Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito has frequently stated that Catholic schools are a priority in the Diocese of Palm Beach. This is not mere sentiment expressed by the bishop in support of his schools; rather, it is a concrete reality demonstrated in the support he has provided to pastors, administrators, families and students on a daily basis.

Looking back on his nearly 15 years as superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Gary Gelo recalled a meeting in which he reminded school administrators that they are superheroes for the work they do.

In Corona, Queens, where parking spots are as scarce as miracles, Our Lady of Sorrows Church has transformed a daily challenge into a unique ministry.

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW), January 25–31, 2026, is truly a time to celebrate the tradition of Catholic school excellence, faith-focused learning, strong communities, commitment to service, holistic education, and inspirational leadership.

Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops' Statement

St. Helen School in Vero Beach — as in all Catholic schools — strives to provide an excellent education that incorporates faith, academics, service and leadership, encouraging children to incorporate their faith into their everyday activities as a witness of Christ’s love.

The diocesan faithful are invited to witness the priestly ordination of Deacon Jedidiah Preble on Saturday, January 31st, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.

Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 22 to Friday, January 23, 2026, to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is back for 2026 with a special route that will travel the East Coast from St. Augustine, Florida, to Portland, Maine, ending in Philadelphia, organizers announced Jan. 8.

On Dec. 19, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito and appointed Bishop-Elect Rodríguez, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, and a native of the Dominican Republic, as the new leader of the five-county diocese.

The Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (PBDCCW) is again pleased to offer the Fr. Clem Hammerschmitt One Thousand Dollar ($1,000.00) Catholic High School Scholarship Award for the academic year 2026-2027.

The Ryan Center for Young Children, a ministry of Holy Family Parish in Port St. Lucie, was gifted a large crucifix by parishioner and local police officer Ben Gaspar two years ago.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Corona (Queens), New York, as the sixth Bishop of Palm Beach. The bishop-elect succeeds Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, who has served the diocese since 2003.

Students from St. Joan of Arc School in Boca Raton visited the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Palm Beach Gardens Dec. 4, 2025.

Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, has been patroness of the United States since the mid-19th century. But her protection of the nation dates back to its earliest history.

The future is so bright at Cardinal Newman High School that a new project aims to add a bit of shade.

On November 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will dialogue directly with young people!

Many members of Sacred Heart Parish participated in a Marian music concert Oct. 17 at the Lake Worth Beach church and performed exceptionally well, according to Salomé Mondelus, director of faith formation and youth ministry. With a profound love for Mary, she said the concert is close to her heart.

Discover Catholic Schools Week (DCSW), November 16–22, 2025, is the companion to Celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW), January 25–31, 2025.

John Carroll High School marked a milestone Oct. 23, 2025, with the grand opening of its new athletic fieldhouse, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A highlight of the evening was the dedication of the building in honor of former coach and mentor Dave Vercillo, who attended with many family members and friends.

After more than a decade of dedicated service, Gary Gelo, superintendent of schools, will retire in February 2026. He has led Catholic education in the diocese with vision, integrity and unwavering faith.

St. Helen Parish’s Respect Life ministry sponsors a butterfly release every year in remembrance of unborn babies. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, their hope is that the symbolic release will transform grief into hope and healing of the loss of an unborn baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.

The month of November begins this year with our moving the clocks back an hour on its first Sunday, Nov. 2. As we do so, we are reminded, as we gain an extra hour, that time is always moving forward.

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito recently blessed the new athletic field at Saint John Paul II Academy, capping the first phase of capital improvements to sports facilities on the Boca Raton campus.

Students at Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach joined a worldwide drive to pray the rosary Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and at other times during October, the month of the rosary.

After an earthquake reduced their parish buildings to rubble, a priest and a Catholic educator teamed up to rebuild their beloved church and school -- starting with the children whose faith was formed there.

The Communications and Development Offices of the Diocese of Palm Beach recently received statewide recognition for excellence in public relations, marketing and communications.

It was a joyous occasion as the Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women celebrated its fourth Golden Rose Award ceremony Oct. 4, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. Twenty-one young women in the diocese were honored for their exemplary leadership and service in their parishes.

The entire Church in the United States is especially encouraged to pray this Nationwide Novena in solidarity with Catholics across the country from October 10 to October 18 each year, beginning on World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) and concluding on the feast of Saint Luke the Physician (Oct 18).

According to the StThereseusa2025.com website, her relics will go to California; Washington, D.C.; Texas; Wisconsin; and various Carmelite convents through December.

Speaking Sept. 25, 2025, at St. Bernadette Parish in Port St. Lucie, Amelia “Mia” Akins, a campus formation coordinator with Students for Life of America, detailed the scope of her national organization.

Whether you're new to our scholarships or renewing, we're here to support you—no matter where you're stationed. This guide will help you determine which documents to include with your child’s application to confirm Florida residency.

Under the banner of “Live the Light of Christ,” the 2025-26 Lumen Christi Schools Appeal has begun in support of the Diocese of Palm Beach’s 18 Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

The Diocese of Palm Beach is home to schools where faith and learning come alive, and during my Bright Lights Tour, I had the privilege of experiencing that energy and dedication firsthand.

It was historic for the Catholic faithful around the world, especially the youth, as Pope Leo XIV proclaimed Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as canonized saints Sept. 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Rome. It was the Holy Father’s first canonization of saints.

The Diocese of Palm Beach announces an upcoming leadership transition in the Office of Catholic Schools.

After reciting the Angelus prayer with thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV publicly prayed for the victims of the Minneapolis school shooting and prayed for an end to gun violence.

During the summer break, many Catholic families get away for a vacation of fun and relaxation. For school administrators, especially ones whose campus is undergoing significant renovations, time away can be hard to come by.

Please join with us in prayer for the victims, families and all involved in this tragedy.

LIVE UPDATES: Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis MN.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach opened for the 2025-26 term Aug. 11. At three local Catholic preschools, 14 elementaries and three high schools, more than 7,200 students are being educated in how to “Live the Light of Christ” today and for the rest of their lives.

The Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, with Bishop Barbarito’s blessing, will again present to exceptional young women in our Diocese the Golden Rose Award. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2025.

The Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Catholic Schools closely monitors any tropical disturbances and inclement weather. During this hurricane season, and as always, the safety of our Diocese of Palm Beach school faculty, staff and students is a top priority.

A group of 23 teenagers and seven chaperones from Sacred Heart Parish attended a Steubenville Youth Conference in Atlanta July 11-13.

Proceeds from the fundraising campaign are allocated to support and enhance the education of the more than 7,200 students enrolled in local Catholic schools, thanks to the generosity of many benefactors.

Father Ducasse François, pastor of St. Juliana Parish in West Palm Berach, has announced the hiring of Keller Lanahan as principal of St. Juliana School, effective July 16.

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, together with Gary Gelo, superintendent of schools, have announced the appointment of Laurie Suarez Wilt as the next principal of Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth Beach, which became effective April 28.

Saint John Paul II Academy announced May 22 that Edward Bernot, current school principal, would assume the role of president, effective immediately.

This year celebrate your Father’s Day with a little Catholic pizzazz…