STEWARDSHIP REPORT - The Catholic Community of St. Thomas More - 2020 | 2021 Pray, Serve, Spread the Gospel with Joy - St. Thomas More Catholic ...
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The Catholic
Community of
St. Thomas More
S T E WA R D S H I P
REPORT
2020 | 2021
Pray, Serve, Spread the Gospel with Joy.
2
INSIDE
4 Our Parish By the Numbers
6 Letter from Fr. Scott McCue
7 Letter from Carlos Lima
8 Liturgical Ministries
10 Music Ministries
11 Community Ministries
14 Hispanic Ministries
15 Evangelization Ministries and Groups
15 For Adults
20 For Children and Youth
22 School Report
24 Service Ministries
28 Church Financial Report
29 Letter from the Finance Council
30 School Financial Report
31 Letter from the School Advisory Board
VISION
Called by Christ and inspired by the
Holy Spirit, we respond in love and
fidelity as the Virgin Mary did and
embrace our journey of intentional
discipleship.
MISSION
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are
a diverse and hospitable Catholic
Community. We pray, serve and
spread the Gospel with joy.
3
OUR PARISH BY THE NUMBERS | 2020-2021
I N DIVIDUA LS
8,563 4,056 4,481 34.6 1,200
Total registered Registered Registered Average age of Registered parishioners
parishioners males* females* parishioners* involved in ministries
*Some registered parishioners declined to fill out this information.
Age of Registered Parishioners Longevity of Registered Parishioners
What are the ages of our registered parishioners? How long have our registered parishioners been members
of St. Thomas More?
7% 0-8 years old
11%
7% 6% 0-4 Years
9-17 years old
5%
5-9 Years
11% 18-30 years old 10%
20% 39%
10-14 Years
31-40 years old
15% 15-19 Years
41-50 years old 18%
16%
12% 20-24 Years
51-60 years old
22% 25 Years & Longer
61-70 years old
71+ years old
H O USEHOLDS
3,003 2.83 55% 44% 344
Total registered Average family Households with Households who Families enrolled in
households size children donate to offertory Faith Development*
*Faith Development enrollment number impacted by COVID-19.
Households in the Parish by Ethnicity Households with Children in Specific Age Groups
This does not include non-registered Mass attendees.
Anglo Hispanic Other
400
Anglo 60.9%
300
1,830
Hispanic 32.7%
200
983
Other 100
6.3%
190
Age 0-4 Age 5-8 Age 9-13 Age 14-17 Age 18-21
4
LI VI NG OUT OU R PA RIS H MIS S ION
We Pray, Serve, and Spread the Gospel with Joy.
1 out of 7 parishioners is which is 15%
actively involved in a ministry, 15% of our parish.
There are 129 ministries at
St. Thomas More Parish.
Community: 27 Service: 32
Evangelization: 37 Councils Serving
the Parish: 4
Liturgy: 29
This past year as a parish community, we celebrated:
676 324 226 126 36 27
Masses First Confirmations Baptisms Funerals Weddings
Communions
COMMUNITY PARTNERS | 2020-2021
We are blessed to have many community partners that help us with various aspects of our mission to serve those in need.
PORCH, Faith Connections on Mental Illness, AA, Al-Anon, and Friends of Christ School for Christian Spirituality are some of
the organizations that use our facilities rent-free. In addition, our parish financially supports some local not-for-profits.
There is a balance of assistance for young, old, poor, pregnant, handicapped, unemployed, illiterate, mentally ill, and addicted.
This year we tithed to the following organizations. These tithes are funded by our yellow Charity Share donation envelopes.
ARC Compass Center Meals on Wheels
Catholic Charities Durham Crisis Response Center National Alliance on Mental Illness
CASA El Centro Orange County Living Wage
Catholic Worker (Silk Hope) El Futuro People of Faith Against the Death Penalty
Charles House, Chatham County FLOC Farm Workers Pregnancy Support Services
Council of Aging Freedom House Project Rachel
Child Care Services, Asso., Habitat for Humanity Reality Ministries
Church Women United Handicapped Encounter Christ Special Olympics NC
Club Nova Holy Trinity Church St. Paul Village
Coastal Horizons Inter-Faith Council TABLE
Community Empowerment Fund Justice United UNC Horizons
5
a L ET T ER f rom F R. SCOT T McCU E
My Dear People, successful year of safe, in-person instruction.
Our Faith Development program adapted their
Pope St. John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid to be model of formation for our young people. Our
saints. Follow Jesus Christ who is the source of rental assistance program transitioned to a call-
freedom and light. Be open to the Lord so that He in system. Our Caring and Sharing Center was
may lighten all your ways.” closed for many months but reopened in an
intentional way to best serve those in need in our
Sainthood, holiness, is possible community.
for all of us. As we walk this
pilgrimage through life, our I am proud of how we responded
Catholic faith serves as our to the pandemic and how are
guide. It is how we encounter continuing to do so. I am proud
Christ in His Sacraments, most of how we are living out our
especially in the Eucharist. We parish mission in the midst of a
are all striving to become a little pandemic. We place our faith
more holy each day. We are in God who we know is with us,
striving to take on the attributes even in the midst of the serious
of the saints of our tradition and challenges of life.
incorporate them into our own life
so that one day we, too, can gaze Our annual Stewardship Report
upon the beauty of God. provides a chance for us to look
back on our parish life over the
The parish provides us with last year and see how we have
the chance to come together lived out the call to be Intentional
as a community of faith so that we may be Disciples working on sainthood. Here you will see
strengthened in this life-long pilgrimage back to how our ministries, groups, and organizations
God. It is here that we learn more and more how helped us to be witnesses to the Gospel, right
to follow Jesus so that we can live in freedom and here in Chapel Hill. You will also find parish
in light. I hope that this is what St. Thomas More demographic information, as well as information
Parish is for you: a place where you are able to on church and school finances. Thank you for your
encounter God each day. A place where Christ can financial gifts and sacrifices that help us meet our
lighten your way. obligations and serve one another.
