|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Dear Cathedral Family,
Joy and Humility. These are the two words, or themes, I have learned from Pope Francis, who has been our Holy Father for 12 years. As I am writing this letter, he has been in the hospital for two weeks. During this time, I have been reflecting on his papacy. So much has happened in our families, society, and the world in the past 12 years. And yet, the messages of joy and humility are still as fresh as they were in 2013 when he penned his first Apostolic Exhortation. His teaching begins as follows:
"The JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew. "
Wouldn't being free of sin, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness be fantastic? We are on the cusp of Ash Wednesday, Lent, spring, and baseball season! All good things. The gradually warmer weather is a harbinger of longer and warmer days. Our seniors are almost all official carriers of the annual "senioritis," which is right on time. And guess what? The invitation to walk more closely with Jesus is still here. Fresh and new. As a way to realize this, I again go back to 2013 and the famous writing of Pope Francis:
"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord."
Perhaps a challenge we can all accept is to really "dig in" to Lent this year. Make a plan. Roll up your sleeves. I will definitely share this plan with our educators and work each day during Lent to pray more and listen more, and the joy will follow. I believe it will be so if we give it a chance. We know that our young people, our students, are fully in the transformation phase of their lives, and I believe we are as well. If we remain open to it, we will continue to be transformed throughout our lives.
Joy and Humility. In closing, I would like to share examples of how Pope Francis showed me how to incorporate these two themes into my life. When he was elected Pope, I clearly remember that he eschewed the fancy car and reserved parking spot that came with his role. He chose a small and simple car and said he would leave the close parking spots for those who really need them. Well, unfortunately for my family, I have since parked as far away as possible at work, church, and restaurants. As for joy, I also clearly remember him stating that (paraphrasing) if you have joy in your heart, inform your face. Smile! If you follow Jesus, pray fervently, serve the poor, and love your enemies, you will have joy.
I hope all of us will have more joy as a result of our efforts this Lent. Please be assured that we at Cathedral will teach and model these values as we begin Lent this year.
I invite you to click here to read our Mission Integration Officer Matthew Gring's Monthly Message.
With her leading, we shall not tire! St. Br. André, pray for us. St. Bl. Basil Moreau, pray for us! Our Lady of the Hill, pray for us. And Go Irish!
Joyfully and humbly,
Rob Bridges, PhD
President
| |
Electrifying Night - ShamrAuction Success!
We are thrilled to announce that ShamrAuction has raised an astounding $1,042,991 for Cathedral High School! We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, committee members, and co-chairs, Michelle Forslund and John McDonald, for their dedication and generosity. These funds will directly support academics, faculty, the arts, technology, athletics, and tuition assistance. Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of our students and supporting the mission of Cathedral High School! Save the date for the 49th annual ShamrAuction on February 28, 2026!
| |
Holy Cross Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Maddy Kantner '25 and Marian Ferro De La Vega '25 on being awarded the 2025 Holy Cross Brothers Scholarship! These outstanding students will receive a full-tuition scholarship to Holy Cross College. Only two seniors from midwest Holy Cross high schools receive the Brothers Scholarship, and both recipients are Cathedral students! In the photo from left to right are Samantha Derksen from Holy Cross College, Maddy Kantner, Cathedral President Dr. Rob Bridges, and Marian Ferro De La Vega.
| |
|
Jack Gause '25 Awarded
Wabash Leaders Scholarship
Please join us in congratulating Jack Gause '25 on receiving the Wabash Leaders Scholarship, endowed by Stephen and Connie Ferguson, as part of Wabash College's Giant Steps Campaign. The Wabash Leaders Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board costs at Wabash College and is a renewable four-year award. Pictured in the photo from left to right are John Gause and Jennifer Gause (Jack's parents), Jack Gause, Stephen Ferguson, and Connie Ferguson.
| |
Regina Jones '25 - McDonald's of Greater Indiana Black History Makers of Tomorrow
Congratulations to Regina Jones '25 (pictured second from left) on being among 14 high school seniors earning the prestigious Black History Makers of Tomorrow Award. McDonald's awards $1,000 each to these exceptional students to support their educational journey. Regina will attend Yale University in the fall. She and an award recipient from Warren Central recently appeared on WISH-TV to discuss their award.
| |
Amelia Buhner '25 Selected forCircle of Valor
Amelia Buhner '25 was recently selected for the Kiwanis Club Circle of Valor! Amelia received her award during the Abe Lincoln Program last month. The Kiwanis Club Abe Lincoln Program started in 1976 to recognize students who have overcome hardships. Up to 25 students are welcomed into the Circle of Valor each year for their achievement, courage, and tenacity. Congratulations!
| |
Camp Cathedral &
HSPT Academy
Camps are filling up quickly, so register today for Camp Cathedral! Camp Cathedral has a long and successful history of providing fun, safe, and innovative camps for young people in central Indiana. This summer will be no different as we offer a wide variety of camps, including STEM, creative writing, Minecraft, leadership, and adventure camps. If your kids would love to sharpen their athletic skills, check out our athletic camps! We offer baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track. Camps are open for Kindergarten - 8th-grade students, and before and after-care are available. Camp season is June 2 - July 25. Click here and register today!
