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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.

Each year, Catholic school staff from across the Diocese come together for a day of inspiration, recognition, prayer and celebration. This year, over 300 dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff gathered at Central Catholic High School in Modesto. Friends mingled over breakfast and then listened to a distinguished leader in Catholic education, Kevin Baxter, who inspired them to serve with joy!

This year, the Stockton Diocese has been blessed to welcome five teaching fellows from across the nation to serve as K-12 educators.

School is back in session in the Diocese of Stockton! Smiles are bright and spirits are high as students join us for the 2025-2026 school year. May our Lord continue to bless their educational journeys, and the educators who have dedicated themselves to forming them with love!

Saint Mary’s High School in Stockton Celebrates 150 Years of Faith, Education, and Tradition

On Thursday, June 15, educators throughout the diocese came together to celebrate the graduates of the ACE Ascent Program—a two-year formation program that prepares participants for collaborative and mission-driven leadership in Catholic education.

Amidst the hustle of finals, end-of-year celebrations, and graduations, Catholic school students pause to honor Mary with a May crowning ceremony. Each community adds its own flair, yet all share the same excitement for this beloved tradition.

Artwork from students of all grade levels was beautifully displayed in St. Luke's Social Hall during an immersive art show held on April 29-30. This year's theme was "St Luke's Students Take You Around the World."

Faith-filled, service-oriented, passionate learner–these are the qualities that earned 110 students the Monsignor James DeGroot Christian Leadership Award this year. Administrators and educators from each elementary school selected ten young people, from various grade levels, who consistently demonstrated these virtues throughout the academic year.

A student at St. Mary's High School was recognized this month for her outstanding work in the Congressional Art Competition. Susan, a sophomore, received the 1st place award in painting for the 9th Congressional District. The title of her piece, "Becoming American" is an expression of "how European colonization changed native American land. The flag rising amidst the desert and wave represents the arrival, while the peaceful landscape below shows the land before the takeover."

Every year, sixth grade students across the Stockton Diocese are invited to submit an original essay on a chosen theme. This year, that theme was "What does your Bishop, Priest, or Deacon mean to you?"

On March 25, 2025, St. Stanislaus Catholic School proudly hosted the 5th Annual Religion Decathlon for the Diocese of Stockton. Students from each diocesan elementary school showcased their knowledge of the faith and their love for the Lord through friendly competition. Congratulations to all the participants on a job well done!