PEARL – On Thursday, December 18, the Catholic youth from Meridian St. Joseph and St. Patrick parishes kicked off their holiday break with a day trip to Pearl where they enjoyed the movie “The Star,” shared lunch and went ice skating at the Christmas Wonderland. Natalie Pierce, left, Maggie Manning and Taylor Nguyen support one another on the ice. In the background, l-r, are Hannah Dover and Serena Harwell Sanders. (Photo by John Harwell)

MADISON – More than 400 teachers, administrators and staff from all the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson gathered at Madison St. Joseph Catholic School on Friday, Jan. 5, for a development day. They got to hear John Findlater, a veteran of Catholic Schools, speak about the rewards of a Catholic education for both the givers and the receivers. Findlater gained teaching and administrative experience in the Archdiocese of Detroit, serving a spectrum of students across socio-economic, cultural and academic groups. Participants heard his thoughts on the importance of knowing the history of each school and how schools mirror society in every way. He said educators and schools must be adaptive to change while still holding true to Catholic identity. He delivered his important message with humor, song and even dance. The day closed with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. (Photos by Maureen Smith)