Walking with our Catholic schools
FAITH IN EDUCATION
BY JONI HOUSE
As I reflect on the first semester, I am grateful for the time spent simply being present in our schools and early learning centers. There is something powerful about walking into a classroom, standing in a hallway, or sharing a brief conversation, moments that quietly remind you why Catholic education matters so deeply.
These experiences have reinforced an important truth: the heart of our schools cannot be understood from a distance. It is found in the daily faithfulness of faculty and sta , the curiosity of students, and the steady leadership of those who serve our communities with care and conviction. Presence allows us to see, to listen, and to appreciate the quiet work that so often goes unnoticed.
Being in our schools has also deepened my understanding of our shared culture. While each community is unique, all are united by a common mission to foster disciples and pursue excellence in a Christ-centered environment. That mission is strengthened when we walk together, supporting one another through both moments of joy and seasons of challenge.
Our early learning centers, in particular, remind us that Catholic education begins long before
a child enters a traditional classroom. These spaces are where trust is built, faith is gently introduced, and the foundation for lifelong learning is formed.
Christ led by walking with His people, meeting them where they were. In that same spirit, I remain committed to being present, listening with intention, and accompanying our school communities.
As we continue the school year, I return often to our theme rooted in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Being present in our schools has reminded me that listening comes first. When we take the time to truly hear one another, to know our students, our educators, and our communities, we lead with greater clarity, compassion and purpose. It is through this listening and accompaniment that the culture of Catholic education is strengthened and our mission continues to unfold.
(Joni House is the executive director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jackson.)
– Seniors McKenzie Cummings and Thierry Freeman, both students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, anchor the award-winning, student-produced weekly newscast Bruin News Now on location in Nashville. Junior Jason Buckley mans the camera. Cummings, Freeman and Buckley were among a group of St. Joseph journalism students who attended the national high school journalism convention sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association Nov. 13–16. (Photo courtesy of school)
Senior Grayson Gay and first-grade student Noah Loyed play bingo together at Cathedral School. (Photo courtesy of school)
GREENVILLE – (Right)
St. Joseph High School students John Paul Rogers, Jacob Powers, Santo Borganelli and Jada Hicks take notes during a music appreciation class. (Photo courtesy of school)
HOLLY SPRINGS – (Below) Holy Family School students engage in handson coding activities as part of a classroom lesson. (Photo courtesy of school)
SOUTHAVEN – Students at Sacred Heart School participate in the opening procession for the celebration of Mass, with Ben Baskin serving as cross bearer alongside altar servers Michael Lickteig, left, and Gustavo Bermudez. (Photo courtesy of school)
MADISON – (Right) St. Anthony School fifth-grade students Josephine Klar and Patrick Harris conduct a chlorophyll experiment during a science class in Mrs. Moorehead’s laboratory on Sept. 11. This moment reflects school community because curiosity, collaboration and inquiry are at the heart of St. Anthony’s learning and STEM centered curriculum. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – (Right) Charles Speech walks with students at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, including Haniel and Hanry Chia, Ja’Kayla Davis, Eliel Cattenhead and Zachary Gordon. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – (Below) Students at St. Richard Catholic School present a whole-school Advent program directed by Andrew Ladd on Dec. 19. (Photo courtesy of school)
COLUMBUS – (Right)
James Thomas, a student at Annunciation School, looks through a microscope during an ACS STREAM Day activity. Students rotate through hands-on stations, including examining cheek cells under a microscope. (Photo courtesy of school)
Assisi Early Learning Center
4000 W. Tidewater Lane, Madison, MS 39110
Phone: 601-856-9494 aelcmadison.org aelcmadison@jacksondiocese.org
St. Paul Early Learning Center 5969 Hwy 25, Flowood, MS 39232 Phone: 601-992-2876 saintpaullearningcenter.com stpaullearningcenter@gmail.com
St. Richard Early Learning Center 1242 Lynwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: 601-414-0511 strichardelc.org strichardELCo ce@gmail.com
Annunciation Catholic School 223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS 39702 Phone: 662-328-4479 AnnunciationCatholicSchool.org
St. Elizabeth Catholic School
150 Florence Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: 662-624-4239 seseagles.com Tours: mstonestreet@seseagles.com
St. Patrick Catholic School 2700 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone: 601-482-6044 stpatrickcatholicschool.org Tours: kowen@stpatrickcatholicschool.org
Cathedral School
701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Natchez, MS 39120 / Phone: 601-442-2531 cathedralgreenwave.com Tours: vicki.watts@cathedralgreenwave.com
Sacred Heart Catholic School 5150 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671 Phone: 662-349-0900 sheartschool.org Tours: bmartin@shsm.org
St. Richard Catholic School 4261 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: 601-366-1157 strichardschool.org Tours: snasif@strichardschool.org
Holy Family Catholic School 395 West Street Holly Springs, MS 38635 Phone: 662-252-1612 Hfamilyschool.org Tours: pparker@shsm.org
St. Joseph Catholic School 1501 V.F.W. Road, Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: 662-378-9711 stjoeirish.org
Sister ea Bowman Catholic School 1217 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS 39209 Phone: 601-352-5441 theabowmanschool.com
Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center 1220 Howard Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 Phone: 601-638-5810 vicksburgcatholic.org info@vicksburgcatholic.org
St. Anthony Catholic School 1585 Old Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 Phone: 601-607-7054 stanthonyeagles.org Tours: ctassin@stanthonyeagles.org
St. Joseph Catholic School 308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison MS 39110 Phone: 601-898-4800 stjoebruins.com Tours: csigler@stjoebruins.com
Vicksburg Catholic School 1900 Grove Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
Phone: 601-636-2256 vicksburgcatholic.org
Tours: jordan.amborn@vicksburgcatholic.org