September 5, 2026

Catholic schools welcome back more than 3000 students for the new year

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – With prayer and purpose, 3057 students enrolled in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Springfield headed back to class for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is an increase of 49 students over last year’s enrollment. There are 11 elementary schools, two high schools, and three parish-based preschools.

Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke welcomed 70 new students from the former Blessed Sacrament School which closed in June. They also incorporated many of their traditions.

Parents from Blessed Sacrament brought “Chalk-the-Walk” to Mater Dolorosa, writing encouraging messages to students for their first day. Mater Dolorosa also has artwork and religious items from Blessed Sacrament.

“We received two pieces of artwork from Blessed Sacrament hoping that when the students came last Monday they would recognize something from their old school and that would help them feel warm and fuzzy, that we are welcoming them,” said Mary Fedora, the principal of Mater Dolorosa School.

With the addition of the students from Blessed Sacrament, Mater Dolorosa now has 232 students enrolled.

“I like being at a Catholic school. It gives us one extra subject every day to learn about God and continue in my faith,” said grade eight student William Rivest, who came from Blessed Sacrament where he was the president of student council.

“I think I’m going to try basketball, here. It’s a new experience to have a basketball team here and just try to experience everything I can on this last year before high school,” said Rivest.

Father Michael Pierz is the new pastor of Our Lady of the Cross Parish in Holyoke, which oversees Mater Dolorosa School.

St. John the Baptist School in Ludlow has 233 students enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year. The school is installing new windows, doors and a new playground.

St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams has a new middle school teacher, Abby Bird, who attended the school kindergarten through grade eight. The 22-year old is a parishioner at St. John Paul II Parish in Adams and a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

“I love the smaller classroom sizes. I’m able to connect with students more, the way my teachers were able to connect with me. I still have teachers that taught me here, so  being able to have that connection and their support and guidance is great,” said Bird.

Students at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield were the first to go back to school with their first day Monday, August 24.

“I’m looking forward to growing in my faith,” said junior Amare Williams. “I feel like when I first came to school, I was close with God, but wasn’t really close with God. But I feel like I grew in my faith (here) and still trying to expand it,” he said.

There are 446 students enrolled at Pope Francis Preparatory School.

“As a Christian leader, I am looking forward to growing in my faith and spending time with other students,” said senior Eden Finelli, who is in the Christian leadership class.

“I want to be a role model and be the light in the school and help out younger students,” she said.

Head of School Paul Harrington, Ph. D., said Catholic schools are a special place.

“I think the main difference is that we’re an extension of the family. You get your academics, you get your extracurriculars but you also get your faith,” said Harrington.

A video version of this story will be featured on tomorrow’s edition of “Real to Reel” at 6 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.