This past year was certainly a different one for Fr. Steven and I are blessed beyond measure to
us as a parish as we dealt with the changing be your priests. Thank you for the gift you are to
conditions of COVID-19. We had to figure out us each day and remember: Do not be afraid to be
new and different ways of being a parish. We saints!
had online-only Mass for a time, and then Mass
outdoors in the heat of the summer. As we In His Love,
returned to Mass in the church, we purchased
the necessary audio and video equipment to
permanently livestream the liturgy for those
who cannot be with us in person. We began Very Rev. Scott E. McCue, V.F.,
to do webinars as a means to hold Adult Faith Pastor
Development events. Our parish school had a
6
a LE T T ER f ro m CA R LO S LIMA
Dear Fellow Parishioners, of around 300 people each weekend. You could
sense the hunger of people for the Eucharist, for
I look back at my note from last year where I made the Liturgy, for community.
reference to the 1982 movie “The Year of Living
Dangerously,” and when Iook at the past year, Last September, we started celebrating Masses
the thought that comes to mind is Happiness, indoors. With the support from our Return to
Ultimate Happiness. (I thought of referencing Jerusalem Task Force, we worked on ensuring
“The pursuit of Happyness” but social distancing, masking and
thought otherwise.) disinfection for each of the
Masses. Air purifying equipment
St. Augustine, in the opening of was installed in each of the
his Confessions, writes: “You have HVAC units on campus (more
stirred in us the desire to praise than 60!) to ensure air conditions
you, for you have made us for would be safe for all coming
yourself and our heart is restless into the facilities. We started
until it comes to rest in you.” with three weekend Masses and
about 600 people total; two of
As you see when you read these were, and continue to be,
through this report, I think we livestreamed. Within five weeks,
have lived like this in this last we added two more Mass times
year. Despite the pandemic, to accommodate the more than
despite the challenges, despite 1,000 people that were joining
the anxiety and, at times, fear, we us each week. More recently, we
have continued to pray, serve, and are averaging more than 1,500
spread the Gospel with joy. people attending Mass in person and more than
230 households on the livestreams.
In the beginning of the pandemic, more than
a year and a half ago, our Bishop wisely lifted This goes to show the restlessness of our hearts,
the obligation to attend Mass as a measure to that obligation being lifted notwithstanding, we
curb the spread of the virus. Many churches, St. have a strong sense of our faith; we understand
Thomas More included, resorted to livestreaming what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and
Masses to keep the spirit of faith alive and engage we will continue to pursue the ultimate happiness,
communities. At the beginning, we did this from which is the fundamental purpose of life: to
the chapel, using an iPhone first and an iPad become a saint, to go to Heaven.
next, learning how to bridge the remoteness of
life at the time and trying to create the sense of I am humbled and moved by the example and
community and intimacy with Our Lord that the experiences of our community, and I am privileged
Eucharist is to be (the source and summit of the to walk alongside all of you on this journey.
Christian life, Lumen Gentium 11).
God Bless,
Then came the time to celebrate Mass outdoors,
which we did from late May to early September
2020. The obligation was still lifted, and we
celebrated one Mass in English and one Mass in Carlos Lima
Spanish, both livestreamed, with total attendance Director of Operations and Finance
7
LI T U R G I CA L M I N IST R I ES at St. Thomas More
ALTAR AND SANCTUARY CARE four to six per year;
Mission: To fill an essential and literally “behind the scenes” conducted classes 145
role in the preparations for St. Thomas More celebrations virtually during the
altar servers
of the Eucharist and Baptism. Members have an assigned pandemic; and then
week every month to either (1) do light cleaning in the transitioned back to all
Sanctuary, or (2) take liturgical linens and towels home for in-person classes in June 96
laundering and return before the Saturday 5:15PM Mass. 2021
infant baptisms
There is usually extra activity for Holy Days and Christmas/
Easter seasons. ENVIRONMENT &
ART COMMITTEE OF NOTE
Major Accomplishments: The Altar Care team continued to Mission: To enhance usher ministry formed
perform its function despite the limitations imposed by the the worship spaces by
pandemic in terms of distancing and sanitizing. garden planted for
creating an environment
which draws worshipers liturgical decorations
ALTAR SERVERS to a heightened spiritual
Mission: To assist the priest throughout the Mass carrying level through decorations
the cross or candles in the entrance and dismissal appropriate to each liturgical season. Our committee
processionals, holding the missal for prayers, and assisting contributes immeasurably to the beauty and reverence
in preparations for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. of the many liturgical celebrations throughout the year,
from Ordinary Time through all the liturgical seasons and
Major Accomplishments: 2020-21 was challenging in special liturgies. Without the efforts of this ministry, our
that many people chose not to attend Mass during the large worship space would not feel nearly as warm and
pandemic. However, a rather small but dedicated group welcoming.
of altar servers came forward to assist when Masses
moved inside in the fall. In spring 2021, as vaccines Major Accomplishments: Despite the challenges of working
started to be more available, we saw a steady increase in during the pandemic we transitioned in the fall from
those returning to serve. The current roster includes 145 helping with the outdoor Masses back to decorating the
Altar Servers: 100 for English Masses and 45 for Spanish church for indoor Sunday liturgies. We decorated both the
Masses. church and chapel for Christmas, Lent, Palm Sunday, and
Easter, as well as Ordinary Time. We continued to care for
BAPTISM COORDINATORS potted plants throughout the church and Parish Center. We
Mission: To help prepare the parents and godparents also established a large cutting garden located outside,
of infants and young children who are to be baptized behind the St. Monica Room. After months of planning and
into the Catholic Church, either at St Thomas More or at with support from the parish staff, we created a fully-
another parish. This includes accompanying parents and planted garden, with numerous flowering bulbs, which
families as they complete the paperwork, attend class, and yielded many of the flowers and plants that were used
navigate the rite itself. in the Easter decorations. This garden served and will
continue to serve as a source of flowers and greenery for
Major Accomplishments: Assisted with 96 infant baptisms our parish church and chapel decorations.
at St. Thomas More; increased preparation classes from
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY
COMMUNION
Mission: To serve Christ who is present in the assembly by
ministering His Body and Blood to our sisters and brothers
and to take the Eucharist to those members who, through
sickness, old age, or other causes, are prevented from
taking part in the Mass.
Major Accomplishments: 2020-21 was challenging in
that many people chose not to attend Mass during the
pandemic. However, a rather small but dedicated group
of people came forward to assist with outdoor Masses
celebrated in the summer of 2020. When Masses moved
inside in the fall a few more ministers came back to serve.
