Catholic Schools 2023 Year in Review
Throughout the Archdiocese of Newark schools, 2023 was a year filled with scholarly achievements, community service and engagement, and the fostering of a deeper connection to God and their Catholic faith.
Many accomplishments have defined the past year for the students, educators, and young people within the Archdiocese of Newark’s vibrant Catholic school community. The following are just a few of them covered by Jersey Catholic in 2023.
January
Enrollment remains steady
Following a 3.8% increase during the 2021-2022 school year, the Archdiocese of Newark experienced a 2% rise in enrollment in 2023.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Catholic schools in New Jersey, like St. Michael School and Corpus Christi School, have not only maintained but increased enrollment, attributing success to community focus, social-emotional learning, and a commitment to holistic child development. Nationwide, other large archdioceses, including Chicago and Los Angeles, report rising enrollment, emphasizing the adaptability, academic excellence, and community support offered by Catholic schools during challenging times.
February
Catholic Schools celebrate faith, excellence, and service
Catholic Schools Week was celebrated across the 73 schools in the Archdiocese of Newark with Masses, assemblies, and various activities focusing on the theme “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”
The week showcased the celebration of faith, excellence, and service at local Catholic schools, with events ranging from Favorite Saints Costume Parades and Masses to STEM fairs and spelling bees. Students engaged in various service initiatives, such as making sandwiches, writing letters to service members, and participating in community clean-ups.
Computer science programs earn awards
Two all-girls academies within the Archdiocese of Newark, Academy of the Holy Angels and Immaculate Heart Academy, received the College Board Female Diversity Awards for Computer Science Programs for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science.
The award, granted to only 1,105 schools nationwide, recognizes schools with either 50% or higher female representation in AP computer science courses. Both schools, known for their innovative STEM courses, previously received this recognition in 2018 (Immaculate Heart Academy) and 2019-2021 (Academy of the Holy Angels), contributing to the broader trend of increased female participation in AP Computer Science courses and subsequent growth in STEM career opportunities.
March
Projects of great scale
Eighth-grade students at Holy Trinity School in Westfield undertook a Cathedral Research Project, researching and recreating scale models of Catholic cathedrals from around the world, including Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Notre Dame, and Saint Peter’s Cathedral.
Using recycled materials, the students produced realistic 3D models, with some groups replicating stained glass windows. The project, an annual tradition, culminated in a class trip to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, allowing students to further explore their faith and the history of the church.
April
Outstanding Catholic School Graduates celebrated
The Archdiocese of Newark honored 46 outstanding 8th-grade Catholic school graduates from across Bergen, Hudson, Union, and Essex counties with the Outstanding Catholic School Graduates (OCSG) Award.
The students were recognized for academic excellence and demonstration of Catholic values through service to the school and community. Each student received a medal and a congratulatory letter from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, at Masses held on March 25 and April 1 at the Pope John Paul II Youth Retreat Center in Kearny.
May
Catholic 6th grader unites school community to help single mothers
Lily Angioletti, a 6th grader at Saint John’s Academy in Hillsdale, wanted to help single mothers in her community. She initiated a school-wide fundraiser for the New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, a Westwood volunteer organization aiding first-time single mothers. Inspired by her mother’s volunteer work, Angioletti proposed the service project to her school, collecting baby supplies through various drives during the 40-day Lenten season. The school also organized a No Uniform Today fundraiser, raising over $1,200 for the resource center, showcasing the commitment of students to help those in need.
Students reflect on lives of saints
Catholic school students in the Archdiocese of Newark engaged in research projects and exhibitions highlighting the lives of saints.
At Our Lady of Częstochowa School in Jersey City, third-grade students created posters and gave oral reports about assigned saints. The project incorporated a “gallery walk” type exhibition where students could learn about the saints. Third-grade students at Saint Francis Academy in Union City completed research projects on various saints, using cross-curricular learning in language arts and religious studies.
Cursive handwriting preserved through Catholic education
Five students from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark received national recognition in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. The Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest encourages students to develop good penmanship and recognizes excellence in teaching and learning manuscript and cursive handwriting. The competition highlights the importance of handwriting skills, a practice still emphasized in Catholic schools despite decreasing emphasis in public schools due to the prevalence of computers and tablets.
