Families from York Deanery parishes and schools are invited to hear York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow’s vision for the City with an emphasis on safe schools and strong communities. He’ll tell stories, provide motivation, and welcome community conversation as together we work toward a greater York City. 

Join us Thursday, September 3, from 6:30-8 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic School/St. Patrick’s Parish - Brenner Hall, 219 S. Beaver St. in York. No registration necessary. Refreshments and translation headsets will be available. 

Come listen, be inspired, and join the conversation.



Tomorrow, September 4, is Spirit Shirt Friday. Students may wear their favorite YC spirit shirt in place of their uniform shirt. Students still must wear the standard uniform pants or skirt. Spirit Shirt Fridays require a $1 fee payable in homeroom to support Student Council activities for all students throughout the year.

York Catholic will not be in session Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

School will be closed Wednesday, September 16, while teachers attend the Diocesan Educational Conference.

Last week, we recognized those students who achieved Honor Roll status for all four quarters of last year’s 2025-26 academic year. This achievement speaks to a strong work ethic and desire to excel. We celebrate their academic success and encourage all students to strive for excellence in the year ahead. Special thanks to the faculty and staff whose dedication and commitment is instrumental to the success of those they teach, and special thanks to parents at home who support the mission of our school. We give thanks for the blessings we share to include a love of learning, the joy of teaching, and an environment that fosters the growth of mind, heart, and soul.

We hope to see you at Back to School Night Thursday, September 10. Doors will open at 5:30 PM with the program beginning promptly at 6 PM.  The evening begins with a brief welcome in the auditorium followed by parents having the opportunity to follow their child’s schedule to meet the teachers and learn about class expectations. The evening is scheduled to end at 8:30 PM.  We look forward to seeing all of our parents in attendance.

York Catholic students and staff will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation September 2-3 from 12:45-3 PM at YC. Several priests from the York Deanery will be available to hear confessions. This is a great chance to begin the new school year with a "clean slate" spiritually.  

On 9/11, we remember the people who passed away during the terrorist attack on the United States. Students who have study hall periods at 1 PM on September 11 will have the opportunity to participate in a prayer service held on the front lawn around the American flag. The service will include a brief reflection followed by a moment of silence in which each student will pray for the souls lost, their grieving families, and peace in the world. We’ll end with closing prayers. 

You may recall in previous years, there was an insurance option to cover Chromebook damage. This year, we are covering the costs of simple repairs. In cases of negligent damage or full replacement, families will be charged the $280 replacement fee. The fee for replacement chargers will be $50.

We are blessed to continue our partnership with The Social Institute (TSI), the leader in empowering students to navigate their social world — online and offline — to fuel their health, happiness, and future success. By reinforcing character strengths like empathy, integrity, and teamwork, TSI and York Catholic will take a refreshing, positive approach, called #WinAtSocial, to inspire students to make healthy, positive choices. Throughout the year, students in grades 7 and 8 will learn modern life skills during interactive lessons with faculty. However, all families (grades 7 through 12) can access relevant resources and incorporate them into your family conversations as much or as little as you like. Given the increase in distracted behaviors as a result of cell phone possession and usage among our youth, both nationally and here at York Catholic, we hope that you will consider how these resources could be useful!

Please click the button below to register for your free account for The Toolkit, if you have not yet done so. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 3e678D52B7C25E

Students requesting class schedule changes must do so during the Add Drop period, which ends September 11, and no changes will be made after that date.  

Any request for a course change must be accompanied by a written parental request, teacher approval (as originally needed), and a $25 Late Roster Change Fee.  Since the Master Roster is built according to the original registration of students, we cannot guarantee admission to particular classes.  For incoming new students, if an error has been made in placement, teachers will initiate the needed change and no fee will be assessed.

Beginning Friday, September 11, at 8 AM, the York Catholic Principal’s Office will review the grades of all students to determine if any are not achieving a passing grade in two or more subjects.  Those identified will be placed on the ineligibility list for the week and will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities or sports for the upcoming week Monday through Sunday. If at the end of the one-week ineligibility period, a student no longer has two or more failure reports in subject areas, the student may resume participation in extracurricular activities.  In cases when a student continues to have two or more failure reports, the ineligibility extends for another one-week period. Parents and students will be notified if the student is on the academic ineligibility list.  Please consult Focus for your child's grade status.

Students were photographed by Legacy Studios last week. These photos were used for student IDs which the students have already received and will appear in the yearbook at the end of the school year. Photos are available for purchase if you choose. In mid-September, we will alert you when the photos will be posted on the secure Legacy website for you to view and order. If you would like your child’s photo to be retaken, Retake Day is scheduled for Friday, October 9.

