The third-grade girls’ basketball team at All Saints Academy has been named champions for the first time in the school’s history! The hard work and dedication of both players and coaches truly paid off. Programs like CYO give students the opportunity to develop physical strength and athletic ability, teamwork, and fill them with the pride and joy of saying, “We did it!”

Buddy programs throughout the diocese offer meaningful opportunities for students of all ages to grow together. Older students are paired with younger ones and meet periodically for a variety of activities designed to foster connection and community.

Fifth-grade students at St. Bernard Catholic School in Tracy have been challenged to design their very own haunted houses—and to persuade others that they’re too good to pass up! Putting their persuasive writing skills to the test, students use strong reasoning, vivid descriptions, and plenty of creativity to make living in their spooky homes sound like a dream (not a nightmare!).

On October 7, sixth-graders at Sacred Heart Patterson enacted the Luminous mysteries for a Live Rosary in honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Each student with their beads in hand followed along as students took turns leading a reflection. The room was remarkably absent of chatter and noise aside from the steady recitation of prayer and sacred music. Devotion to the Blessed Mother is one thing that sets Catholic schools apart from other private schools. Teaching this prayer subsequently teaches the life of Jesus. It also encourages quiet reflection, self-regulation, and, most importantly, a relationship with God. Many Catholic schools throughout the Stockton Diocese celebrate the Month of the Rosary with rosary-making activities, processions, even giant balloon rosaries.

Students at Sacred Heart Turlock had the opportunity to see concepts from science class—such as biology, ecosystems, and conservation—come to life during their visit to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo this September. By observing live animals and learning about the zoo’s conservation efforts, students deepened their understanding of the natural world while gaining a greater appreciation for God’s creation. This experience not only enriched their academic studies but also inspired them to embrace their responsibility as stewards of our common home, caring for the earth with gratitude and respect.