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On the same day in September 1926 – nearly 90 years ago – St. Catherine of Siena and St. Francis Xavier schools opened their doors in Old Metairie.
And now, the two schools located 1.2 miles apart – or just a three-minute drive away, depending on the status of the infamous Metairie Road train – will be joined at the hip in 2016-17 celebrating their joint anniversaries.
The pastors and principals of the two schools have decided to share several anniversary events, with the kickoff coming Aug. 19 with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd.
Archbishop Aymond will be joined by Father Ronald Calkins, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, and Msgr. Andrew Taormina, pastor of St. Francis Xavier, as well as by other priests and deacons who either attended the two schools or served at one time in either parish.
Other events include:
➤ A joint faculty luncheon Sept. 2 at St. Francis Xavier School.
➤ A St. Catherine of Siena fair Oct. 14-16 to which all alumni are invited to a special alumni night on Oct. 14.
➤ A joint community charity food drive for middle school students in each school in November. The drive will fill the food pantries at both schools. Students will wear 90th anniversary shirts on the same day and go into the community to collect canned goods.
➤ A combined choir concert at St. Catherine of Siena in December.
➤ A joint faculty and administration dinner and social in January 2017 at an Old Metairie location.
➤ A February student essay contest in which students will reflect on why they love their respective schools. Students will be asked how their Catholic school has had an impact on their lives.
➤ A joint art show and school tours for alumni in March.
➤ The St. Francis Xavier fair April 8, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
➤ A joint field day April 28 with students from both schools. Students will walk to Pontiff Playground for fun events and treats.
➤ A closing Mass May 2 at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road.
The two parishes and schools also will jointly produce an eight-page special section in the Oct. 22 issue of the Clarion Herald celebrating their respective histories and highlighting the stories of alumni, particularly women and men religious.
Tags: Back to School