The 7th & 8th Grade students and their families are invited to the Middle School Tailgate on Friday, September 11, from 5-6:30 PM on the lawn by the bus circle. Pizza, mini-sandwiches, water, and paper products will be provided. There is no charge for the Tailgate.

Please sign up for your family by clicking the button below by September 10. When RSVPing, please indicate the number of people who plan to eat, so the correct amount of pizza and sandwiches can be ordered and made. 

After the tailgate, families can cheer the Irish football team onto victory vs. Lancaster Catholic. Kickoff is 7 PM. Cost for the game is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and $3 for students. YC students get in for free with their student pass.

Any family who expressed interest for their student to participate in the trip to Germany this spring is reminded of the informational meeting being held Thursday, September 10, at 5 PM in the media center.  The trip is open to any academically eligible student in grades 10-12.  

Have you considered hosting an international student? They speak English and come with their own spending money and travel insurance. You simply need to offer them room and board, transportation to/from York Catholic, and a family environment offering support and guidance.  If you are interested, contact Heather Hoffman at hhoffman@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1320.

College Reps Visiting YC

The York Catholic Guidance Office is hosting numerous admissions representatives from colleges and universities to speak to our students about their schools. These presentations are for informational purposes and questions and answers, not Admissions interviews. Students in grades 11 and 12 should check their Google Classrooms for scheduled visits and sign up in the guidance office to attend the presentations. Here are some of the colleges visiting YC. More will be added in the coming weeks:

9/17: Washington & Jefferson College 

9/18: Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)

9/21: Virginia Tech University  

9/21: Shippensburg University (Instant Decision Day)

9/23: Millersville University

9/25: Neumann University 

9/30: York College of Pennsylvania (Instant Decision Day)

9/30: Pennsylvania College of Technology

10/7: Saint Francis University

10/8: Commonwealth University (Instant Decision Day)

10/13: University of Delaware

10/15: LaSalle University

10/16: Gettysburg College

10/21:  Loyola University

10/22: Marywood University

10/23: Catholic University of America

10/23: Arcadia University

10/29: Kutztown University (Instant Decision Day)

11/11: Albright College

11/12: Randolph Macon College

11/16: Alvernia University

YCAL Partnership

The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), is an organization unique to York County, offering students free career exploration and job shadowing opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. With the goal of helping students make informed career decisions, YCAL’s programming is diverse and offered at different on-site host locations. Last year, York Catholic had over 24 students participate in the program. This fall, YCAL is offering exploration opportunities in the following career fields: accounting, agriculture, automotive, aviation, financial services, government, health care, law, court reporting, criminal justice & forensics, entrepreneurship. media, marketing & social media, performance arts, psychology, veterinary science. Applications will be accepted starting Friday, September 4, at https://ycal.us/students/mentoring-program/. Seats are limited so apply early! Students will then be notified via email if they have been accepted into the program 2 weeks before the start of each program. Please reach out to Dr. Barto if you have any questions. 

As seniors and juniors are planning their SAT testing dates, keep in mind that the SAT will be offered at York Catholic to current seniors on October 7 and current juniors on March 22. This is a great opportunity for our students to take the test in a familiar testing environment without the stress of taking it at an area public school. Registration and $60 payment for seniors are due by September 11 on FamilyID.com. Registration for this exam is non-refundable. Registration information for juniors will be available in January.

Junior and Senior Parents: The school is obligated to give names, addresses, and phone numbers of our juniors and seniors to the armed services upon their request, unless parents opt out of having the information shared. If you do not want us to share your student’s information with the military, please contact Mrs. Deb Gingerich at 717-846-8871 x1319 or dgingerich@yorkcatholic.org indicating your wishes by September 11.

YC’s guaranteed admissions program includes relationships with thirty prestigious colleges and universities who guarantee admission to YC students who meet the established academic performance criteria. These colleges and universities provide outstanding programs across a variety of subject areas and deliver memorable student experiences.

This week’s featured college partner is:

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA

Visit their website at https://www.etown.edu/

Read their guaranteed admissions criteria here:  

https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Guidance-Elizabethtown-College.pdf

To see the complete list of colleges and universities offering York Catholic students guaranteed admission, visit https://yorkcatholic.org/academics/college-career-prep/ 

High school students are invited to the Cornhole Tournament being held Sunday, September 13, from 5-7 PM at the YC stadium. Students must form a team of two (from the same grade level) and sign-up using the Student Body Google Classroom. There will also be non-tournament-style spikeball and badminton open for anyone either waiting to play in the cornhole tournament or simply not competing, but there to support their friends at this Back to School Tournament.

