Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was the celebrant of a Mass concluding Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 in the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. He was joined by senior leadership from the Office of Catholic Education as well as teachers who have dedicated their lives to the mission of Catholic education for 25 years, 50 years or more. A reception recognizing their years of faithful service followed the Mass. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Celebrating significant anniversaries as Catholic school teachers in the Philadelphia Archdiocese are, from left, Richard D’Ambrosio, 25 years; Sister Meg Fleming, I.H.M., 50 years; and Donna Cratin, 25 years. All three teach at St. Hubert High School for Girls.

  • Cardinal O’Hara High School teachers honored at the Mass include Jim Coyne, 25 years, and Sister Lucy Schluth, R.S.M., 54 years.

  • From left, Sister Regina Kovalik, I.H.M., of West Catholic High School, has taught for 63 years; Sister Gertrude Freil, S.S.J., 54 years, of Bonner-Prendergast; and Sister Ave Armstrong, S.S.J., 53 years, of West Catholic.

  • Carol Anne Dominello, left, of Bishop McDevitt High School marks 59 years and Sister Mary Boyer, S.S.J., of McDevitt celebrates 55 years.

  • Jason Budd of the archdiocesan Office for Catholic Education and principal of Bishop McDevitt Hign School celebrates 25 years and Sister Edward Quinn, I.H.M., of the Office for Catholic Education marks more than 50 years in education.

  • Noreen Diehl, 25 years at Little Flower and an alumna, prays during Mass.

  • Receiving holy Communion is John Dunlop of Father Judge High School, who celebrates 25 years.

  • Richard D’Ambrosio of St. Hubert High School, celebrating 25 years, prays during Mass.

  • Sister of St. Joseph Joanne Mongelli, currently at Archbishop Wood High School and a Catholic school teacher for 50 years, receives Communion from Bishop Michael Fitzgerald.

  • Juliane Teson of Father Judge High School marks 25 years.

  • Bishop Fitgerald chats with Mia Donohue, 25 years, and Kathleen O’Neil, 25 years, from Our Lady of Calvary School in Northeast Philadelphia during the reception after Mass.

  • Edward Dormer of Archbishop Ryan High School marks 25 years in Catholic education.

  • Bishop Fitzgerald chats with Barbara Parella Knezo from Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic School, West Brandywine. Also shown is Andrew McLaughlin, archdiocesan secretary for elementary schools