By Gabby Carvens '28

On January 31, Bishop Waltersheid presented a relic of Blessed Carlos Acutis to the entire student body and faculty in Guardian Angels Parish. 

“Bishop Waltersheid has been doing that presentation all throughout Pittsburgh, so when I saw it locally at a parish, I thought that our high schoolers would love that story. So I reached out to our campus minister, Mr. Oto,” said President Jennifer MacNeil ‘89.

This is Dominic Oto’s first year as a campus minister. 

“I wanted to do it for the students. I reached out to someone I know in the dioceses, and then she informed me that Bishop Waltersheid had it. I reached out to him directly, and worked with his office to set it up," said Oto. 

Bishop Waltersheid spoke on how even though Blessed Carlos Acutis was young at his date of passing, he lived his life devoted to God, and never turned away from his faith. 

“Carlo was so young, yet loved God so much. His passion was love, and he shows me that you can make an impact on the people around you right where you are. You don't have to be old or wise, or travel far, you just have to love,” said Sean Wolfe ‘27.

Many students were not only surprised by this, but inspired. 

Wolfe ‘27, said “ When I visited the relic, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. As I held it, I felt like Christ was by my side and with me. I think blessed Carlos wanted my focus to not only be on him but focusing more so on the one he loved so much, Christ.”

On April 27, Blessed Carlos Acutis will be canonized, and become a saint. Saints are always a huge inspiration for people in the Catholic faith, and even other religions. 

“My favorite saint would probably be Saint Sebastian because he is the saint of sports. I play multiple sports myself such as cheer, dance, volleyball, musical, running,” said Emma Monaco ‘28. 

MacNeil  will be going to Assisi, to witness the canonization of Blessed Carlos Acutis. 

“I am excited to go see him be canonized because I am captivated by the story. I truly believe that it is hard to be a teenager in this day and age with all the temptations and peer pressure, so I thought it would be inspiring,” said MacNeil. 

Blessed Carlos Acutis has been a huge inspiration to many students, inspiring their faith and helping to connect them with God. 

Wolfe said “I have been asking for Carlos' Intercession a lot recently. I feel like he has spoken to me and connected to me and my faith. He was reflecting it back to Christ being behind me and having my back.”

By Vanessa Schneider '28

From January 26 to February 1, the nation celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Saint Joseph High School used this celebration as a time of excitement and joy. 

Events are planned every year, and SJHS celebrated with an all-school Kahoot, parents Mass, Latin Mass, a dress down day, and the presentation of a relic. 

Behind the scenes, the student council was working for a couple of months to get these celebrations in place.

“Catholic Schools Week was an entire student council project. All the class officers met about four times to discuss different pieces, and the senior officers met separately with Mrs. Minick along the way,” said Senior Class President David Schratz ‘25.

On Monday January 27, SJHS students came together to play an all-school Kahoot. This allowed for students to learn about their school and appreciate everything that goes into preparing students for college, life, and heaven. 

On Tuesday, January 28, students were able to bring their parents to Mass. Parents were able to see their children thriving in a positive environment. Joy was spreading like wildfire and gratitude was something that was present that week.

“Catholic Schools Week was a great time to celebrate different parts of what make our school great. I love that we recognize the students, teachers, staff, and parents all in unique ways,” said Schratz ‘25.

On Wednesday January 29, the Latin students put together the annual Latin Mass. This Mass is a long held tradition for SJHS. Bishop Larry Kulick '84 was the celebrant at this Mass. It was a fun experience for the Latin students and for other students, parents, or parishioners who were present.

On Thursday January 30, SJHS students and staff were able to dress down. Students had to pay $2 dollars for pink, blue, or teal shirts with uniform bottoms, or $5 dollars for pink, blue, or teal shirts and sweatpants or jeans. 

The proceeds of this fundraiser went to purchasing items on the wish list for Children's Hospital. It was a heartwarming way to children with thyroid cancer and to make a difference in their life.

“Catholic Schools Week was another reminder that I do not have much time left at Saint Joe’s. I tried to make the most of it, especially since I was leading the planning this year,” said Schratz ‘25.

Some members of the student council think it could be even bigger and better. 

“I wish we would’ve done more small activities or dress downs so we could participate in the fun all week. Being a Catholic school is something we should be proud of and celebrate, so I wish we would’ve been allowed to plan more,” said Emma Monaco ‘28.

On Friday January 31, Bishop William Waltersheid presented Blessed Carlo Acutis’ relic to the student body. Students and staff were able to learn about Carlo Acutis’ life and how he came about being blessed. It was an incredible experience for the student body to witness. Overall, Catholic Schools Week was a huge success. 

“Catholic Schools Week was another reminder that I do not have much time left at Saint Joe’s. I tried to make the most of it, especially since I was leading the planning this year,” said Schratz ‘25.

By Brayden Ehrman '27

Saint Joseph Day is celebrated by students and faculty with a day of fun on the feast day, March 19, to commemorate the life and journey of Saint Joseph.

Theology teacher Michael Pater ‘08 said, “It takes a lot of planning. Our senior class and student council are meeting constantly to ensure that everything is planned and is able to run smoothly." 

It is important that everyone at SJ doesn't just celebrate the day with fun, but also admires the life of Saint Joseph. As we celebrated the day, we prayed the Saint Joseph prayer and Novena to connect our celebration with our faith, in honor of our patron saint.

Sean Wolfe, sophomore recipient of 'Most like St. Joseph' Joey award said,   "The award shows that being holy is something attainable. People look up to me, and that it is a big responsibility in matters of faith."

Saint Joseph Day is a good way to connect students from various classes to each other to build community.

It also gives an understanding of what Saint Joseph went through and what he sacrificed for the Holy Family and how he influences us to be just and live his legacy well.

Pater ‘08 said, “I would enjoy a dynamic speaker who can give a talk. Perhaps more of a build up to Saint Joseph Day. I really enjoy that we're doing a novena to prepare this year, so I think more components like this would be a nice addition for future SJ days.”