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August 24, 2023Saint Mary Catholic School in Ponca City opened its doors to the start of the new school year on Aug. 10.
On Aug. 8, Principal Wade Laffey enjoyed a quiet afternoon - a "calm before the storm."
"I think we’re looking at approximately 110 students, which is a little up from last year, which is good," said Laffey.
Saint Joseph Catholic School in Enid also saw an increase in enrollment, enough so that they have added a new class and possibly another class soon.
"We added a middle school, so we added sixth grade," said Principal Fred Martin, adding that a seventh grade may be added later.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City also saw a bevy of changes, as they undergo a campaign to expand the school, which is hoped to be finished in the coming years.
"We’re in the middle of a $6 million capital campaign. We hope to break ground in September, and the facility will be ready for the 2024-2025 school year," said Principal David Morton.
Mount St. Mary Catholic High School, also in Oklahoma City, returned to the classroom Aug. 14, but some students entered the hallways Friday for student orientation.
"Our first day for new students and freshmen was last Friday, Aug. 11. It was our orientation day, and we call it Rocket Rookie Rally," said Principal Laura Cain. "The full student body reported to the full day Monday, Aug. 14."
Each school held their first Mass of the school year on the Solemnity Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Each school saw a larger number of students enrolled for the 2023-24 school year.
Saint Joseph Catholic School was able to add a new class. The school is located adjacent to Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Enid, and the student body also includes students from Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church. They are not alone in sending students to the school.
"Some of the rural parishes also send their students here," said Martin.
Those rural parishes include Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Hennessey and Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bison.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School also saw an increase.
"Our enrollment has been at our largest, with 752," said Morton.
Many schools looked for ways to improve the incoming school year. Saint Joseph Catholic School added new classes for students.
"We’re adding an orchestra this year. We’ve had a choir before, and we wanted to add instruments," said Martin. Those instruments will be a 10-piece ensemble, including bass, cello, viola, and violin. The choir also sings during regular Mass. "We have a church concert and spring concert, as well."
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School saw the biggest advancement with their capital campaign.
"We’re going to add five classrooms, and an advancement office," said Martin. "This is going to help in our increase in enrollment. This allows us to position our classes better. This will be a tremendous day-to-day part of the school."
Many students received blessings to start the new school year and the school buildings were blessed to begin the new year.
"Our associate pastor at Saint Francis Xavier led us in a blessing of our school," said Morton. "It was quite lovely."
Mount St. Mary Catholic High School welcomed a new president of the school: Deacon John Harned.
"We’re looking forward the shared leadership and strategic visions that he can bring to the school," said Cain,
As for the start of the school year, the excitement was palpable.
"The first day of the school is always the best day of the year," said Laffey. "Everyone’s excited to be back to school."
Everett Brazil, III is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photos Everett Brazil III/ Sooner Catholic and provided.
