Posted September 10, 2020

Archbishop Nelson Perez was on hand Sept. 9 at West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia to welcome back seniors and juniors for the first day of the new school year which, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is unlike any other. He encouraged the students and praised the faculty and administrators who are providing in-person and virtual instruction in a unique, innovative model. Read the full story of the archbishop’s visit. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • A student at West Catholic Preparatory High School is greeted by Archbishop Nelson Pérez, who was on hand Sept. 9 to offer a blessing and words of hope at the start of the new academic year, which will feature a hybrid learning model due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • A student entering West Catholic on the first day back to school greets the school’s president, Andrew Brady (center left), along with Archbishop Nelson Perez (left) and Immaculate Heart Sister Maureen McDermott (right), superintendent of secondary schools for the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education.

  • Students get a temperature and health wellness check before entering school.

  • Archbishop Perez greets a student beginning her first day back at West Catholic.

  • Students sitting at a safe social distance listen to speakers including Archbishop Perez at a morning assembly in which he offered them prayerful encouragement for the 2020-2021 academic year.

  • Students receive a Chromebook computer on the first day of school at West Catholic.