On Friday, August 2, Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Principal McGowan joined her colleagues from the Diocesan Schools Office as well as fellow principals from the Oakland Diocese for a morning of prayer and Mass with our own Bishop Barber. They gathered at St Perpetua Catholic Church in Lafayette, a parish with a lovely parochial school of its own.
A former educator, Bishop Barber is familiar with the many intricacies involved in beginning a school year. The day was a experience filled with anticipation and joy as both new principals and experienced educators shared stories of their own schools as well as their plans to serve their communities in the year ahead.
Principals were also encouraged to take up the theme of the current liturgical year, which focuses prayer (especially focused on the Eucharist) , and blend it into their preparations for the start of the school year. Principals were also encouraged to reflect on the theme of "hope" which is what our Holy Father has designated the 2025 liturgical year.
Principal McGowan brings back to OLG both the Bishop's good wishes as well as his blessing for a successful school year.