WILMINGTON – The school stage was ready for its historic moment. A podium was flanked by two pink azaleas, potted in gold foil. A large, 3D paper flower, in pink and yellow, was attached to the front of the podium. More than 30 chairs, labeled with name tags, faced the gym and were ready to seat student speakers, community leaders, artists, cadets, a queen and her court.   

RALEIGH – Her family was in the front row. Her 3rd grade students sat an aisle over and a few rows back. And the committee that named her its award recipient was situated near the altar.

RALEIGH – Eighth grade students from the Diocese of Raleigh’s Catholic schools met at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral April 29 for Mass and an outdoor lunch organized in their honor.

They arrived from towns and cities, including Greenville, Southern Pines and Fayetteville, throughout the diocese. The students were joined by teachers, administrators, chaperones and parish priests.   

In his homily, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama shared that the disciples were people who were doing their best.

Our school, St. Peter in Greenville, was blessed with a visit from Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama on Friday, May 2. We celebrated Mass as the first event of the day. Bishop Zarama shared a story in his homily about one of the times he met Pope Francis. He recounted how Pope Francis, in his humility, served his interpreter a glass of water during a very long meeting, rather than serving himself. The Mass was truly beautiful, with student lectors and songs from our school's two choirs—the Grace Notes and the Treble Cats.

The Saint Raphael Catholic School Chess Club made a powerful impression at the 2nd SRCS Chess Club Tournament, held Saturday, May 3 — and the results were nothing short of spectacular.

A total of 54 students from over seven schools competed in five challenging rounds, showcasing strategic thinking, composure under pressure, and great sportsmanship.

Representing SRCS were: Peter, Abbott, Liam, Wyatt F, Wyatt M, Basil, and Fletcher — and each of these dedicated “chessies” delivered inspiring performances!

Highlights of our team’s success include:

The Diocese of Raleigh, in collaboration with Cardinal Gibbons High School, is forging ahead with an ambitious plan to open a new Catholic high school in the Triangle area, set to welcome its first students in fall 2028. This initiative underscores the diocese’s commitment to expanding access to Catholic secondary education by leveraging the successful model established at Cardinal Gibbons.

The Diocese of Raleigh is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcelo Eureste as the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective June 16. Eureste joins the Diocese of Raleigh from the Diocese of Brownsville, where he served as superintendent for the past two school years.

RALEIGH - Two local students recently received scholarship support that honors their Patawomeck Tribe heritage. Siblings Della and Axel Eaves discovered and applied for the opportunity, which was sponsored with a grant from the national Black and Indian Mission Office.

According to its website, the organization gives to Catholic dioceses, schools and religious education programs to support the evangelization of African American, Native American and Alaska Native Communities.

RALEIGH – Leaders from Diocese of Raleigh Schools joined their counterparts from the NC Association of Independent Schools Aug. 1 for a safety workshop at St. David’s School.

The group of more than 150 professionals gathered to learn from one another and learn from Staci Batterson, an educator from Colorado and trainer for the I Love U Guys Foundation. She delivered a workshop centered on the organization’s standard response protocol and standard reunification method.

Pastors from parishes with schools, school principals, administrators, teachers and staff gathered at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral to celebrate the annual All-Schools Employee Mass with Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama.

Bishop Luis noted during his homily that this is a special moment in the Diocese of Raleigh as we celebrate our Centennial. And he noted the important role of Catholic schools in that history and the importance of working with young people in the diocese.