Heroes and Heroines

Who do we honor in Catholic schools?

What is a hero/heroine?

•Exemplifies a group’s core values

•Women or men who others can relate to or identify with

•Embody all that is good about a culture

•Demonstrates outstanding living

A Caveat...•The values and culture of

contemporary American society do not always line up with Catholic school values

What is a Catholic hero/heroine?

•Exemplifies Christian values

•Ordinary women and men who live extraordinary lives

•Embody the great Catholic mysteries

•Demonstrates how to be a faithful disciple of Christ

Who do we honor in Catholic schools?

Traditional Catholic Figures

Mary

Jesus

The Saints

School Patrons and Namesakes

St. Francis High School

John Paul II High School

School Figures•Alumni: “Living Saints”

School Figures

Teachers: “Heroes in our midst”

School Figures

Students:“Role Models”

How do we honor our heroes?•Naming schools

•Celebrations

•Awards and Honors

Case Study

•St. Brigid Regional School 75th Anniversary

•Looking to honor the school’s heroes

•Saint Brigid

•Living and Deceased Figures from the school’s history

How do they do this?

Solutions

• 75th Anniversary Mass on the Feast of St. Brigid

• Homily geared toward the saint and her charism of evangelization

• Invite the people, faculty, staff, and students, who have had a major impact on the school community

• Invite all Alumni

• Put together a table display with powerpoint presentation including pictures, newsletters, and old yearbooks for the reception