In spring 2021 as vaccines started to be more available,
we saw a steady increase in those returning to serve.
The ministry continued to have a robust membership that
8
easily met the needs of all Masses and eagerly awaits celebration of every Mass. They also assist the Celebrant
ministering the Blood of Christ once it is authorized as needed during Mass.
to be distributed again. The Health Care Facility and
Homebound Ministries were suspended until June 2021. Major Accomplishments: Sacristans quietly and “invisibly”
Nine new Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion did outstanding work during the pandemic by supporting
(EMHCs) were trained, and a Homebound Eucharistic all Masses which ranged from outdoor, to live-stream
Ministry Mentor Program was launched to meet the pent- from the St John Fisher Chapel, to socially-distanced in the
up need as the pandemic restrictions were lifted. church, to fully attended Masses.
MASS COORDINATORS USHER MINISTRY
Mission: To ensure that all Altar Servers, Readers, Mission: To promote a culture of hospitality and facilitate a
Eucharistic Ministers, and gift-bearers are present and welcoming atmosphere at St Thomas More. Ushers warmly
ready for celebration of Sunday Liturgies. greet all who enter the church, offer assistance, answer
questions, and give directions. Ushers direct the offertory
Major Accomplishments: During the initial stages of the collection during Mass and distribute bulletins as people
pandemic when Mass was conducted outside, Mass exit the church at the end of Mass.
Coordinators were not needed. When the Mass moved
inside, the Mass Coordinators resumed their role. Major Accomplishments: This new ministry was created in
2020 by combining the St. Matthew Ministry, St. Benedict
READERS Ministry, and seating functions so that the church could
Mission: To proclaim the Word of God at the Mass in a comply with the guidelines for masks, social distancing,
clear persuasive way with interpretive emphasis so that and overall safety during the global pandemic. Ushers
the faithful may discover anew God’s Word alive in our assisted with our Return to Jerusalem initiative by directing
assembly. seating, entry, and exit for outdoor and indoor Masses from
Pentecost 2020 onward.
Major Accomplishments: The ministry had about 70
English Mass readers with six new readers given individual WEDDING COMMITTEE
training during the past year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mission: To assist at wedding rehearsals and wedding
a very limited group of readers were used for the outside liturgies. Working in groups of two to three, or alone for
Masses during the summer of 2020. When inside Masses smaller weddings, the members help set up the church
started again in September, more readers came back into or chapel, assist with the rehearsal and the processional,
the rotation with the number increasing as the vaccination help with the Eucharist, and provide other assistance as
process got underway. The readers proclaimed God’s needed.
Word during the liturgies with dedication, understanding,
enthusiasm, and joy. Major Accomplishments: The Wedding Committee was
very active this past year assisting with 23 English-
SACRISTANS (WEEKDAY) speaking weddings since July 2020. It was a challenging
Mission: To prepare and manage the church, sanctuary, year with changing COVID protocols and frequent
and altar for weekday Masses by ensuring the liturgical modifications to the calendar. With aid from St. Michael
elements including books, vestments, candles, and other ministers, the wedding committee was able to help
items are in place to facilitate the beautiful and smooth weddings run safely and smoothly.
9
MUSIC MINISTRIES anyone who is interested.
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR was temporarily suspended
Mission: To lead the assembly during liturgy in the singing
during the pandemic. When it returns, children from grades
of the hymns and responses that support communal
3 through 12 will learn how to use their voices in joyful
prayer and enhance the worship experience. Drawing
celebration of Mass
on the rich diversity of the Church’s musical tradition and
the talent of adult, youth and Spanish-language cantors,
THE CORO SANTA CECILIA has not sung together since
choirs, organists, and other instrumentalists, we express
the beginning of the pandemic. Our long-time director,
our faith and give voice to the beauty of the liturgy.
Marianne Kremer, retired recently for medical reasons. We
are grateful for Marianne’s 40 plus years of service to the
Major Accomplishments: Rehearsals were suspended for
parish as an organist and for serving as the director of our
the past year because of the pandemic. We look forward
choir for many years. We look forward to singing again
to coming together once again and sharing our talents
when a new director is in place.
with the St. Thomas More community.
THE PAZ Y ALEGRIA CHOIR, led by Pavelid Castañeda,
CANTORS lead the congregation in song. Through their
has been leading music at both the 7:15PM Vigil Mass and
singing, they inspire and encourage the community to join
1:15PM Sunday Mass most Sundays over the past year. In
in singing with one voice. They assist at weekly Masses,
addition, Paz y Alegria adds their voices and instruments
holy days, weddings, funerals, and special events. The
to bilingual Masses. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7:00PM
cantors adapted to the pandemic restrictions during the
to 9:00PM.
past year and embraced the return of the pre-pandemic
Mass schedule.
THE SCHOLA CANTORUM, led by Music Director Sarah
Franco, normally sings at the Sunday 11:15AM Mass
THE CELEBRATION SINGERS, led by Barbara Reynolds,
from September to June, and rehearses Wednesdays
normally sing at the Sunday 9:15AM Mass, major feasts
from 7:00 to 8:30PM. The approximately 45-person choir
from early Sept. to mid-June, and rehearse Tuesdays,
sings a wide variety of musical styles but leans toward a
7:30-9:30 PM. Cantors and accompanists continued to
traditional and classical repertoire. Scholas Cantorum was
help with providing music for liturgies. Choir activities this
temporarily suspended during the pandemic.
year included: bi-weekly Zoom meetings for prayer and
fellowship, adopting families at Christmas, and the making
In the ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL CHOIR, led by Angela
of virtual choir videos for the parish.
