Photo courtesy of Tori McRoberts

SJA Represented at Catholic Schools Week Mass

St. Joseph’s Academy was represented by a number of students, faculty and staff at this year’s Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Catholic Schools Week Mass, held February 5 at St. Thomas More Church. The diocesan-wide mass, held at the conclusion of Catholic Schools Week, was celebrated by Bishop Robert W. Muench. He was joined by priests who are assigned to churches with Catholic schools and by Catholic school chaplains.

“I will forever remember this mass because it was such an honor to represent our Catholic school.” Emily Graham '10

The theme of Catholic Schools Week 2010 was Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life. This year’s theme reflects the value of a Catholic education and the life-long benefits enjoyed by students in Catholic schools. Throughout the week, activities were held to honor faculty, staff, administrators and graduates for living as committed Catholics, productive citizens and effective leaders.

Representing SJA at the mass were President Sister Adele Lambert, CSJ; Campus Minister Tori McRoberts; Sister Joan Laplace, CSJ, of the development office; and senior Student Ministers Alaine Dawson, Emily Graham, Jennifer Harrison, Mackenzie Hollis, Emily Lopez, Olivia Reinecke, Mary Kathryn Romero and Amber Vlahos.

“Each year, when we come together from all over the diocese, it’s great to see so many, especially those from SJA, who have committed their lives to serving in the Catholic school system,” McRoberts said. “We have been significantly shaped and formed by our years in school, so it is fitting to take time to give thanks and recognize those who continue to serve as role models for our students as leaders in Catholic education.”

Following mass, faculty and staff members from across the diocese were honored for their years of service to Catholic schools. Recognized from SJA, all of whom have 26 years of service, were Nan Murtagh, social studies teacher; Kathie Hayden-Richmond, freshman-level guidance counselor; and Mary Pat Broussard, business/human resources manager.

“I was so honored to be able to represent my school in front of all of the other Catholic schools in the diocese,” Harrison said. “I was so proud of our classic look as we all walked in together. We had a great time hearing the bishop talk about why Catholic education is so important. It was a great opportunity, and I’m glad I took advantage of it.”

Graham said the mass was an inspiration. “It was very lovely,” she said. “The bishop’s words reinforced my love of Catholic education and my appreciation to my parents for sacrificing so much to send me to St. Joseph’s. Also, the girls chosen to represent SJA were very reverent and modeled the Christian values that our school stands for. I will forever remember this mass because it was such an honor to represent our Catholic school.”

Reinecke agreed. “Representing St. Joseph’s Academy at the Catholic Schools Week Mass was truly an honor,” she said. “Uniting with other students in gratitude of our Catholic education was an incredible experience.”


Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director