Crisp notebooks, newly-sharpened pencils and freshly-decorated classrooms awaited youngsters across the Diocese of Trenton this month as they kicked off another year in Catholic high schools and elementary schools across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

While the end of summer is commonly associated with somber farewells to vacations and days spent on the beach or by the pool, teachers and students alike greeted the new school year with open hearts and minds. The awaiting curricula were accompanied in many schools with opening Masses and prayer services, which served to welcome the school communities and embrace the role that Catholic institutions have in supporting the faith formation of their students.

The toasty onset of September also featured excitement on the part of students, teachers and even parents, as schools rollout new facilities, technological innovations and social media platforms that work to ensure collaboration and inclusion of students and their parents through the opportunities available in cyberspace.

Fresh Beginnings

Before the opening bell, the parking lot on the campus of St. Veronica School, Howell, bustled with activity as faculty and administration welcomed the youngsters back from summer vacation.

Many of the older students bounded into the school eager to share the success they had completing projects in studies ranging from science to math to literature during the break.

Eighth grader Emily Madeira emerged as spokeswoman for her class, bubbling about the timelines and posters they created. She noted that most of the students had been together since kindergarten.

“You get used to (the summer projects),” she said with a broad smile.

Resurrection Sister Cherree Ann Power, principal, took obvious joy in introducing new students, new teachers and staff and Sister Ann Elizabeth Norton, a Junior Professed Resurrection Sister, the director of religious education.

“Good morning everyone,” Sister Cherree called out over the microphone after everyone had filed into the gym for the morning gathering. “Is it good to be back?” she asked, anticipating and getting a huge “YESSS” from one and all. “As we start here today, I feel like we never left. It’s so good to be back with you.”

The assembly joined together in reciting the prayer that encompasses the school’s mission statement as a safe, loving and Catholic community, rooted in the Gospel where reverence, respect and responsibility are the keys that will open the door to life-long learning.

“That’s who we are,” she said.

Sister Cherree also sketched out the goals of the coming year, saying that there would be a big emphasis on reverence for all of God’s creation in keeping with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and its focus on the environment.

Celebrating New Life of School

Around St. Paul School, Burlington, first day of school excitement was palpable as students, parents and teachers filed into the cafeteria for welcoming remarks by principal, William Robbins, and a prayer service led by Father Christopher Picollo, administrator of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington.

“We are really excited about the new school year,” said Robbins. Adding to the energy, he said, is the commitment that has been made to the school which last year was facing possible closure due to declining enrollment and unmet expenses. The community, however, rallied and raised the more than $250,000 funding in record time, permitting the school to keep its doors open for the 2015-16 academic year.

Accordingly, last year’s theme of “Save St. Paul School Strong” has been updated to “Keep St. Paul School Strong” this year.

Clutching a cup of coffee in one hand and holding his preschooler daughter Scarlett’s hand with the other, parent Rob Murray beamed about the “quality education and family atmosphere” St. well as her siblings, Grahn, kindergarten, and Reese, second grade.

During the prayer service, attendees listened to the Gospel reading, which told the story of Jesus and his disciples who were on a fishing boat and the disciples becoming frustrated because they did not catch any fish. At Jesus’ urging, the disciples cast their nets once again in the lake and ended up catching many fish.

Father Picollo spoke of the Gospel passage being a most appropriate reading for the first day of school.

“Jesus’ disciples were learning from him,” said Father Picollo. “As a teacher, he opened the minds of the disciples. Our teachers are here to open your minds to the Catholic faith and the various subjects we study.  We need to listen so that we can respond and grow and learn.”

Sharing Faith, Honoring Legacy

Father Douglas A. Freer, pastor of St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch, used the opening Mass for the parish school Sept. 2 as an opportunity to remind students of an opportunity their peers in public schools do not have.

“Here at St. Jerome, we have a great gift,” he said. “We can talk about our faith.”

Led by the school banner, some children carried items symbolic of their school and educational experiences – including a laptop, Bible, books and musical instruments – that were placed at the statue of St. Jerome during the Mass.

In his homily, Father Freer discussed the promise of new beginnings and opportunities. He also took the opportunity to offer a pop quiz, of sorts, as he walked the aisle and asked some of the students questions, ranging from favorite subjects to the Sacraments.

Each correct answer would welcome a “You would make a great priest” or “Have you ever considered becoming a religious?” from the pastor.

Filippini Sister Angelina Pelliccia, principal, noted that she has now seen a second generation of students pass through the elementary school in her three decades of service there.

Parent Theresa Montague can take credit for four of the school’s students over the past two decades. She was on hand during the Mass, taking photos of her eighth-grade son, Michael, as he participated in the service.

“He is my youngest,” she said, with a tear in her eyes. “I couldn’t imagine anywhere else for my kids.”

Welcoming New Developments, Innovations

In Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, anticipation for the year featured high hopes for challenging classes and new facilities.

“I am most looking forward to my forensics class in the new Science lab,” shared Madison Nerey, a junior in the Upper School.

Fellow junior Nate Perez added his excitement as he prepared to begin his courses.

“I am taking all honors classes, so I am looking forward to getting started,” he said.

Perez’s mother, Jessica, added her recognition of the heavy work load her son is taking on.

“I am looking forward to seeing him grow academically,” she noted.

Monitor Associate Editor Mary Stadnyk, Staff Writer Christina Leslie, and Correspondents David Karas, Rose O’Connor and Lois Rogers contributed to this story.