came to a conclusion, Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning made a special visit to Chepachet to celebrate Mass for the campers and counselors in the camp’s St. Augustine Chapel. (PHOTO: LAURA KILGUS)

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — The 2024-2025 academic year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary Academy - Bay View. To kick off their sesquicentennial celebrations, students, alumni, current and former faculty and staff, and members of the Sisters of Mercy attended a Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Sunday, Sept. 8 in honor of their school’s founding. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PAWTUCKET — “Happy 100th,” a greeting which echoed throughout Holy Family Parish Saturday as many gathered to celebrate St. Raphael Academy’s 100th anniversary. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

Beginning in late August and continuing into September, I enjoy the opportunity to visit some of our many Catholic schools here in Rhode Island. In most cases, the schools hold an opening Mass or “Mass of the Holy Spirit.” While I also visit schools at other times of the year, these weeks are special as there is a palpable excitement and anticipation at the outset of the school year. The school year stretches ahead full of possibility.