Thank you to all who joined in the Homecoming celebration on October 11th.  The weather held, and it was a great day of celebrating Curley brotherhood and spirit.  A unique and special moment was the dedication and blessing of The Citro Pavilion, including a number of dignitaries from the Archdiocese of Baltimore who saw the school participate in a wonderful event.  We are so grateful to Joseph ’69 and Arleen Citro for this gift to the school, a sign of their confidence and investment in Curley’s young men. 

-- Fr. Donald

Preparations for our annual Open House are underway. You and your son are the best commercial we have for our school! Thank you for spreading the good word about Curley to those you meet.

Your son's experience here will inspire others to consider Curley as their high school of choice. Of course, our students' experiences are based on their involvement and engagement in class, in clubs, in sports, in the arts, and in their faith development. Thank you for supporting and encouraging their involvement. 

It was great to see our Curley Brotherhood on display at Homecoming. That sense of school spirit is real, and I look forward to our students and families showcasing that spirit for our visitors at Open House. 

-- Jeremy Joseph ’96

During the week of October 20th, our community will reflect on what it means to be Men of Service — one of the core pillars of our Franciscan identity.

St. Francis of Assisi reminded his followers, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Service is at the heart of a Curley Man’s journey. It’s how our students put their faith into action — not for recognition or reward, but because love demands movement, compassion, and presence. Whether helping a classmate, volunteering in the community, or assisting a teacher without being asked, service transforms both the giver and the receiver.

At Curley, we teach that true leadership begins in humility and service. Our young men are called to see Christ in the poor, the lonely, and the overlooked. Through service, they discover their ability to make a real difference — in their families, in their neighborhoods, and in the world.

As we focus on this theme, we also remind families that service hours are due by the end of April. Students may complete half of their hours here at Curley through school-based activities, while the other half should engage a social justice issue or support a nonprofit organization. These experiences help every Curley Man live out the Gospel call to “serve rather than be served.” More information about service hours and the V-form can be found HERE. A reminder that all questions about service and submission of hours should be done directly with a student's theology teacher.

We invite parents and guardians to continue this week’s reflection by discussing the following questions with your sons:

• When have you felt most fulfilled or proud after helping someone else?
• Why do you think Jesus washed the feet of his disciples? What does that teach us about leadership?
• How can acts of service help you grow closer to God?
• What’s one way our family could serve together this month?

Together, may we continue forming young men who understand that greatness is not found in power or prestige, but in compassion, humility, and service to others.

-- Friar Chris Dudek

As we continue the conversation around Bullying Prevention Month, we wanted to share some information about cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can also happen via text message, within apps, or over gaming consoles and websites.  

Go HERE for a Cyberbullying Guide for Parents that is a great resource for understanding what it is and what to do if your child becomes a victim of it. 

We also wanted to make you aware that Maryland has a law around cyberbullying called Grace's Law. Enacted in 2013 and strengthened in 2019 by Maryland advocates and legislators, Grace’s Law makes the malicious use of internet-based communications with the intent to intimidate or harass a minor, a criminal offense. The law prohibits electronic communications or conduct that may cause physical or emotional distress, including inducing a minor to commit suicide. A single incident may violate the law. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines up to 10 years and $10,000.

Here is an article from Loyola University of MD about the story and origins of Grace's law:  Grace's Law.

The Grant and Aid Application in FACTS for the 2026-2027 school year is currently now open. If your son receives any type of financial aid (this does not include merit awards, grants or endowed scholarships) the application must be filled out before the deadline of December 15, 2025. If you have any questions, please email Cris Wilson at cwilson@archbishopcurley.org. 

Other reminders –

• Fees for CCBC courses, Dual Enrollment courses and AP exams are scheduled for automatic payment through FACTS on November 21, 2025.
• Junior Families – Ring payments are scheduled for automatic payment through FACTS on November 7, 2025.

October is a great time to get to know the saints as we prepare for the Feasts of All Souls and All Saints. FYM is once again encouraging everyone to spend some time with the saints while at the same time supporting FYM by participating in our Tiny Saints online fundraiser.

From October 1-31, 2025, all shoppers at www.tinysaints.com will have the option to select Archbishop Curley FYM from a dropdown menu during checkout to support our fundraiser. With more than 200 saint charms and keychains at just $6.99 each, Tiny Saints offers simple, affordable gifts and collectibles that are guaranteed to bring a smile.  

You can enjoy shopping for your favorite saints, patron saints, and even learn about others for the first time while browsing!  Please remember to select Archbishop Curley FYM from the dropdown menu to support FYM.

For more information, please contact Dcn. Tim at tmaloney@archbishopcurley.org

October 17th marks two weeks until the end of the 1st Quarter. Please continue to check your son's grades and reach out to their teachers if you have any questions or concerns. Remind your sons(s) to check Plus Portals on regular basis and to see his teacher(s) if he has questions. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to reach out to me.

-- Ken Pipkin

Open House will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 & 26, 2025. This is the largest recruiting event for the Curley community and we appreciate everyone’s help to make this event a success. We are in need of parent volunteers for several areas throughout the tour route. We are also looking for parent tour guides! Leading a tour alongside your son is one of the most unique features Curley's Open House offers. For all volunteer opportunities available to PARENTS, please sign up HERE.

Students can sign up to volunteer via the Google Form that has been emailed by Mrs. Petr. The Admissions Office will send weekly email reminders to students in order to recruit student volunteers. We are in need of student help in several areas, even if your son is not comfortable yet leading a tour. There will be a tour training for all students prior to Open House. 

Donations are also needed for the hospitality area during Open House weekend. Freshman and sophomore parents are asked to donate cases of 8 oz bottles of water or 12 oz cans of soda. Junior and senior parents are asked to donate variety boxes/bags of 1 oz bags of chips (no pretzel/goldfish/cheez-its please). Items may be dropped off at the cart outside of the Main Office from October 15-23, 2025. 

For any Open House volunteering/donation questions, please contact Caroline Kogler Palmisano, Director of Special Events, cpalmisano@archbishopcurley.org or 410-485-5000, ext. 211.

The Semper Fi Scholarship is open to Catholic students at Curley. The scholarship process involves the completion of an application, along with supporting documents from the parish and the pastor that evidence a commitment by the applicant and his family to living their Catholic faith. Essays from the parent and student are part of the application.

A student may receive this scholarship in any year of his education, and it is renewable on an annual basis (using a simplified application). A committee, comprised of the donor and Archbishop Curley H.S. administration, will determine the annual awards.

The applicant is responsible for meeting the deadline of December 15, 2025, and having all related material submitted by that date. Applications, in print or digital form, may be obtained in the Main Office from Mrs. Raynor.

The C-Notes will hold their annual Bingo on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This event helps fund Archbishop Curley's band, choir and theater programs, and we need your help to make it a success! Get your tickets HERE!

We need donations in the form of baskets that will be auctioned off on the night of the event, and items and gift cards to be given as door prizes. We are also accepting monetary donations that we can use to purchase basket items and door prizes. If you are interested in contributing, go HERE for more information and to sign up.

We will also need volunteers to help run things on Saturday night. If you are willing to donate your time, please go HERE. Your support is greatly appreciated!

The Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus is the sponsor of several high school scholarships, some for children of members (the Frederick M. Gossman Memorial Scholarships), and others for Catholic students in general (the William J. O’Brien Memorial Scholarships). The $1,500 grants may be applied to tuition only for the 2026-27 and subsequent high school years. The application period is now open, and all applications must be received in their entirety by the Scholarship Committee no later than March 1, 2026. Scholarship applications are available HERE. If you have a problem accessing the information, Fr. Donald can get you an application packet.