We are excited to announce that York Catholic High School is continuing its chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for the 2026-2027 school year. As the largest business career and technical student organization in the world, FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through competitive exploration in various business fields. Our York Catholic Chapter has grown to 20 members, and we are incredibly proud of our success last school year. Throughout the course of this school year, the FBLA students will be participating in various conferences. This is a tremendous opportunity for York Catholic students to excel with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the National Leadership Conference. While York Catholic has generously agreed to cover conference registration fees for our students this year, families are responsible for individual membership dues of $24 per student.  



FBLA is a significant commitment. Students are expected to dedicate time to preparing for competitions, attending conferences, and engaging in chapter activities. The official guidelines for all competitive events are available in the Pennsylvania FBLA Events Guidelines published in September. For more general information about the organization, please visit the National FBLA website at fbla.org. Please take a moment to complete the FBLA form found on FamilyID.com and to submit the $24 membership fee.

The York Catholic Yearbook captures memories of student activities and campus life throughout the 2026-27 school year for students in grades 7-12. NOW is the time to place your order for a 2027 yearbook! Yearbooks will be distributed in May. All orders are taken by phone by calling the Balfour ordering line at 1-800-944-5930 or by clicking the button below. 

Yearbook - Senior Tributes

There will be a special section of the 2027 yearbook reserved only for parents of seniors to send a message to their graduating son or daughter. It is a great keepsake and a wonderful way to congratulate your child for all of their years of hard work. The rectangular space costs $25 and can be in full color with a total of 30 words and 1 picture. Please click the button below for the Class of 2027 Yearbook Shoutout online form where you can include your message, upload a photo, and complete your payment all in one stop. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30.  

You may have received a mailer from a political candidate this week that featured a photo of YC students. The photo was taken during the PA March for Life, a public event. York Catholic does not endorse any political candidate.

York Catholic Middle & High School has the following employment opportunities available:  

• Middle School Girls' Basketball Coach

Interested candidates can find details and application links at https://yorkcatholic.org/about/employment-opportunities/

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to audition for the High School play on Tuesday, September 22, from 3:15-5 PM in the auditorium with callbacks scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, from 3:15-5 PM. Visit Google Classroom zzqq5w7n for the audition schedule and monologues. No experience is needed.

The performances will be on Friday and Saturday, November 13-14 at 7 PM. For more information, contact Mr. Curtis Nelson at cnelson@yorkcatholic.org.

We are in need of volunteers to fill two time slots at our home YC football games. Tasks include selling tickets, programs and 50/50 tickets. Shift One is 5:30-7 PM and Shift Two is 7-8:30 PM. Students are encouraged to help and can earn service hours if a parent volunteers as well. Students cannot be responsible for selling 50/50 tickets but can volunteer for the other tasks. Signup by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!

Don’t miss a minute of YC sports with an All-Year Sports Pass. Click the button below for the form. Go IRISH!

Please note:  

All York Catholic students are admitted free to all home sporting events when they present their student ID at the ticket counter. Students are scheduled to receive their IDs the first week of school. Students arriving at the athletic ticket counter without their student ID will be required to pay admission.

Futures Cheer Clinic

YC’s Varsity Cheerleaders will be hosting a Futures Cheer Clinic for students in grades K-6 on Saturday, September 5, from 9 AM-12 PM in the gymnasium with a showcase of what was learned performed from 11:45 AM-noon. Participants will learn cheers, chants, and a dance. K-6 cheerleaders who participate will get an opportunity to join the varsity squad on the sidelines at the YC football game on October 9. Cost for one child is $30, two children are $40, and three children are $50. Registration and payment are due by September 2. For more information, contact Heather Hoffman at hhoffman@yorkcatholic.org.  

Futures Band Camp

York Catholic is hosting a Futures Marching Band Camp on Saturday, September 5, from 8 AM-2 PM for any 4th, 5th, or 6th grade student who has played a band instrument for at least a year or who would be interested in color guard. Students will have the opportunity to play level-appropriate Marching Band music, as well as learn basic drill techniques, and basic color guard techniques with a little fun thrown in. A mini-show for parents will take place at 1:45 PM. Lunch, snack, flipbook, lyre, and music will be provided. Cost is $25 per child. Please bring a refillable water bottle, comfortable sneakers, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, and wear comfortable clothing. Please register by September 2. For more information, contact Cecelia Mezza at cmezza@yorkcatholic.org. 

Any 6th grade band student who attends a parochial school is welcome to play with the York Catholic Marching Band in the stands at the October 9 football game. You do not need to attend the mini camp in order to play with us. Please email Ms. Mezza at the above address if you are interested. Report time is at 5:45 PM in the YC Band Room. Students can leave at halftime or stay for the full game.  

Futures Games

Partner school students in grades 1-6 are invited to Futures Games at York Catholic! Come out and be part of the team as you cheer for your future school! Spend time with the varsity players and coaches, listen to coach’s pre-game instruction, participate in team prayer, and pose with the team for a picture. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Please register at https://yorkcatholic.org/futures-events/.  

