November 2024

Alma Matters

First Mercy Challenge brings in

70 new donors and $11,300

Alumnae, faculty, staff, students and friends came together for the first Mercy Challenge to go beyond the goals set. The Challenge raised $11,300 and brought 70 new donors.


"We are so grateful to all those who generously contributed to our Mercy Day Challenge!" said Mrs. Kerry Bader, president. "We exceeded our goal, both in the amount of money raised and in the number of new donors! Your continued support enables us to provide academic programs that are enhanced by co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings."

 

The Mercy Challenge began on Mercy Day which is a celebration in memory of the opening of the first House of Mercy on September 24, 1827. Following in the footsteps of our foundress, Catherine McAuley, we focused our Mercy Day celebration on the needs of the poor and marginalized, inviting partner organizations to explore the ways in which social issues impact our neighbors. After the educational piece, our students performed service in support of: Part of the Solution (POTS), Mercy Center, Housing Solutions of New York and Midnight Run.


Catherine McAuley encouraged the sisters to enjoy a ‘comfortable cup of tea,” since then, tea has symbolized the warmth and comfort that exists within all Mercy Ministries.

Faculty Focus

SCA music and theology teacher making music in the Classroom and the Church

Congratulations to Stephen R. Johnson, Music and Theology teacher, who recently had four hymns included in the Lutheran Service Book. As a member of the committee for the Songs of Deliverance Psalms conference, Stephen was a key member of the planning group who oversaw the program. Held at Concordia University in Nebraska, the conference provided workshops for musicians of sacred music to come together and discuss the ways in which music can elevate theological understanding. Trained in music and scripture, Johnson brings his expertise in these fields to the students at SCA. Whether in music or theology classes, Johnson is able to weave together the two disciplines and enable students to understand the ways in which worship, truth, and scripture can be amplified through the use of sacred hymns. Using the Psalms as a starting point, Johnson’s teaching methods encourage the students at SCA to more fully understand the intersection of faith and music and the ways in which sacred music, in particular, elevates our understanding of God. 


Johnson holds a Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Music History from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. A regular contributor to the Lutheran musical canon, Johnson has served as a church musician in LCMS congregations for nearly 25 years. A composer and trained concert pianist, he has completed several commissions over the years including the Kantorei at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

 

When asked what brings him joy, Johnson responded, “I love composing music for the church. My work of making music with young people, almost none of whom have been in a choral performance group before in their lives gives me joy and fulfillment. I am also very happy when I hear other people singing the music and hymns that I have composed. If I show up at a pastors' conference or visit a church or hymn festival and I hear a choir or congregation sing something I wrote, it just makes me very happy.”

Around SCA

Service Learning becomes new signature program in academics

St. Catharine Academy has introduced Service Learning as a new signature program on the high school level. It teaches students about the complexities that exist in areas of social justice.


Supported by academic work in Theology classes, students are challenged to confront issues such as homelessness and hunger through advocacy, education and direct engagement with the marginalized and vulnerable.

 

"Students are immersed in service learning through activities, advocacy and co-curricular activities," explains Mrs. Kerry Bader, president. "Guest speakers bring service learning to life. We recently had speakers from several organizations visit for Mercy Day including Housing Solutions of New York, Mercy Center, Midnight Run and Part of the Solution (POTS).


The program will create an intersection of academic learning and service by providing experiential learning activities opportunities throughout the year. Concepts taught in the Theology courses will be brought to life as students work together to make real change in the local community and beyond.

Celebrating the saints and remembering the faithfully departed in November

On November 1, the SCA community gathered to celebrate the Feast of All Saints Day. During the Mass, five students who are preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, spoke of the importance of saints in their lives:

  • St. Joan of Arc was remembered for her courage.
  • St. Maria Goreti was remembered for her ability to forgive like Jesus did.
  • St. Beatrice was remembered for her fidelity to God in the face of imprisonment.
  • St. Rose of Lima was remembered for her ability to understand that inner beauty is more important than outward beauty.
  • And Mary, the Mother of God, was remembered for her love of Jesus and as an example for all of us to follow.

Our celebrant, Fr. Brian McCarthy, used the words of the students to remind us that there is a connection between the saints in heaven and people on earth.  

During the offertory procession, the names of our beloved dead were brought to the altar; at the conclusion of the Mass, the names were placed near the tabernacle in the school chapel. We will continue to hold the faithfully departed in our prayers throughout the month of November.

Fall Fun

Learning lacrosse

Students at St. Catharine's joined a lacrosse clinic with students from Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn. They learned the basics of the game and how to work as team.


Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party

This year Halloween festivities included a Trunk or Treat open to the local community and a party at SCA! See more photos on Instagram.

Upcoming Events

2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469
(718) 882-2882 www.scahs.org
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