Sigl, children learn to use their voices in prayer, normally
singing for weekly school liturgies, biannual Sunday
THE CHELSEA CHIMES HANDBELL CHOIR, led by Music
Masses, and at combined-grade Christmas programs in
Director Sarah Franco, brings the splendor of bells and
December. The School Choir was temporarily suspended
chimes to our liturgies. The ensemble normally rings
during the pandemic.
monthly at the Saturday 5:15PM Mass and rehearses on
Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30PM. We continue to welcome
10CO MMU N I T Y M I N I ST R I ES at St. Thomas More
- BEREAVEMENT MINISTRIES - -FUNERAL
RECEPTION 110
-BEREAVEMENT CORRESPONDENCE MINISTRY prayer shawls made
Mission: To contribute to St Thomas More’s bereavement Mission: To provide
efforts to provide love, comfort and the healing support
of God to parish families after the death of a close family
hospitality to family and 1,000 lbs
friends and to honor the of produce distributed from
member. life of the deceased.
the San Isidro Garden
Major Accomplishments: Though the pandemic Major Accomplishments:
significantly reduced activities, in conjunction with the
pastor and parish staff, members of the Bereavement
Due to pandemic OF NOTE
restrictions no funeral
Correspondence Ministry were able to offer prayers and to funeral livestreams offered
receptions were held
send cards, monthly letters, and/or grief-help materials to at St. Thomas More; through outside vendor
support 52 families during the 2020-21 year. This ministry however, our volunteers weekly pastoral phone call
of compassion has been very well received by people continued to provide
going through a painful time. ministry was formed
support to bereaved
families and show them
-BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT that St. Thomas More
(SEASONS OF HOPE) cared. We devised safe but creative ways to deliver meals
Mission: To provide a Christ-centered safe place for after their funeral service. Whether left on a home porch
grieving for those who have lost a loved one. or transferred in the church parking lot, our wonderful,
dedicated group of volunteers worked “behind the scenes”
Major Accomplishments: In 2020-21, we had two sessions: but quickly and willingly met challenges and special needs.
one in-person with about six people, and another via Zoom On-site funeral receptions will return later in 2021.
with three people; however, the pandemic limited our
outreach efforts. -GETHSEMANE MINISTRY
Mission: To protect the sanctity of those interred in the
Columbarium when it is opened for ceremony or procedure.
-FUNERAL CARE TEAM
Mission: To provide pastoral support for families who have
Major Accomplishments: Gethsemane ministers continued
just experienced the death of a loved one including help
to pray, read, write, or sit in silence while keeping watch
to plan the funeral mass, being present at funerals, and
over niches that necessitated opening (for engraving, for
providing follow up bereavement support when needed.
example.)
Major Accomplishments: Funerals continued with intimate
numbers throughout the pandemic. Families appreciated CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE
the option to livestream so their family and friends could AMERICAS COURT AVE MARIA
participate remotely. Mission: To participate in the religious, charitable, and
educational activities of the church; enhance the spiritual
11development of its members; and provide philanthropic know that people appreciated being prayed for. We felt it
outreach to the parish and the community. gave them hope during hard times. The Lord showed His
grace through the answered prayers reported to the Team,
Major Accomplishments: The Catholic Daughters of Court and through their ministry they will continue to serve,
Ave Maria participated in several activities to enhance the support, and build community at St Thomas More.
spiritual development of its 54 members and continued
to provide outreach to both the parish and community. JOBS NETWORK OF ST. THOMAS MORE
Activities included a memorial service on All Souls Day, Mission: To help unemployed or under-employed people
weaving palm decorations for Palm Sunday, creating rose achieve their job-search goal by providing assistance
floral arrangements as a gift to the parish for Mothers’ Day, with resumes, interviewing, networking, cover letters,
and sponsoring the annual student Art, Poetry and Essay negotiating, LinkedIn and accountability.
education contest. The Daughters also provided assembled
gift bags of goodies for St. Thomas More teachers and Major Accomplishments: Meetings continued, albeit
staff, Christmas gifts for three families, Valentine gift bags through Zoom, using networking to facilitate those without
and blank greeting cards for an assisted living facility, jobs to locate and acquire gainful employment.
and numerous hand-made blankets and teddy bears for
a children’s camp. Members also prepared and served a
meal to the residents of the UNC Hospital SECU Family
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS – Council 10910
House. and Assembly 3005 (4th degree)
Mission: To empower Catholic men to live their faith at
home, in their parish, at work and in their community.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB Guiding principles of charity, fraternity, unity, and
Mission: To gather monthly for fellowship, to pray the
patriotism permeate all our programs in church,
rosary, and to reflect on and discuss books pertaining to
community, council, family, culture of life, and youth
the Catholic faith.
activities.
Major Accomplishments: The Catholic Women’s Book Club
Major Accomplishments: Council 10910 started off its
did not meet during the pandemic but plans to resume
Fraternal Year, July 1, 2020, with limited fundraising
meetings in the fall.
opportunities at St. Thomas More due to pandemic
restrictions. Monthly Pancake Breakfasts and Lenten Fish
INTERCESSORY PRAYER TEAM Fries, our largest fundraisers, were curtailed. The Council
Mission: To prayerfully intercede to God for physical, worked fundraisers in other ways including collaboration
spiritual and mental healing of our parishioners, and to with local businesses such as Panera Bread, Duck Donuts,
pray for unity in the Church. Jersey Mike’s, and Captain John’s Dockside Seafood
Restaurant. With support of the Parish and the friends
Major Accomplishments: Despite limitations from the and family of Knights, the Council made the fundraisers
pandemic and inability to gather in person, the St. Thomas with businesses successful. The success of the fundraisers
More Intercessory Prayer Team continued to pray from enabled the Council to fulfill its financial obligations and
home for the needs of parishioners, the parish and for charitable activities. The Council also supported or hosted
those outside St. Thomas More. While the Team had no several spiritual events during this past year. Charitable
idea how many lives their prayers have affected, they did
12activities included support for seminarians, the IFC Food fellowship. Four new crafters were welcomed last year.
Bank, Knights of Columbus Pandemic-19 Relief Fund, St. Since inception of the ministry in January 2015, 575 prayer
Thomas More Financial Assistance Program, St. Thomas shawls have been made – 110 during the past year!
More Catholic School, parish audio/visual equipment
upgrades and usher badges, and the Catholic Daughters of SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR GARDEN
the Americas. Spiritual and community accomplishments Mission: To serve as a witness to how we cooperate with
included a Memorial Mass for Deceased Knights, a God, nature, and each other in order to produce organic
Novena for the Beatification of Father McGivney (founder food in an environmentally sustainable way.
of the Knights of Columbus), a special Mass for Loss of a
Child, Pro-Life Activities, and Operation LAMB to support Major Accomplishments: Even during the pandemic
children with mental disabilities. we continued to work the garden, safely outdoors. We
distributed 1000 pounds. of our organic produce on
PASTORAL PHONE CALL MINISTRY Sundays after the 1:30PM Mass. Gardeners also benefitted
Mission: To make phone calls to parishioners who submitted from produce during times when there was not a sufficient
prayer requests to St Thomas More. quantity to distribute.