We encourage rising 8th-graders to register for the High School Placement Test Academy. The course includes two practice tests, three days of instruction from Cathedral's fantastic math and English teachers, and the HSPT practice book. Scores can be used for admission to Cathedral and/or Cathedral's merit scholarships.
| |
Fighting Irish Winter Season Sports Update
Cathedral's Men's Bowling Team had a phenomenal season, advancing to State for the first time! The guys won third at State, and we could not be prouder. Grace Zuerner '27 and Declan Sweeney '26 advanced to State in the individual competition, and we are thrilled at how well they answered the call to greatness.
Five wrestlers advanced to State: John Bissmeyer '25, Cullen Crowley '26, Kyle Harden '26, Tyler Lavin '26, and Tate St. Laurent '28. Kyle Harden '26 finished 4th in the State in the 190-pound division. Way to go, Kyle!
For the first time in 20 years, our Lady Irish Basketball Team won the Sectional Championship! The ladies also won the Regional Championship and gave it their all at Semi-State. The team finished a terrific season with an 18-10 record. Well done, ladies!
The Central Indiana Knights Hockey Team, which includes four players from Cathedral, play in the State Championship today in Fort Wayne! Go Knights!
| |
Scholar-Athletes
Sign Letters of Intent
Cathedral's tradition of outstanding student-athletes continuing their academic and sports journey in college endures as seven more athletes have signed their Letter of Intent. Please join us in congratulating the following seniors:
Front Row, left to right: Jack Gause - Wabash College, Football
Albren Johnson - Eastern Kentucky University, Football
Jalen Bonds - Ball State University, Football
Back row, left to right: Charlie Coleman - Purdue University, Tennis
Eli Bennett - Indiana University, Baseball
Aden Chase - McKendree University, Football
Alston McDaniel - Indiana Wesleyan University, Football
| |
Join Us for Trivingo!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and friendly competition of Trivingo on Saturday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. at Cathedral. This year, we’re mixing things up with exciting rounds of Trivia and Bingo, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a current parent, alumni, alumni parent, or a friend of the Cathedral community, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, laugh, and enjoy a great time together. Click here to register today!
When you purchase a table (or more), a portion of the proceeds will benefit the sport or club of your choice!
Show up in your favorite sport or club attire, or go all out in your Irish gear for a fun night to remember! Enjoy complimentary beer and wine, and feel free to bring your own food—whether it's appetizers, pizza, wings, or Chick-fil-A nuggets. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted. You must be 21 and over to attend.
| |
Nominate Someone Today!
Don't miss your chance to submit a nomination for the 2025 Circle of Excellence Induction Class!
The Cathedral Circle of Excellence honors those who have perpetuated the good name of Cathedral High School by exhibiting Holy Cross values in making significant, substantial, and long-standing contributions to Cathedral or their city, state, country, or global community.
Nominations will be accepted through April 1 at 11:59 p.m. The 2025 Cathedral Circle of Excellence inductees will be announced in July. Inductees will be honored at the Evening of Excellence on September 25.
Please click here to read more and nominate someone today! For questions, email circleofexcellence@gocathedral.com or call 317.968.7333.
| |
Cathedral Specialty License Plate
Cathedral is applying for a specialty license plate. If approved, $25 from each plate would go to Cathedral for tuition assistance.
If you would like to commit to purchasing a Cathedral specialty plate if the request is approved, please click here and submit your name and address by Friday, March 21.
| |
Obituary Notices
The Cathedral Alumni Association does its best to keep alumni notified of the passing of their classmates as well as current and former Cathedral educators. This is done with much sadness and reverence. With that said, we can only accomplish this task with the help of our alumni. If you know of the death of a member of our Cathedral family, please notify us via email at alumni@gocathedral.com.
| |
|
Coming Up on the Hill
March 5- Ash Wednesday Mass - 9:30 a.m.
March 14 - Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade - 11:30 a.m. - No School
March 19 - St. Joseph Feast Day Mass - 10:15 a.m.
March 22 - Trivingo Night - 7:00 p.m.
March 28 - Spring Break Begins
April 7 - Classes Resume
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
