Catholic Schools Week is always a time for celebration in the Diocese of Charleston’s 32 schools, and Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 was no exception.
Crazy events, days of appreciation and athletics made students and teachers alike smile, while praying the rosary and celebrating Mass focused attention on Catholic identity.
Jacqualine Kasprowski, interim superintendent, said it is a time to give thanks for the continued growth and success of the schools, noting that several schools completed major renovations this year. Two others — St. Anthony of Padua in Greenville and Cardinal Newman in Columbia — are on their way to brand new schools.
The diocese still has two new high schools on the chalkboard as well.
“It’s always good to emphasize that despite the economy, Catholic education does continue to be strong,” she said.
Kasprowski, who is also principal of Cardinal Newman, has served as interim superintendent with Sister Canice Adams, of the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, since 2010.
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone said the diocese has received applications from good candidates, but has not found the right fit yet. He said the diocese has specific needs and needs a specific person to fill the role.
He added that Kasprowski and Sister Canice have been generous with their time and are committed to serving until the diocese finds the right candidate.
One of the major goals the two women have overseen is diocesan accreditation, which all the schools have been working on for over a year.
Sandra Leatherwood, assistant to the superintendents, said the Accreditation Quality Assurance Review Team will be here for inspections April 22-25. She added that all the schools are ready.
Being an accredited school on a diocesan scale will be a nice selling point during the next Catholic Schools Week, which is traditionally a time that schools open their doors for community perusal.
“It’s a wonderful time to showcase the schools,” Leatherwood said.