Major Accomplishments: Pastoral phone calls were an SOFTBALL TEAM
important part of the parish’s ministry during the pandemic. Mission: To provide an opportunity for men and women to
Our parish staff called parishioners who were 75 years and engage in fellowship on the softball field.
older to check in on them, and an additional 34 volunteers
continued with weekly phone calls to people who wanted Major Accomplishments: The team did not play for a
extra contact from the parish. second summer. For more than 30 years, the St Thomas
More Softball Team has competed in a spring/summer
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Church Softball League that begins play in May, with a 10-
Mission: To provide a tangible reminder of God’s love and game schedule and weekend tournament, and ends prior
prayers of the St. Thomas More Community for those in to Labor Day. The league is co-ed and includes other local-
need of comfort. area churches. All participants must be at least 13 years of
age to play. Games have been held on Sunday afternoons
Major Accomplishments: Even though they couldn’t gather at Homestead Park in Chapel Hill, from 1:30 - 4:30PM
together at St. Thomas More due to pandemic restrictions, Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic not only caused
the ladies continued to create shawls from home and a cancellation of the 2020 season but necessitated so many
small group met outdoors weekly with social distancing teams to drop out of the league due to lack of players,
to continue their ministry crafts and to share prayers and which effectively canceled the 2021 season as well.
13H I SPAN I C M I N I ST RI E S at St. Thomas More
Bilingual liturgical celebrations and events that allow initiative by taking turns
parishioners to express their faith as one community to lead the Rosary on a 11
speaking two languages, such as the Sacred Paschal given day. adults received Sacraments
Triduum, Patronal Feast of Saint Thomas More, Feasts of
the Assumption and Immaculate Conception, All Saints Monthly celebrations of
and All Souls days and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Quinceañeras resumed in 35
April 2021. children baptized
Bilingual children and teens attended both in-person and
at-home Faith Development and Sacramental Preparation. Four couples completed
The Hispanic Ministry office supported communications matrimonial preparation OF NOTE
with parents. and were married at our virtual Marian retreat held
church. Some previously
Eleven adults fulfilled their Christian Initiation through scheduled weddings were daily Rosaries were offered
a Spanish Adult Faith Formation Program, receiving postponed until 2022. via Facebook Live
Confirmation and First Eucharist.
The Emmaus Retreat for
A virtual Lent Retreat was held in March 2021 where men and women did not
about 100 people connected through St Thomas More’s take place in 2020; nevertheless, weekly meetings were
social media livestream. The event received over 1,000 held virtually to keep core members connected and to
views! grow in their faith.
There were Baptism ceremonies both at public liturgies One Safe Environment Training session in Spanish
and private ones with appropriate restrictions due to was held, with about 20 people attending, and thereby
COVID-19. We served about 35 families to have their providing more certified volunteers committed to providing
children baptized. a safe place for children of our community.
A virtual Marian Retreat was celebrated on May 15, In partnership with Justice United of Orange County, St
2021 where about 90 participants connected through the Thomas More Hispanic Ministries supported campaigns to
STMHispanos Facebook page. Sixty parishioners were improve living conditions at three local mobile home parks
consecrated after completing the Consecration to the where a good number of parish members live. As a result,
Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary. one mobile home park canceled all residents’ debts (a total
of at least $30,000!) and began construction of a new
A daily Facebook-live Rosary in Spanish was offered by well. Another received 300 tons of gravel to fix roads and
parishioners at 7:00PM, with 16 families supporting this regularly maintain drainage ditches within the park.
14EVANG EL I ZAT I ON MI N IST R I ES &
G R O U P S at St. Thomas More
MINIST R IES A N D G RO U P S FO R A D U LTS
ADULT CONFIRMATION Roman Catholic Church
Mission: To draw our adult Catholics who have received the through reception of the 9
Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist into a deeper Sacraments of Initiation: adults were Confirmed
relationship with Christ and His Church in preparation for Baptism, Confirmation
reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. and Eucharist.
28
Major Accomplishments: Nine adults completed weekly Major Accomplishments: adults began RCIA Inquiry
classes, reading, and prayer in early 2021 and received the Since July 2020, 28
Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost, May 23, 2021. men and women began
a period of inquiry to 17
question and explore couples began marriage
AWAKENING FAITH becoming Catholic prior
Mission: To provide a safe place where those who have preparation
to beginning the RCIA
drifted away from the Catholic faith can explore the
catechetical process.
possibility of returning to the practice of their faith.
During weekly sessions, 196
seven catechists guided people received
Major Accomplishments: In 2020-21, we tried to hold
inquirers through a time Spiritual Direction
Awakening Faith sessions in January and again in March
of evangelization, faith
but received no response. The pandemic may have played
formation, catechesis,
a role in people staying away from in-person meetings.
prayer, and discernment,
educating them about Catholic tradition and teaching,
BAPTISM PREPARATION and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Three adult
Mission: To help prepare the parents and godparents catechumens, those who were previously unbaptized, were
of infants and young children who are to be baptized joyfully received into the Catholic Church at the Easter
into the Catholic Church, either at St Thomas More or at Vigil. Twelve candidates, Christians who were baptized in
another parish. This includes accompanying parents and another denomination, entered into full communion with
families as they complete the paperwork, attend class, and the Catholic Church during Sunday liturgies throughout
navigate the rite itself. the year. RCIA welcomes new inquirers year-round. As
of June 2021, six adults continued at different stages in
Major Accomplishments: Successfully conducted baptism their catechumenal journey and look forward to joining
classes every other month virtually during the pandemic; St Thomas More as full participants of the Catholic
and then transitioned back to all in-person classes in June Community later in the 2021 calendar year.
2021.
CATHOLIC MOTHERS’ NETWORK
BIBLE TIMELINE BIBLE STUDY
Mission: To enable participants to understand the Bible Bible Study and Playgroup
and enjoy reading it. Mission: To provide an opportunity for women to grow in
their understanding of Scripture and in fellowship with one
Major Accomplishments: This program began both in another.
person with social distancing, and via Zoom, but when
COVID cases in the area increased, it transitioned Major Accomplishments: Nine women met regularly this
exclusively to Zoom. Ten members completed the entire past year. We are currently studying “The Holy Spirit and
program via Zoom and a number of others reported Spiritual Gifts” by Stephen J. Binz. We read and discuss
proceeding through the program as an independent study. one lesson each week.
