Cardinal Spellman Reflects on Catholic Schools Week

Brockton, MA - This year, Cardinal Spellman High School marked Catholic Schools Week with an inspiring series of events focused on the theme of pilgrimage, celebrating both individual journeys and shared Catholic identity. The week’s activities, which emphasized faith, service, and community, provided students with meaningful opportunities to reflect on their own personal journeys, as well as to strengthen their connection with the broader Catholic tradition.

Inspired by the well-known Catholic pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, the school’s theme underscored the idea that life is a journey - unique for each individual, yet united in faith. The Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route that stretches through Spain to the shrine of Saint James, is known for its deep spiritual significance, with thousands of Catholics from around the world walking its paths each year. This year, the pilgrimage theme also aligned with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a time of forgiveness, repentance, and joy, in which Catholics are encouraged to embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites. 

“We wanted to create a meaningful and transformative experience for our students,” said Reilly Johnston, Director of Campus Ministry. “The Camino de Santiago is a powerful symbol of spiritual growth, and it ties beautifully into this year’s Jubilee theme. We hope our students recognize that their personal faith journeys, just like a pilgrimage, are unique to them, but they are all part of a greater, shared path as Catholics.”

As part of the school’s Catholic Schools Week observance, students participated in a special “Camino de Spellman” retreat, designed to immerse them in the pilgrimage experience. The day began with a short call to action from the Head of School, Dan Hodes, who spoke of his own experience on the Camino in 1997, and reminded the students of the importance of entering the Camino with no expectations, but being open to God’s grace, by entering fully into the day. The Camino featured various interactive stations where students engaged in prayer, reflection, games, and lessons, all tied to the theme of the Camino. Students had the freedom to choose their own path through the stations, reflecting the idea that everyone’s journey is personal and different. 

“By creating this ‘Camino Day’ experience, we wanted to allow our students to reflect on where they are in their spiritual journey and where they are headed,” said Johnston. “It’s a reminder that each person’s path is different, but we’re all united through our Catholic identity.”

In addition to the retreat, the school hosted a variety of traditional Catholic Schools Week activities, including:

Teaching Mass: A first for Cardinal Spellman, this special Mass was celebrated by a visiting priest from Stonehill College, offering students a unique opportunity to learn about the Mass. The priest explained the significance of each part of the liturgy, helping students deepen their understanding of the sacred rituals of the Church.

“We were thrilled to bring the Teaching Mass to Spellman for the first time,” said Johnston. “It’s a wonderful way to engage students more deeply with the liturgy and help them understand the rich traditions of our faith.”

All-School Service Day: Students were sent out to serve at various local organizations, giving back to the community through acts of service.

Benediction: Father Paul and Deacon Joe blessed classrooms and students, offering prayers for peace, guidance, and strength.

The week culminated in a celebration of the strong Catholic identity of the school and its commitment to fostering a sense of community, service, and personal growth. Through these activities, students not only learned about their faith but also experienced the joy of living out that faith through service and prayer.

Cardinal Spellman High School looks forward to continuing to inspire students on their spiritual journeys, encouraging them to walk the path of faith with courage, joy, and compassion.

Students participated in a collaborative project during the “Camino de Spellman” where they created smaller crosses as a part of a larger picture. This artwork was a poignant visual symbol of the shared pilgrimage of life and the unity of the school’s Catholic identity.

Photo by Margaret Bean, Art Teacher at Cardinal Spellman High School

Cardinal Spellman High School is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to maximize their potential within a Catholic environment. Our students are encouraged to engage across a variety of experiences of school life, embodying a true renaissance spirit. A scholar who is also a midfielder and a servant leader, this is the Spellman experience! Over the past five years, Spellman has been voted ‘Top Private School’ by The Patriot Ledger, Enterprise, and South Shore Home, Life & Style.

 Lauren Sullivan is the Communications Associate ([email protected]) at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA., a coeducational, college preparatory school founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph.