Honoring the Legacy of Saint Mary Help of Christians School
The Spring 2025 graduation marked the closing of a chapter for Saint Mary Help of Christians School (SMHOCS). After prayerful and difficult discernment in the face of many challenges, parish leaders shared this decision with school families and the parish community.
This loss is deeply felt, especially by the families, parishioners, alumni, and staff who have called SMHOCS home. Following decades of faithful service and ten years of partnership with Catholic Community Schools, this moment invites us to reflect on how SMHOCS has blessed generations of students. Their care has nurtured young people in mind, body, and spirit, leaving a legacy that will endure.
We believe in the beauty of faith-based, values-driven education that forms the whole person. SMHOCS was a steadfast partner in this mission. With blessed memories, we honor the ministry we have shared.
As students, families, and educators transition to new schools, we ask you to join us in prayer that they may be welcomed as Christ, and strengthened for the journey ahead.
To all who have walked with us on this journey—thank you. Your partnership, generosity, and steadfast belief in our mission continue to guide and sustain us.
Prayer Service
On May 21, 2025, our community gathered in prayer to say goodbye to Saint Mary Help of Christians School. With parish members, volunteers, retired teachers, families, staff, and representatives from the Bishop’s office in attendance, Father Scott led a beautiful service, opening with this prayer:
Loving God,
We gather today with hearts full of mixed emotions: gratitude, sadness, hope, and trust.
For many years, this school has been a place of learning, laughter, prayer, and growth.
Today, as we prepare to close its doors, we entrust its legacy to You, asking You to bless all who have walked these halls and to guide us as we step forward into new beginnings.
May Your Spirit of wisdom, peace, and unity remain with us.
After the service, guests were invited to walk through the school, visiting classrooms and viewing yearbooks, photographs, memorabilia, and a 1975 article describing the mission to educate the whole child—a mission that still holds true today. Thanks to the thoughtful preparation of Principal Kelly Kirks, families were able to share memories and say goodbye with hearts full of gratitude.
Join Us in Prayer
We invite you to join us in prayer to support our community during this time of change.
Dear God,
Thank You for the gift of
Saint Mary Help of Christians School—
for its students, teachers, staff, and families.
For the friendships, the learning, and the laughter.
For the ways this school shaped our hearts,
our minds, and our faith.
Bring comfort to those in sadness,
and strength to those facing change.
Bless all who have been part of Saint Mary’s,
and let its spirit live on in how we love, serve, and grow.
Keep guiding us, God,
as we move into the future—
strengthened by Your love.
Amen.