CATECHUMENATE (RITE OF CHRISTIAN Families with Young Children Bible Study
INITIATION OF ADULTS) Mission: To connect and encourage the faith lives of
Mission: To welcome and accompany non-Catholic families with children under six years of age.
adults as they explore Catholicism, mature in their faith,
and prepare to be received into full communion with the Major Accomplishments: Conducted a twice-a-month
virtual bible study sessions
15CATHOLIC SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CAS alumni, periodic emails containing prayer reflections
and updates about upcoming Adult Faith Formation
ADULTS activities were initiated.
Mission: To Increase the understanding of our Faith by
studying Vatican documents, especially encyclicals.
ENLIGHTENING FAITH
Major Accomplishments: The group read and discussed Mission: To provide an opportunity for weekly, in-depth
encyclicals by Leo XIII on the Eucharist, St. Joseph, and the study of the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday
Holy Spirit and an encyclical by Pius X on the Immaculate Mass.
Conception.
Major Accomplishments: Our group remained intact and
met via Zoom despite internet glitches. We transitioned
“COME AND SEE” RETREAT back to in-person meeting in May of 2021. We also
Mission: To proclaim the Gospel through a series of
incorporated more prayers into our preparation and
powerful personal testimonies of God’s love and mercy, the
incorporated the Lenten Small Group program into our
goal of which is to renew one’s relationship with Christ and
religious journey.
to be drawn toward intentional discipleship.
Major Accomplishments: ERASMUS LIBRARY
• The Annual Come and See (CAS) Retreat, slated to Mission: To provide resources that enable parishioners to
be held in February 2021, was canceled after careful study and learn about the Catholic faith.
evaluation of possible onsite and online options. After
much consideration, the CAS Core Team decided that it Major Accomplishments: The ministry was essentially
was best to postpone the retreat until 2022 so as to not dormant owing to the lack of volunteers during the
to compromise the in-person fellowship element of the pandemic.
Retreat.
IRON SHARPENS IRON MEN’S
• The Committee aims to prepare for an in-person CAS FELLOWSHIP
Retreat potentially slated for February 19-20, 2022. Mission: We are men of St. Thomas More who come
together for the common purpose of growing in our
• Preparation for the CAS 2022 Retreat will start in August relationship with God and His Church while encouraging
2021 and will set up focused teams of Shepherds and and challenging one another to imitate the heroic, self-
Speakers as part of the planning process. sacrificial love of Christ in our lives. Our mission is to pray,
serve and spread the Gospel with joy as disciples of Jesus
• The monthly Sunday fellowship gatherings are projected Christ. We accomplish this through weekly fellowship,
to resume around September or October 2021. study, reflection, discussion, prayer and service to the
Church and community.
• In order to address and renew the spiritual needs of our
16Major Accomplishments: We started our studies and charisms of the Holy Spirit so as to proclaim God’s salvific
reflections this past year with “Presence - The Mystery plan of love and redemption for those who are within,
of The Eucharist” found on Formed.org. Next, we looked outside, or fallen away from the Catholic Church.
at approved Marian Apparitions from MiracleHunter.
com followed by “St. Benedict For Fathers” by Fr. Dwight Major Accomplishments:
Longenecker. That brought us to the end of 2020. We • The Life in Christ Group continued to steer people toward
kicked off 2021 with Fr. Bartunek’s, “A Quiet Place” and intentional discipleship in its fourth year of operations.
transitioned in March to C. S. Lewis’ “The Problem of Pain”. It helped parishioners grow in their spiritual journey by
Our group led one Friday Stations of the Cross during Lent. creating an environment of prayer and praise that allowed
the Holy Spirit to speak powerfully to their hearts.
JUSTFAITH
Mission: JustFaith is a small-group program that • In the past year, we discussed topics such as the
challenges participants to live out the Gospel call to care Holy Spirit’s witness in evangelization, and the study of
for the poor and marginalized. Through the lens of Catholic Sacraments as they relate to gifts and charisms of the Holy
Social Teaching, JustFaith Catholic uses books, articles, Spirit.
online videos and immersion experiences to expose
participants to obstacles that hinder human flourishing so • Additional teaching topics included surrender to God’s
the group might explore together how their own gifts and will; suffering from a Catholic perspective; repentance and
skills can meet the world’s needs. faith; examination of conscience and reconciliation; and the
teachings of the early Church Fathers on the Eucharist and
Major Accomplishments: JustFaith met virtually this year the divinity of Christ.
with 10 participants: 5 parishioners from St. Thomas More,
3 from Newman parish, and 2 from Holy Infant in Durham. • This past year, our group conducted online prayer
We studied several books, including “The Joy of the meetings via Zoom. We were blessed by the presence of
Gospel” by Pope Francis, “Just Mercy” by Brian Stevenson, the Vincentian Priests and lay teachers from within the
which addresses racism in the criminal justice system, and Diocese of Raleigh.
“A New Way To Be Church” by the founder of JustFaith,
Jack Jezreel, which addresses parish renewal. “A New Way • In September 2020, our group partnered with the
To Be Church” excited us so much that we bought copies Diocese of Raleigh’s Catholic Charismatic Services to host
for the pastors of the three parishes - and one for Bishop an online Diocesan Healing Prayer Conference. Around
Zarama! We plan to have another JustFaith group in the 120 participants from various Catholic Churches in the
coming year and hope to meet in person at Newman. Diocese joined in online worship, healing prayer, Adoration
and Holy Mass.
LIFE IN CHRIST GROUP FOR • Recently there was an expansion of the group’s charter
EVANGELIZATION to encompass the Evangelization ministry. Based on
Mission: To promote key learning of evangelization through consensus by its core team members, the group’s broader
prayer, apologetics, study of Scripture, and gifts and focus will enable it to move beyond the study of the
17charisms to the overarching end goal of evangelization and Kerygma”, that is, the proclamation of the story of Jesus
will use the charisms and study of Scripture to this end. which leads people to conversion of heart and Intentional
Discipleship. Our reflection incorporated Lectio Divina,
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT Ignatian Spirituality and modern Biblical scholarship.
