“Today you are ready to go forth.  I have every confidence that as you go forward, you will show yourselves to be men and women of integrity.  You have a rare gift to offer the world, the perspective of a Catholic school graduate who knows the meaning of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the value of sticking with tasks that are difficult, and the ability to communicate care and compassion to others.”

– Sister Mary Jordan Hoover, O.P., Principal

St. John Paul II Catholic High School was excited to come to the momentous occasion of their third graduation class in school history, as well as their largest graduation to date, with sixty-two graduating seniors.  A great point of pride for them was also having their first graduate to discern a religious vocation! Annika Saenz will be entering aspirancy this summer with the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Child of Jesus.  Sister Maris Stella, O.P., faculty member at St. John Paul II played an instrumental role in helping Annika discern her vocation to religious life and find the Carmelite Sisters.  Reflecting on Annika’s discernment, Sister Maris Stella shares the following words:

“It has been an honor for me to walk with Annika the past few years as she has discerned her vocation to religious life. I have seen peace and joy grow in her as she has moved from a vague sense of being called to devote her life to God to a specific vocation with the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Child of Jesus. As she prepares to enter the aspirancy this summer, our prayers go with her, that she may continue to discern if this is the life to which God is calling her to profess vows for all her life.”

The mission of St. John Paul II Catholic High School is to provide an educational environment that promotes a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through prayer, study, community, and service as disciples.  The model for our mission is our patron saint, Pope Saint John Paul II.  He is an example for us all, a favorite saint.  And with St. John Paul II in mind, the JP2 award is presented to two members of the senior class who exemplify the school mission with a willingness to pursue truth and integrate ethics into all aspects of life.  The recipients of the St. John Paul II Award are: Jude Saarenas and Nina Raphael

St. John Paul II Catholic High School is a new college-preparatory, co-ed high school, rooted in Jesus Christ. Under the patronage of Pope St. John Paul II, and dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, this liberal-arts high school offers a four-year philosophy program.

Led by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia of Nashville, students receive excellent academic training while growing in their ability to think clearly about the ethical and cultural issues of our times. Athletic programs, service opportunities, daily prayer and a house system foster growth and a sense of family.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ is the center of the school. He calls and we respond to Him.

To learn more about St. John Paul II Catholic High School visit: https://www.jp2catholic.org/