CHARLOTTE — American Ninja Warrior competitor Sean Bryan brought a message of faith, perseverance and a little friendly competition to students at St. Ann School during an Aug. 18 visit.
Before speaking with students, Bryan reflected on the role his Catholic faith has played in his journey from athletics to co-founder of the Lay Mission Institute, an apostolate devoted to inspiring lay Catholics. A former UC Berkeley gymnast, Bryan found success on NBC’s reality show where competitors tackle complex obstacle courses.
He became known as “The Papal Ninja” due to his yellow and white wardrobe emblazoned with the papal crest and his desire to use his platform to convey a deeper message. He encouraged students to recognize that their talents can serve a purpose beyond personal achievement.
“The gift of faith isn’t just about me and Jesus,” Bryan said. “It’s about walking and doing with Him, and you can’t ask for anything better than that.”
During a school-wide question-and-answer session, students eagerly quizzed Bryan about everything from how long he has been an athlete to the challenges he has faced in competition. The conversation also included lighter moments, including a student challenging Bryan to a push-up contest.
Bryan welcomed the questions and interacted with the students enthusiastically, giving them an opportunity to learn about the discipline required to become an elite athlete. He taught that success is not simply about physical strength. It also requires commitment, patience and the willingness to keep moving forward when obstacles arise, he said.
The event offered St. Ann students a glimpse into the world of American Ninja Warrior while imparting a deeper lesson about faith and using one’s gifts with purpose.
—Troy C. Hull
CHARLOTTE — Catholic school students across the Diocese of Charlotte returned to improved facilities, expanded programs and new educational models and leaders, as schools wrapped up summer construction projects and widespread refresh work.
More than 8,244 students return to schools from Asheville to Charlotte to Greensboro starting this week, with most of the diocese’s 20 schools at or near capacity following years of steady growth.
Bishop Michael Martin urged them and their parents via a series of video messages to put Jesus at center of their lives and to share Him with others in their classrooms and communities. His uplifting message “let them hear your voice” set the tone for a new academic year filled with faith, fellowship and a love of learning.
Read about some improvements and upgrades at the Catholic schools.
— Photos by Troy C. Hull, Brian Segovia, Lisa M. Geraci, Christina Knauss, Kevin Eagan and provided
Holy Trinity Catholic Academy
Holy Trinity Catholic Academy’s eighth graders kicked off their school year this morning with a warm welcome from Principal Kevin Parks. The newly named academy will welcome seventh-graders on Tuesday, followed by sixth-graders on Wednesday.
The diocese’s only standalone middle school has a new name to reflect its new approach. Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Charlotte has begun its transition toward blending the advantages of single-sex and co-ed classes for a more tailored educational experience.
Our Lady of the Assumption School
School is officially back in session. Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe helped kick off the first day of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte, greeting students alongside teachers and one VERY enthusiastic new member of the Our Lady of the Assumption School family... the Phoenix! New year. New adventures. New mascot. Let’s make it a great one!
St. Matthew School
All smiles as students return to St. Matthew School in Charlotte for the new school year.
St. Michael School
The sound of “Happy first Day!” greeted parents and students alike as St. Michael School teachers and staff welcomed everyone back for the 2026-27 school year in Gastonia.
Charlotte Catholic High School
Charlotte Catholic High School is completing the first phase of an $8.5 million program of improvements that include upgrading the football field and sideline to premium artificial turf and renovating its media center into a multi-faceted student life center. Charlotte Catholic has also been raising money to help transform a recently acquired building next to the campus into a Computer, Technology and Engineering Innovation Center, which will house career and technical education. Telford said work on that project is expected to begin this fall.
Across the diocese