Mission: To create opportunities for married couples to Twelve participants met every week on Wednesdays,
strengthen and nourish their marital relationship. 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, via Zoom. The group shared insights
on the Sunday Scriptures and can be found at www.
Major Accomplishments: The Marriage Enrichment Ministry stmchapelhill.org/sunday-preparation.
offered a four-part Advent reflection series online in
November-December of 2020. Two parishioner couples RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
(Carlos and Gloria Lima and Jose and Monica Gulisano) Mission: To plan programs and activities according to the
were guest witnesses and spoke about their marital pastoral plan for pro-life activities developed by the United
covenant. Deacon Stephen and Adrienne Yates offered States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) including
the Scriptural reflections of each Sunday as they related to education, pastoral care, public policy and prayer and
marriage. worship.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION Major Accomplishments: During the past year, our
Mission: To prepare engaged couples for the Sacrament of activities were limited because of the pandemic.
Matrimony and for their vocation of marriage. • Throughout the year, the Respect Life Ministry provided
support for teen moms attending local high schools.
Major Accomplishments: Seventeen engaged couples Through the generosity of many St. Thomas More
began the preparation process in the period from July 2020 parishioners, we were able to assist both teen moms
through June 2021. More than half have been, or will be, and other mothers and their babies with needed diapers,
married at St. Thomas More. All but four are marriages formula, baby food, and baby clothes in addition to
between two Catholics. While most of our “large group” financial support for other unmet needs.
meetings were held in person in the church, sessions with • We advertised and promoted the biannual Project
sponsor couples were mostly through Zoom. We expect to Rachel retreat, a post abortion healing program in the
return to in-person meetings later in 2021. Raleigh Diocese.
• Beginning on Ash Wednesday, we sponsored the
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign in Chapel Hill (8th
PREPARING HEARTS FOR SUNDAY MASS consecutive year). Over 50 persons participated in the
BIBLE STUDY campaign which consisted of prayer, fasting, public
Mission: To help parishioners prepare for a fruitful education and providing witness to the evils of abortion
celebration of the Sunday Eucharist through prayerful through quiet prayer in front of the Planned Parenthood
study of the Sunday Scriptures. clinic in Chapel Hill.
• We advocated for legal protection of unborn babies by
Major Accomplishments: This weekly program drew signing petitions to state and federal lawmakers and
on documents from bishops, popes and the Vatican encouraging others to do the same.
on interpreting the Scriptures. It focused upon “The
18SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY YOKEFELLOW PRISON MINISTRY
Mission: To provide opportunities for Christians to deepen Mission: To listen, share, care, encourage and communicate
their relationship with God by providing individual and God’s love to incarcerated individuals.
group spiritual direction, the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises,
retreats and support for retreats, and spirituality based Major Accomplishments: No accomplishments to report
educational offerings. Additionally, we provide oversight after the COVID-19 lockdown of state prisons. Prior to the
and preliminary vetting of our spiritual directors. pandemic, eight St. Thomas More ministry volunteers met
weekly with young men at the Polk Correctional Institution
Major Accomplishments: in Butner, NC. It is hoped that the State will allow us to
• Thirteen spiritual directors companioned 196 directees reinstitute our ministry in the fall of 2021.
during July 2020-June 2021. These directees came from
various Catholic parishes and Protestant churches, as YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
well as from various locations in NC and the US. Mission: To provide opportunities for Catholics ages 21-35
• We developed a coordinated relationship of spiritual in the St. Thomas More, Newman, Holy Infant, and other
direction between the ministries of St. Thomas More and local Catholic communities to encounter the person of
Newman Center. Jesus, grow in faith, connect with each other, and become
• We developed an annual calendar of spirituality program more deeply involved in the life of the parish.
offerings including an 8-month group experience of The
Spiritual Exercises, three 6 and 8-week group spiritual Major Accomplishments: Over the last year, the Young
direction programs, a day of reflection, two information Adult Ministry doubled in size! Accomplishments include
sessions to explain the spiritual direction ministry, and monthly bonfires, weekly after-Mass socials, two outdoor
offered spiritual direction and a retreat for 12 sexually trivia nights, five new small groups, a monthly praise and
abused women. worship group, pickup sports groups, and an increased
• In addition, we developed a marketing plan which collaboration with neighboring churches. Most activities
included an update of the St. Thomas More Spiritual have been taking place outdoors to allow for social
Direction webpage. distancing.
• We continued with our ongoing support of the annual
Come and See Retreat by identifying 11 speakers and
working with each to help develop their faith story.
19MINISTR IES A N D G RO U P S FO R C H I L D R E N & YOUTH
CATECHUMENATE FOR CHILDREN few activities last year
(RCIA-C) due to the pandemic 12
and the inability to meet children welcomed into the
Mission: Children 7 years and older who have not been
in-person at St Thomas
baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the Church through RCIA-C
More. Yet, despite not
ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation for
being permitted to meet
Adults adapted for Children. During this process, children
are introduced to the Liturgy, and the teachings and the life
indoors due to NC state 143
regulations and school children received First
of the Catholic Church.
mandates, the following
activities were held:
Reconciliation & Eucharist
Accomplishments: Twelve children were welcomed into
Fall ‘Virtual’ Campout
the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil after two years of
preparation.
(September 2020); Space 215
Derby kits (October
youth received Confirmation
2020); Pinewood Derby
(February 2021); District
CATHOLIC SCOUTING Pinewood Derby (March 37
2021) Spring ‘Virtual’ youth involved in leadership
BOY SCOUT TROOP 820 Campout (May 2021);
Mission To prepare young people to make ethical and and the Advancement
moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the Ceremony (June 2021).
values of the Scout Oath and Law.
GIRL SCOUTS, ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL
Major Accomplishments: Mission: To build girls of courage, confidence, and
• Five Scouts completed Eagle Scout Service Projects and character who make the world a better place.
obtained the Eagle Scout rank, the highest award that
can be earned by youth members. Major Accomplishments: We continued to meet virtuality
• We worked to provide virtual advancement opportunities via Zoom and did some limited badgework, but the time
for younger Scouts during the pandemic and planned a involved was much less than in previous years due to
full calendar of activities for the 2021-2022 school year. pandemic restrictions.
