St. Mark Catholic School

Last week, we gathered for a special end-of-year reception to honor several beloved faculty members as they begin exciting new chapters, whether through retirement or relocating with their families.

Mrs. Thornley shared heartfelt words celebrating each honoree’s unique contributions to our school community and presented them with meaningful gifts as a token of our gratitude. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with reflection, appreciation, and cherished memories.

One particularly touching moment came when Stacy Desormeaux read an original poem she wrote, “Yelanich, Adieu,” in honor of her fellow second-grade teacher and friend as she prepares for retirement. Her words captured the deep friendships, lasting impact, and special bonds formed within our school family.

While we will miss these remarkable educators and colleagues, we are grateful for the countless lives they have touched and wish them every happiness and success in the journey ahead.

Thank you for your years of service, dedication, and love for our students. You will always be a treasured part of our school family.

We closed the school year the same way we began it - together at Mass.

In his homily, Father Angermeyer reminded us that Ordinary Time is represented by green because it is a season of growth. As we head into summer, he encouraged our students to take what they’ve learned this year and put it into action: keep prayer schedules, seek our Lord, and grow in faith - just like the blind man in the Gospel who sought Jesus.

We also celebrated students receiving service hour awards and proudly announced the inaugural recipients of the Msgr. Bellow Impact in Education Award: Stacy Desormeaux, Carolyn Galante, and Amy Myers. These three incredible educators have been part of the St. Mark family since our doors first opened in 2003, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to Catholic education and our community.

Each recipient received a plaque and a $3,000 award made possible through the generosity of our Lion Heart Annual Fund supporters. Thank you for helping us honor the heart of St. Mark! 🦁

We closed the school year the same way we began it - together at Mass.

In his homily, Father Angermeyer reminded us that Ordinary Time is represented by green because it is a season of growth. As we head into summer, he encouraged our students to take what they’ve learned this year and put it into action: keep prayer schedules, seek our Lord, and grow in faith, just like the blind man in the Gospel who sought Jesus.

We also celebrated students receiving service hour awards and proudly announced the inaugural recipients of the Msgr. Bellow Impact in Education Award: Stacy Desormeaux, Carolyn Galante, and Amy Myers. These three incredible educators have been part of the St. Mark family since our doors first opened in 2003, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to Catholic education and our community.

Each recipient received a plaque and a $3,000 award made possible through the generosity of our Lion Heart Annual Fund supporters. Thank you for helping us honor the heart of St. Mark! 🦁

There’s something special about coming home. 💙

Today, our graduating seniors walked the halls of St. Mark once again - this time a little taller, a little wiser, and surrounded by the teachers and staff who helped shape their journey. They laughed through old yearbooks, shared treats and memories, watched their 8th grade slideshow, and were celebrated with a joyful clap out from the community that first believed in them.

Moments like these remind us that education is so much more than lessons and classrooms. It’s relationships, encouragement, and the lasting impact of people who help children grow into who they are meant to be.

Once a LION, always a LION. Congratulations, seniors! We are so proud of the people you’ve become, and we can’t wait to see where your next chapter takes you. 🎓

A note from our PTO…

We join our parish community in celebrating the ordination of the newest deacons of the Diocese of Charlotte. Congratulations to Deacons Bradley Loftin, Connor White, and Patrick Martin on this joyful milestone in their journey of faith and service to Christ and His Church.

As a school, we are especially proud to celebrate Deacons Bradley Loftin and Connor White, both alumni of St. Mark Catholic School. Seeing former students answer God's call in such a profound way is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of Catholic education, faithful families, and a community rooted in prayer.

Their example serves as an inspiration to our current students. God has a unique plan for every child, and we pray that our young Lions remain open to His voice and courageous in following wherever He leads.

Please join us in congratulating these newly ordained deacons and in praying for a continued increase in vocations throughout the Church.

A grateful end to a grace-filled day.
Fr. John with the newly ordained Deacons Bradley Loftin, Connor White and Patrick Martin, together with the seminarians of St. Mark who served at today’s Mass.

Vocations grow in the life of the Church through families, friendship, prayer, and the encouragement of faithful parishioners.

Today we rejoice with all those ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte and give thanks in a special way for the men of St. Mark who continue to answer Christ’s call.

Thank you to the many parishioners who support seminarians, priests, and deacons through your prayers, encouragement, and generosity.

Please continue to pray for vocations and for all those called to Holy Orders.