HUNTERSVILLE — As the Lenten season comes to a close, middle school students at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville took a day to reflect upon this beautiful penitential season to better prepare themselves for the celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
Throughout the day, sixth- and seventh-graders bonded with their classmates and teachers through team-building exercises, Lenten trivia and met the St. Mark Church Rosary Guild to learn about their mission and help prepare Rosary kits.
Spiritual activities included Mass with Father John Putnam and Stations of the Cross led by students. Dr. John Acquaviva, a Catholic author and Wingate University professor, spoke to students about the importance of virtue and Catholic identity as athletes and fans. Dr. Acquaviva gave great examples on how to balance social and moral virtues such as loyalty/respect, fairness/honesty, teamwork/forgiveness, and perseverance/discipline. He also touched on how to maintain a Catholic perspective on healthy body image based on Scripture and the teachings of St. John Paul II. Dr. Acquaviva reminded students that physical activity and the human body are gifts from God and should be used for His greater glory.
Students in the eighth grade made a pilgrimage to Belmont Abbey College. To start their day, they met with Dr. William Thierfelder, the president of the college, and learned about the Sports in Virtue Institute. Students were challenged to view athletics through a Catholic lens and see sport as an opportunity to develop strong faith connections. Dr. Thierfelder reminded students that even if the outcome of competition does not end in their favor, they should always thank God for the opportunity and ability to compete.
Following their talk, students met the Abbey Advocates for a college tour that showcased all the practical and spiritual opportunities Belmont Abbey College offers in continuing their Catholic education. While eating in the dining room, St. Joseph College seminarian Matthew Stanley — a 2014 St. Mark School alumnus — stopped in to say hello and encourage students to make the most of their time at St. Mark.
— Hillary L. Shores
HIGH POINT — Dr. Maryanne Leonard is officially stepping into the role as principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point after having served as interim principal for the past nine months, the Catholic Schools Office announced this week.
Leonard is an experienced Catholic educator with a deep connection to the IHM community. Before becoming interim principal, she served as IHM’s lead middle school English Language Arts teacher. Previous experience includes serving as teacher, curriculum facilitator and reading specialist for Guilford County Schools as well as stints as an adjunct professor at both Walden University and UNC-Greensboro.
She holds a doctoral degree in curriculum instruction and supervision from UNC-Greensboro, as well as multiple degrees from the College of New Rochelle in New York.
"I cannot say enough about the respectful and thoughtful process that was used to discern my place as principal," Leonard said. "This past year, we turned a page at IHM, and I look forward to continued collaboration with the community to secure and enhance our focus on faith, tradition, and excellence with Jesus at the center of all we do."
— Catholic News Herald