CUB SCOUT PACK 820 CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Mission: To prepare young people to make ethical and Mission: To provide readings adapted to a child’s level
moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the from the Lectionary for Masses with Children. Through
values of the Scout Oath and Law. There are four aims CLOW these readings are explained in words that appeal
of Scouting: citizenship, character, personal fitness, and to the children and couples it with activities that bring
leadership. the readings to life. Children are escorted from Mass just
before the Liturgy of the Word begins and return to their
Major Accomplishments: Cub Scout Pack 820 held very parents during the Preparation of the Gifts.
Major Accomplishments: CLOW was suspended last year
due to the pandemic.
ELEMENTARY FAITH DEVELOPMENT
(EFD)
Mission: To form children from pre-k to fifth grade in
their Catholic faith through scripture, church teaching,
papal documents, and stories of saints as models of
faith; to promote an understanding of and devotion to
the Eucharist; and to remind children that they are each a
loved and beautiful child of God.
Major Accomplishments: EFD had four “Pick-Up Parties”
to distribute catechetical materials to families during the
year and prepared 143 children for First Reconciliation and
First Eucharist. Thirty Sacramental Preparation children
met in person once a month. Our second year Sacramental
Preparation children took part in a First Eucharist Retreat
which included a behind the scenes tour of the church.
20Our fourth and fifth graders met and produced a video VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
of the Stations of the Cross for Children, and our Fifth Mission: To provide a joyful, faith-filled week of crafts,
Graders ended their EFD year with an EP!C Retreat. To games, music, and Bible stories for children from pre-k to
build fellowship within our faith community, we offered Car eighth grade, and to provide a service opportunity for the
Bingo and a canned food drive, a Holy Week Scavenger children within or beyond our local community.
Hunt, and a Family Movie Night.
Major Accomplishments: In June 2021, 103 children and
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY (HSYM) 40 volunteers participated in the Rocky Railway Vacation
Mission: To empower young people to lead lives as Bible School. The children also spent time in Adoration
disciples of Jesus Christ in the world today, to draw young as part of their week. Our service project this year was
people into responsible participation in the life of the a Drive-By Baby Bundles Baby Shower for our local
Church, and to foster personal and spiritual growth in the pregnancy support centers and diaper banks.
lives of each young person.
Major Accomplishments:
• 42 students participated remotely in the Remote
Year Confirmation Preparation program, 38 students
participated remotely in the Immediate Year
Confirmation Program, and 48 students participated in-
person in the Immediate Year Program.
• We confirmed 215 youth during six Confirmation liturgies
in the fall and spring of 2020-21.
• 22 students participated in our post-Confirmation
program (Wired, and 9 joined us for sacramental
preparation for the sacraments of First Eucharist and
Confirmation.
• This year, 20 students worked alongside the Director of
Youth Ministry in guiding our youth community as part
of the High School Youth Council and 2 served on our
parish Pastoral Council.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY (MSYM)
Mission: To provide opportunities for middle schoolers to
grow and become more knowledgeable about their faith
and become more actively involved members of our parish
community.
Major Accomplishments:
• The Middle School Youth Ministry program enrolled
92 students in grades 6-8 for the 2020-2021 season,
40 of whom met in person at St. Thomas More and
52 participated via in-home learning. This was a
tremendous accomplishment by a core team of 6 “full-
time” catechists.
• MSYM used the LifeTeen “Edge” curriculum to provide
catechesis based on age/grade guidelines from the
Diocese of Raleigh.
• 14 non-traditionally tracked middle school youth
celebrated the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First
Eucharist and Confirmation.
• The Middle School Youth Council (MSYC) consisted
of 17 middle school youth who helped plan and lead
MSYM events and service projects and participated in 3
retreats.
• Service and Outreach projects are important to MSYM.
This year the MSYC helped serve the UNC Hospital SECU
Family House with several projects, placed Kindness
Rocks around the St. Thomas More campus, participated
in “Cards for Kidz,” collected winter accessories for the
Caring and Sharing Center, and hosted Drive-In BINGO.
21S T. T HOM A S M ORE SCHO O L P RO F I LE
St. Thomas More Catholic School, as part of the Catholic of our curriculum and
Community of St. Thomas More, provides an exceptional instruction, as well as 345
educational experience. We exist to share the Good analyze strengths and students enrolled
News of Jesus Christ, educating children and families in needs of individual
the Catholic faith. We welcome all to worship and learn students.
with us. Our school provides an innovative approach to 30%
learning while preserving the strong traditions of our • Our classrooms are athletic participation
faith. We strive to provide opportunities to all families engaging, fun and among students
to take advantage of our Catholic education. Our school exciting places to
currently serves 345 students in Pre-K through 8th grade. learn and worship
In addition to maintaining our amazing programs and staff, as teachers craft OF NOTE
we wish to continue to offer affordable tuition and tuition and enhance their STEAM curriculum
assistance to families who demonstrate need. instruction each
year. Teachers Updated spaces for outdoor
Below are some of the ongoing initiatives to improve our attend local and learning and play
academic, athletic and spiritual programs: regional professional
development offerings
• We enrich and broaden our curriculum by integrating to continue their
differentiated resources aimed at individualized need, learning and growth.
meeting our students where they are, while supporting
them in reaching our academic expectations. Students • Our middle school offers student spiritual retreats,
who graduate from our program report that their leadership opportunities and the chance to interact
freshman grades reflect continued success in high with one another in a safe, hands-on environment for
school. Our students achieve high marks on Cardinal learning. The 6th-8th graders serve as role models
Gibbons’ entrance exams, and most are placed in honors for our elementary students and lend their voice and
level courses, and/or math tracks one year ahead of experience to planning school programs.
Common Core. Each spring, our former students appear
on valedictorian and salutatorian lists throughout the • Student enrollment in athletics continues to be as
region, and are featured members in academic and high as 30% of our middle school population during
sports activities. all three sports seasons. Students have the option to
participate in 8 different sports and compete with a
• Resource services continue to grow and provide the range of Catholic, public and private teams throughout
capability to reach an even broader spectrum of learners. the Triangle area. Contributing to our children’s overall
Monitoring academic skills, within a RTI (Response to fitness is also a robust Physical Education curriculum in
Intervention) model, is helping us track the effectiveness all grades.
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