Our Catholic Schools - Columbus

09/11/2026

Today, September 11, we remember.

Today, students at St. Christopher Catholic School joined the 9/11 Memorial Climb/Walk sponsored by the City of Grandview Heights.

In the days leading up to today, students have been learning about the events of September 11, 2001, and reflecting on what it means to remember. Through this experience, they are learning that remembrance carries a responsibility: to reject hatred, honor human dignity, serve others, and choose hope.

A special thank you to the Grandview Heights Fire Department for making this meaningful experience possible and for giving our students an opportunity to remember, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of so many.

We remember. We honor. We hope.

09/02/2026

Cristo Rey Columbus High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of its new middle school. Principal Ryan Michelle Pettit addressed the gathered donors and welcomed the inaugural sixth-grade class. Middle school teachers Madeleine Abels and Alexandra Snyder helped the class cut a custom-made Cristo Rey Middle School ribbon.

The idea to open a middle school at Cristo Rey was born from a desire to better prepare students for the challenging transition from middle to high school and to reach students earlier. The goal of introducing students to Cristo Rey’s high standards at a younger age will allow for improvement in their academic performance, ready them for more challenging concepts, and provide a strategic runway and a singular, cohesive transition to our high school, giving more families in Columbus the option for their child to receive a Catholic school education.

While there is only one middle school class now, the goal is to have a full middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes) at Cristo Rey Columbus. Please join us in prayers for these young students throughout the school year!

08/25/2026

Catholic Education: An Act of Hope

Catholic education is growing across the Diocese of Columbus, and with that growth comes an incredible opportunity: to form the hearts, minds and souls of young people in the truth and love of Jesus Christ.

As Bishop Earl K. Fernandes shares in recent conversations with Vatican News and OSV News, Catholic education is more than academics. It is a mission of evangelization, a partnership between families, educators, pastors and schools, and a powerful way to propose Christ to the next generation.

We are grateful for the incredible momentum in our Catholic schools and for all those who make this mission possible. The time is now.

Read more from OSV News and Vatican News below:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/catholic-schools-surge-in-ohio-bishop-now-is-the-time-to-act.html
https://www.osvnews.com/catholic-education-is-an-act-of-hope-that-proclaims-christs-love-says-bishop-fernandes/

With Catholic schools in the US Diocese of Columbus nearing capacity and its first new elementary school in 30 years set to open, Bishop Earl ...

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Bishop Watterson student and Ohio State commit Michael Boyle on winning the U20 World Championship in wrestling! 🤼‍♂️

What an incredible accomplishment and a proud moment for Michael, his family, Bishop Watterson, and our entire Catholic Schools community. We’re excited to celebrate this incredible achievement!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcZXwgAn18_/?igsi=ZDduZ3AxNGVpdXdt

08/23/2026

It's almost time for Friday night football! In this Catholic Times article, Tim Puet took a pre-season look at the diocesan football teams and spoke with multiple coaches. Who will you be in the stands cheering for this fall? https://catholictimescolumbus.org/local/diocesan-teams-prepare-for-high-school-football-season

08/21/2026

Today, Saint Mary School German Village continued its annual tradition of Schultüte. The Schultüte or "cone-giving" is a tradition that takes place in Germany and other European countries to encourage the newest students at the start of a new school year. At Saint Mary, the tradition continues as a way to connect with the neighborhood's German roots

As principal Gina Stull called each first-grade student's name, pastor Fr. Tim Lynch handed them a cone filled with gifts. The entire school attended the celebration, and each class presented a gift to welcome the first graders to the "big school".

Please continue to pray for all our students as they begin a new year!

08/20/2026

Ave Maria Academy at Saint Peter Saint Joan of Arc Parish opened its doors on August 19th! The school, which offers two preschool classes and a kindergarten classroom, is the first parochial school to open in the diocese in 30 years.

Read more in this Catholic Times article, written by Hannah Heil: https://catholictimescolumbus.org/schools/ave-maria-academy-opens-in-diocese/

08/20/2026

Today, I led a prayer service at Ave Maria Academy, the first parochial Catholic school to open in the Diocese of Columbus in 30 years.

Please join me in praying for all of the students, families, and staff in all of Our Catholic Schools as they begin the new school year.

08/19/2026

Ave Maria Academy is officially open!

This morning, Bishop Earl K. Fernandes blessed the new Ave Maria Academy at Saint Peter Saint Joan of Arc Parish, the first parochial school to open in the Diocese of Columbus in over 30 years. Students, parents and guardians, and teachers gathered to celebrate the first day of school.

We invite you to pray for the students, staff and faculty of Ave Maria Academy and all of Our Catholic Schools as they begin the new school year!

Photos by Sarah Lightle

08/15/2026

The University of Notre Dame ALMA team has been busy preparing educators across our diocese to better serve students for whom English is a new language. On Thursday, the team met with the Catholic schools of Tuscarawas County, sharing resources and strategies to support their students and teachers.

Then, on Friday, 165 teachers and administrators from seven additional Catholic schools gathered at St. Josephine Bakhita School for the ALMA Summit. Professors from Notre Dame guided our educators in strengthening their knowledge and skills while sharing ideas and learning from one another.

As the new school year begins, these dedicated educators are excited and prepared to welcome their students and create classrooms where every child is known, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.