St. Catharine Academy Marks 125 Years Of Spiritual and Academic Excellence

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Mercy and gratitude were prominent themes throughout the closing Mass commemorating the 125th anniversary of St. Catharine Academy, a girls’ preparatory high school in the Bronx.

Noting the Sisters of Mercy-sponsored institution founded in 1889 as “a great school,” Cardinal Dolan served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Sept. 13 liturgy at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

He spoke of the school’s rich history in providing a learning environment that nurtures students in body, mind, soul, heart and character.

The cardinal also noted that he, too, was educated by the Sisters of Mercy, in grade school in Ballwin, Mo.

He also acknowledged the upcoming Year of Mercy Pope Francis has called, beginning Dec. 8.

“Mercy is ours for the asking,” Cardinal Dolan said. “God wants nothing more than to forgive us for our sins.”

He held a chalice he received as a gift from the Sisters of Mercy while visiting Ireland. It had once been in the possession of the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Mother Catherine McAuley, a 19th-century Irishwoman whose canonization cause is under way and has been named Venerable by the Church. The cardinal later used the chalice in celebrating the Eucharist.

In addition to the importance of mercy, Cardinal Dolan spoke of the school’s focus on teaching students the significance of knowing who they are—children of God; forgiving others as God has forgiven them; and burying their crosses, knowing that Jesus is with them during anxieties and difficulties. “As Jesus said, he’s going to be there to help us carry that cross,” the cardinal added in the nearly packed cathedral.

As for gratitude, Cardinal Dolan and Sister Patricia Wolf, R.S.M., president of St. Catharine Academy, expressed thanks to the numerous faculty and staff, students, parents and alumnae who were present at the Mass. They acknowledged the academy’s 125 years of academic excellence and faith-filled learning. They also spoke about how the school has grown in cultural diversity since its Irish beginnings.

“I pray and proclaim the words of Catherine McAuley…‘thousands and thousands of thanks, and praise to God’s Holy Name,’” said Sister Patricia, herself an alumna, during welcoming remarks. “We gather to close this 125th year of celebration…None of this would be possible without the partnership of so many. With immense gratitude I acknowledge the enduring commitment of the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community to the mission of St. Catharine Academy.”

Located at 2250 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, St. Catharine Academy has an enrollment of approximately 500 students; 99 percent of the graduates go on to college. The school offers Advanced Placement courses in English, math, science, languages and social studies. Activities and clubs include service projects, student publications, choir, photography, tennis, art and robotics. The sports program includes basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and cheerleading.

The principal is Sister Ann M. Welch, R.S.M. An open house is scheduled for Oct. 25.

The story of St. Catharine Academy has its beginnings in 1845 when Archbishop John Hughes traveled to Ireland in search of members of the Sisters of Mercy to serve the needs of his rapidly growing Diocese of New York. The congregation had been founded 15 years earlier by Mother Catherine McAuley.

In 1846, a small group of sisters arrived in New York to start programs that included visiting the sick, teaching religious education, providing lodging for young immigrant women and undertaking various forms of education.

Sister Patricia, a 1962 alumna who has served as the academy’s president for nine years, noted the school’s longevity in an interview after the liturgy. “For a school to have existed for 125 years and still be thriving is a wonderful gift from God,” she said.

Sophomore Kaila Cordova, who as a President’s Scholar receives a full scholarship, described the gathering as “spectacular.”

“It was really beautiful,” Kaila said. “It was altogether a nice end to the anniversary. Our school is like my second home; the people there are like my second family. They’re always trying to help me; they’re always trying to take care of me—they’re just really great people.”

Her classmate, Nicole Noll, agreed. “It’s such a nice school; they’re like my family.”

Nicole’s mother, Maria Noll, was also moved by the “beautiful” Mass. “We keep our faith in our hearts,” she said. “It’s not all about books, it’s about our religion.”

“Outstanding” was how Sister Ann Veronica, R.S.M., a member of the academy’s board of trustees, described the anniversary celebration at the cathedral. “It was so prayerful, and so very much in tune with both Pope Francis’ message of mercy and our founder’s, Catherine McAuley’s, message of mercy.”