Posted September 19, 2019

More than 300 students from Archdiocesan Catholic schools gathered Sept. 6 on the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, kicking off the new academic year with prayer and a pep rally.

Archbishop Charles Chaput challenged the students to “embrace the gift of Catholic education,” noting that through their service to others, they would discover that “small acts of Christian love are contagious.”

(All photos by Sarah Webb.)

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput addresses students at a Sept. 6 rally marking the start of the new academic year at archdiocesan Catholic schools.

  • Averie Houseman, a kindergarten student at St. Martha School in Northeast Philadelphia, was one of the youngest students in attendance.

  • Students sing “Happy Birthday” to Archbishop Chaput, who will celebrate his 75th later in September.

  • West Catholic High School won the rally’s mascot race.

  • Eight-grader Nicholas and first-grader Isabelle Rogers, both from St Martha’s School, danced during the Sept. 6 rally.