Santa Maria Sun / School Scene

Local Catholic schools celebrate joint mass

BY AMY ASMAN

In recognition of national Catholic Schools Week, more than 700 students, teachers, and administrators from St. Joseph High School, St. Mary of the Assumption, St. Louis de Montfort, and La Purísima Concepción Catholic elementary schools attended an all Catholic schools mass on Jan. 30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria.

Bishop Thomas Curry from Santa Barbara presided over the mass, and several priests from local parishes attended as well.

Over the past two years, the principals of the three area Catholic elementary schools, along with the administration at St. Joe’s, have been working together to bring the communities of these schools together.

“The synergy of our collaborative efforts can have an amazing effect on our students and our local communities,” said Nancy Gastelum, director of marketing and public relations at St. Joseph.

“Parents recognize that the high academic standards and moral values, which are hallmarks of Catholic education, prepare children to do well in college and give them the tools to be successful contributors to their local, national, and global communities,” she continued. “From its inception, Catholic education has had a positive effect on the communities it serves. Our goal is to ensure that all of us here in the valley see the impact of that and recognize that we are all in this together.”

School Scene is compiled by Managing Editor Amy Asman. New Times News Editor Colin Rigley contributed to this column. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.