• Cross Country – Sep 8 - arrive by 4 PM (behind middle school)
• Girls Volleyball – Sep 17 - arrive by 6:30 PM (gymnasium)
• Boys Soccer – Sep 22 - arrive by 6:30 PM (stadium)
• Girls Soccer – Sep 29 - arrive by 6:30 PM (stadium)
• Football – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:15 PM (stadium)
• Cheerleading – Oct 9 - arrive by 6:45 PM (stadium)
• Marching Band – Oct 9 - arrive by 5:30 PM (band room)

The York Catholic Fund is the cornerstone of our annual giving program, vital to advancing the mission and vision of our school. The YC Fund connects our families, alumni, and friends to a shared cause, directly enhancing the academic, spiritual, and extracurricular programs that define the York Catholic experience. 

Your support provides immediate resources that elevate our student life and faculty development every day. 

Every gift matters, and participation at a level meaningful to you is the true heart of our appeal. We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting our community today. 

Please click the button below to use our secure online donation page.  

Thank you for supporting our current students and future alumni!

Thank you for your support of our YC Golf Tournament. We are now SOLD OUT!

There are still openings for sponsorships. If you would like to get your business noticed to this sold out field of golfers, please click the button below for details.  

Box Tops for Education

Check your boxed and canned goods for the Box Tops for Education logo and use the Box Tops app to scan your receipt. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to YC’s earnings online. Be sure to select York Catholic High School as your school of choice. Complete details can be found at https://www.boxtops4education.com/

Our current families are the heart of YC and we know those who know and love our school are our best ambassadors for sharing what sets the YC experience apart. Your referrals of new students and families who have not yet applied, help us grow our community of exceptional and diverse students, and we want to show our appreciation to you for recommending YC to your friends and family.

NOW EXPANDED

$250 Dual Tuition Credit

Referrals are a win/win for everyone involved. When you refer one new family to YC, you will receive a $250 tuition credit. The new family you referred will also receive the same credit.

BONUS REWARD

$300 Re-Enrollment Credit

Refer more, save more! YC families who refer four or more new families in one school year will receive a $300 credit to waive their re-enrollment fee for the following school year.

How It Works

Step #1: Share Your ❤️ for YC

Help spread the word about YC by sharing your experiences with family and friends.

Step #2: Make a Referral

There are a variety of convenient ways to share your referral.

• Online: Submit a referral using the button below.
• In-person: Pick up a form in the office and return it to share your new referral.

Step #3: Get Rewarded

After you submit a new referral, our admissions team will support your referred family throughout their consideration and admissions process. We will reach out to share your rewards following the referred student’s confirmed enrollment.

Program Details

• Referral forms can only be completed for new prospective families prior to their actual enrollment.
• A “referred student” only applies to a new student who does not currently attend a partner school.
• To receive referral rewards, referred new students must be accepted and attend YC through their first semester.
• The referral rewards are not available for referring your own children.
• Families may only be referred by one other family. The credit is received by the first referring family.
• Referral rewards are no-cash given, non-transferrable credits to a student’s tuition account.
• Credits will be applied at the start of the second full semester after the student is enrolled. Families who choose to pay tuition in full will receive their credits the following school year.
• The $250 Dual Tuition Credit will be spread as four credits applied to the months of February, March, April, and May.

Pennsylvania now allows individuals to take advantage of EITC Tax Credits (just as businesses can) whereby you have the opportunity to re-direct 90% of your personal state income taxes to York Catholic Middle & High School. 

The Special Purpose Entity (SPE) is based on tax liability, not income, therefore each taxpayer’s situation will differ. Participants must be PA residents where at least one spouse is employed or has an ownership interest in a PA for-profit business. An individual or couple filing jointly must have a state tax liability of $3,500 or more to participate. To see if you qualify for 2026, you can find your PA tax liability on Form PA-40 Line 12 of your 2025 tax return. 100% of participant contributions are distributed to the school. You have to pay these taxes regardless, so why not have a say in how your taxes are allocated? Additionally, you will receive at least a 10% personal deduction on your federal taxes. The money you re-direct to York Catholic is for educational purposes, specifically tuition assistance.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce your tax liability AND provide much needed assistance to York Catholic students, please follow these steps:

• Review information on the SPE program to determine if you qualify at https://www.pennsylvaniaeitc.org/frequently-asked-questions.html
• Confirm your personal state income tax liability with your accountant.
• Complete and submit the Joinder Agreement at https://yorkcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/spe-joinder-agreement-fall-2026.pdf

For more information about this easy tax donation, please contact Laura Burkey, York Catholic Director of Advancement, at lburkey@yorkcatholic.org or 717-846-8871 x1323.