Caring for our common home
Students from Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale and Roselle Catholic High School Students responded to Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. They collaborated with Marist Brothers ecology experts to develop Laudato Si’ Action Plans, aligning with Vatican goals for environmental stewardship. The students received grant funding through the Marist Brothers to implement eco-friendly projects in their schools, such as pollinator gardens and sustainable outdoor study spaces.
June
Gala raises $450,000
The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) celebrated its 40th anniversary at their annual fundraising gala annual gala at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange to raise $450,000 in funds for its tuition-assistance awards program benefiting economically disadvantaged students attending private and parochial schools in the Archdiocese of Newark.
U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist
A student at Paramus Catholic High School was chosen as a Presidential Scholar semifinalist. Luke Mosca, the valedictorian of his class at Paramus Catholic, and a recipient of the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Award was the only Catholic high school student from New Jersey chosen for the prestigious award.
As an Eagle Scout, Latin scholar, altar server, and president of the Future Doctors of America, Mosca exemplifies the excellence nurtured by Catholic education. He’s the sole Catholic school student among 16 in New Jersey recognized for the Presidential Scholars Program.
July
World Youth Day pilgrims
About 50 young recipients of World Youth Day scholarships received a special blessing from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin before embarking on their pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal.
About 700 Neocatechumenal Way youth from the Archdiocese of Newark received a blessing from Bishop Michael A. Saporito, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark. The youth joined the more than 400,000 pilgrims attending the 2023 International World Youth Day celebration Aug. 1-6.
August
Teens complete service projects
Teens from North Jersey participated in the Archdiocese of Newark’s 10th Summer Service Week, dedicating part of their summer vacation to community service projects. Overseen by the archdiocesan Office for Youth & Young Adult Ministry, the teens volunteered at various locations, engaging in tasks such as landscaping, moving furniture, cleaning, sorting clothes, and distributing food.
Youth embark on cross-country mission trip
Two groups of teenagers from parishes and schools within the Archdiocese of Newark embarked on cross-country mission trip to provide aid at U.S. Southern Border.
They provided humanitarian aid and relief to refugees at the Catholic Charities Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. The teens engaged in charitable work, including serving meals, welcoming refugees, providing supplies, entertaining children, and maintaining center cleanliness. They also reflected on their experiences and Catholic social teachings.
September
Sharing experiences
Pope Francis encouraged World Youth Day pilgrims to “shine, listen, and not fear.” Newark Archdiocese pilgrims took the words to heart and shared their experiences and lessons with their religious communities at home.
By engaging with their communities, they hope to inspire others and foster a deeper connection to their faith.
October
Saint Peter’s University celebrates
Saint Peter’s University celebrated 25 years as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), a designation given when Hispanic students constitute 25% or more of full-time undergraduate enrollment. It is the only HSI within the Archdiocese of Newark and the only Catholic-affiliated HSI in New Jersey. The university has made significant achievements, including garnering $17 million in federal HSI grants, creating affordability initiatives for community college graduates, and being recognized as a national finalist for the Seal of Excelencia in 2019.
November
Students celebrate their favorite saints
On All Saints Day, Students celebrate their favorite saints.
Students at the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament (AMBS) in Franklin Lakes celebrated with a festive Mass where students in Grades 3 and 4 actively participated. The Most Reverend John Flesey, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Newark, presided over the liturgy, and students in Grades 3 through 8 dressed as various saints, and entered the Mass to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.” The day concluded with the saints assembling in the gymnasium for interviews, highlighting the inspiring lives of these saints and emphasizing the communion of saints in our lives.
December
Helping children in Ukraine
Academy of Our Lady in Glen Rock organized a toy drive for Ukrainian Children.
The “Share the Joy – Give a Toy” benefited at least 200 children in war-torn Ukraine. The toys, including dolls, games, art supplies, and more, will be delivered on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, Dec. 6, by the Georgian Humanitarian Legion. The Academy of Our Lady community aimed to bring joy to Ukrainian children affected by war, emphasizing the values of sharing, giving, and caring for others.
Promoting a positive spirit
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis brought together 12,000 teens from around the U.S., including almost 60 youth from the Archdiocese of Newark, for a spiritual transformation. The “Fully Alive” conference encouraged self-discovery and meaningful connections through faith, emphasizing the importance of Christ-centered relationships in the digital age. Teens expressed a sense of joy, acceptance, and belonging, with Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson’s message resonating deeply and promoting a positive spiritual outlook on mental health challenges.
To read these and other “good news” stories about our students and Catholic schools community, visit catholicschoolsnj.org/news.
