Catholic schools celebrate first day of new school year

At the end of August, many Catholic school teachers and staff welcomed back their students with special decorations for first day of school, taking photos and holding prayer services, prep rallies and other welcoming activities. Riverside Notre Dame High School seniors participated in their annual tradition of hiking to the top of Mt. Rubidoux for Senior Sunrise and a special blessing from Father Paul Schmidt, SVD, campus chaplain. Palm Desert Xavier College Preparatory High School also held its annual tradition for its seniors by participating in its Senior Sunrise and prayer. St. Peter and St. Paul School, Alta Loma, received a special blessing of the classrooms, students and school. Our Lady of the Assumption School in San Bernardino held a special welcoming ceremony on Aug. 18 and celebrated the first Mass of the school year the next day. May God bless all students, teachers and staff as they begin the new school year!