Montgomery Catholic Fourth Grade Class Invited to Decorate the Chancery Tree in Mobile

Father Pat Arensberg, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Principal Laurie Gulley and Mrs. Mary Pears with St. BEde campus fourth grade students: James Bender, Boyd McKinley, Cecilia Crawford, Will Driver, Ailish Gilbert, Mason McCollister, Aidan McNeely, Matthew Reardon, Eathan Binns, Tianna Carr, Samantha Day, Ansley Erhardt, Layne Jordan, Julian Macchia, John McLennan, Will Noell, Samual Rogers and Hart Yost. 

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's St. Bede campus fourth grade class was invited by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi to visit Mobile for a special job. The students were in charge of creating the theme and decorating the Chancery Christmas tree. Nineteen students, along with teacher Mrs. Mary Pears, Principal Laurie Gulley and Father Pat Arensberg took a chartered bus to Mobile on Tuesday, December 10. The class was greeted by Archbishop Rodi on the steps of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on South Claiborne Street where they were given a tour and history lesson by the Archbishop. The lesson included the founding of the Cathedral, an explanation of the stained glass windows which all depict scenes referencing the role of Mary in the life of Jesus from the New Testament.

After the tour, the group made their way to the Chancery to decorate the tree with student made decorations in the class theme of "The Legend of the Candy Cane". Every ornament involved the candy cane in some way, reminding all, the real reason we celebrate Christmas. After Principal Gulley successfully topped the tree, the Archbishop treated the students with chocolate milk and cookies. Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Gwen Byrd, the staff from the Office of Religious Education and the Office of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Mobile, joined the group for the sweet treat.

After a busy morning the students were then invited to have lunch and recess with the fourth grade class at Saint Pius X Catholic School before heading back to Montgomery. The students had a wonderful experience, helping the Archdiocese prepare for Christmas, and safely traveled home, without anyone falling asleep, with the exception of Father Pat.

Montgomery Catholic Elementary Choir Brings Christmas Cheer to Seniors.

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Elementary Choir took a field trip to The Crump Senior Center in Montgomery on Friday, December 13. Students from the MCPS St. Bede and Holy Spirit Campuses spread Christmas joy by singing Christmas Carols in Santa hats for a group of Seniors at the Center. Led by teachers and choir leaders Mrs. Ellie Burden and Mrs. Mary Pears, the students were accompanied by piano and guitar played by Mrs. Sharon Stark.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School St. Bede campus choir members, (front row L to R) Nathan Manning, Nick Calandra, Danielle Willcox, (second row L to R) Cacey Williams, Alex Snowden,  Ainsley Harrison, Cecelia Crawford sing at the Crump Senior Center spreading Christmas cheer.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Holy Spirit campus choir members at the Crump Senior Center (front row L to R) Kara Sugiyama, Emily Klinger, Camryn Cool, Blair Huffman, (back right)
Katie Sugiyama.

Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights Jingle for a Cause!

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School supported the Arthritis Foundation by participating in the Jingle Bell Run Saturday, December 7, 2013 on the campus of Huntingdon College. The Montgomery Catholic Racing Knights, 26 member team, donated over $1,125 to the Arthritis Foundation. Led by Team Captain and MCPS parent volunteer Jennifer Passineau, the Racing Knights team was made up of students, faculty, staff, and family members. Montgomery Catholic's 2013 Jingle Bell Run team members were Liz Gregorius, Patrick Gregorius, Devin Kelly, Grace Leslie, Lucy Leslie, Sam Leslie, Becky Littrell, Sarah Beth Littrell, Donna, David and Daniel Labello, Angel Padilla, Michael Passineau, Alice Smith, Chloe Smith, Michael Smith, Nate Smith, Katelyn Stark, Sharon Stark, Annabel Starrett, John Terino, Emily Theurer, James Walker, Jason Walker and William Walker.  The team's top fundraiser was Coach John Terino. A soggy morning but a fun event for a wonderful cause, the Racing Knights had a great time walking, running and laughing together!

Montgomery Catholic's Middle School Help Serve those in Need this Christmas

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Middle School SGA members Isabella Padilla, Daniel Reeves, Maddie Jarman, India Richardson, Marie Rose Johnson and Lita Blackburn wrap gifts the SGA purchased for the three Catholic Social Services Angel Tree children the Middle School chose to sponsor from Montgomery's St. Peter Parish this year. SGA Sponsor and Teacher Ms. Michelle Vinson and counselor Mrs. Sarah Rech led the service project by taking ten SGA members shopping at Target on December 3 for their Angle Tree children.

Montgomery Catholic Senior, Kirstin Wood Signs to Play Softball at Martin Methodist College

Kirstin Wood signs to play softball for Martin Methodist College pictured with her parents, Patrick and Julie Wood,  November 26.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2013 the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School athletic department held a signing ceremony for senior, Kirstin Wood at 2:45 p.m. in the Montgomery Catholic High School campus library. With her parents, Patrick and Julie Wood looking on, Kirstin signed her letter of intent to play softball with the Martin Methodist College RedHawks in Tennessee. The event began with prayer by principal, Chad Barwick, followed by opening remarks and congratulations from school president, Anne Ceasar. Montgomery Catholic's Varsity softball coach, Britt Taylor, spoke about the "hard work and determination" that brought Kirsten to this level, and he spoke fondly of the "lifetime" that he has spent coaching her, starting in elementary school. 

Wood, a five year MCPS Varsity softball player, has received the Leadership Award in softball for the last three years; she was a Jimmy Hitchcock Nominee as a freshman, a Montgomery Metro Softball Team Honorable Mention as a sophomore and an All State Softball Team Honorable Mention as a junior. She is also an accomplished four year Varsity basketball and volleyball player for the Knights. 

An exciting day for Kirsten, she had the support of family, friends, teammates and former coaches as she signed to continue her softball career for the next four years. Five of her former softball coaches were present to congratulate her alongside MCPS Coach Taylor; they were Bill Barranco, Marty Britt, Mike Hale, Tori Hollis and Mike O'Connor. Martin Methodist Head Softball Coach, Brandie Paul made the trip from Pulaski, Tennessee to be with her newest player. Kirsten started her speech by thanking Coach Paul. She said "I would like to thank Coach Paul for giving me this amazing opportunity to play for Martin Methodist College. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, and I could not miss such an amazing opportunity like this." She also thanked her school, her former coaches and her parents for giving her the support to reach her goals.

 Kirsten shared a favorite quote with her guests, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". Montgomery Catholic is excited for Kirsten to take this first step in continuing her athletic career in college, and looks forward to her many accomplishments yet to come.