Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Office of Catholic Education Kick Off the 2017-2018 School Year with Official Back-to-School Event and Pep Rally

Students from Archdiocesan elementary schools, high schools and schools of special education will line the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul as part of the official kick off for the 234th school year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees the Office of Catholic Education, and Mr. Christopher Mominey, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education, will welcome students throughout the 119 parish and regional elementary schools, 17 high schools and 4 schools of special education back to school. 

The event will feature the Bishop Shanahan High School Acapela Ensemble singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and the Saint Francis de Sales School Choir performing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

 10:00 a.m.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Steps of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The pep rally will also include members of the Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Cheerleading Team and the Cardinal O’Hara High School Marching Band and Color Guard.  In addition, mascots from Archdiocesan high schools will complete in a friendly mascot race!  

The event will be streamed live from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools website at www.aopcatholicschools.org.  A Drone will be used to capture additional footage overhead. 

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Editor’s Notes:  For information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.  For information about Faith in the Future please visit www.faithinthefuture.com/.    

Contact:

Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747