The Catholic Academy of Sussex County in Sparta, N.J., united in faith on Oct. 2 to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney who celebrated an opening Mass for the current academic year at Pope John XXIII Regional High School. The Academy also consists of Pope John XXIII Middle School and Rev. Brown Memorial School.
The Academy community was joined by local parish priests from parishes its students call home. Among the priests concelebrating the Mass were Father Richard Carton, Academy president and pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, also in Sparta; Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, Academy vice president and pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville, N.J.; and Msgr. Kieran McHugh, former Academy president and a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
The principals of the three schools also attended the liturgy. The music ministry led the congregation in hymns of praise, including the high school choir.
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In his homily, Bishop Sweeney spoke about the Feast of Guardian Angels, reminding the Academy community about the comfort and guidance found in faith.
The Academy also recognized its Alison Bizzaro and Liliana Scaraggi, National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholars.
“We are grateful for Bishop Sweeney’s presence, his care for our Academy, and the opportunity to gather as one community in faith, bringing together the students, faculty, and traditions that make our Academy family special,” The Academy posted on social media.
