COLORADO SPRINGS. In a world where information is ever present and “news” is gathered through both official and unofficial sources, the profession of journalist has become less defined. The question of what is classified as journalism and who can claim the title of journalist is harder than ever to nail down. But the students in the 21st Century Journalism and Broadcasting class at St. Mary’s High School are not only learning to hone their critical thinking skills, but also gaining hands-on experience in producing news that is relevant to their community.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Crisp uniforms are on order, stacked boxes yield fresh textbooks, and new lockers line the hall as Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Walsingham prepares for the first day of its inaugural year. This classical Catholic high school, located on the campus of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, welcomes students Sept. 7.

COLORADO SPRINGS. After an extraordinary year of learning to educate during a global pandemic, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Colorado Springs are excited to welcome their students back to campus in person for the 2021-2022 school year. School administrators have worked with health guidance experts to develop a plan for the year that addresses the students’ mental, emotional and physical health.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Building on a solid foundation, rooted in tradition while leaning into the future, describes the upcoming 2021-2022 school year at St. Mary’s High School. Two academic tracks have been created to ensure that St. Mary’s is fulfilling its mission of preparing students for both college and life.

(Editor’s Note: Following is the second installment of a series on St. Mary’s High School’s new theology curriculum and other new course offerings. Information sessions on St. Mary’s will take place June 13 at St. Patrick Parish after the 5 p.m. Mass, at St. Peter Parish in Monument on June 20 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass, and at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish on June 27 after the 10 a.m. Mass.)

COLORADO SPRINGS. In recent months, St. Mary’s High School has been undergoing a process of  updating its curriculum, organizational structure and other aspects of the school in order to better position it for future success. Following is an explanation of how St. Mary’s has revised its theology curriculum:

COLORADO SPRINGS. For St. Mary’s High School boys basketball coach Jim Masterson, basketball is more than a game — it’s a way to teach faith. The motto of the team is “win or lose, give glory to God.” That idea was tested this year as the team experienced an undefeated season that carried them to the state championship game only to lose in the title game. While the disappointment of the defeat still stings, Masterson and his team are grounded in faith and looking toward the future.

COLORADO SPRINGS. One week ago marked one-year since St. Mary’s High School was last together as a whole community. On March 29, St. Mary’s will return to full in-person instruction with students and teachers on campus five days a week. It will have been 54 weeks and three days — 381 days total — since the pandemic forced the school into the “new normal” of combining in-person and online instruction.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Supporters of Catholic education understand that Catholic schools are fundamental to the survival of the Catholic faith. As part of its ongoing effort to bring quality Catholic education to Colorado Springs, Corpus Christi School is adopting the Classical (Catholic Liberal Arts Education) model starting in the 2021-2022 school year.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Catholic education in Colorado Springs offers parents quality academics with a foundation in faith that will guide students for life. In the coming months and years, that commitment to excellence will only improve with the signing of a Strategic Alliance agreement between St. Mary’s High School and the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Inspired by Faith. Everything at St. Mary’s High School is inspired by faith. The theological foundation that the school helps build in its students is one of the many reasons that families choose St. Mary’s for their children’s high school education.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Catholic Schools Week will be observed Jan. 31-Feb. 5. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the annual All Schools Mass will take place virtually this year. However, individual schools are finding creative ways to celebrate the event. Following is a listing of the various activities planned by schools in the diocese for Catholic Schools Week.