Catholic Transcript Online

Sacred Heart High School students pose with Archbishop Henry J. Mansell on the steps of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Waterbury on Jan. 31 after the archbishop celebrated a Mass there for the student body in observance of Catholic Schools Week. Andrea Costa ’15, left, was awarded the Archbishop’s Scholarship, and Nick Yarosis ’15, second from left, received the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Inc. Scholarship, awarded by the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools. Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary told the assembly that his administration "will "find plenty of ways to keep Catholic education a top priority" in Waterbury.  (Photo by Jack Sheedy)

Students at St. Mary School in Milford gear up for a sock collection service project that the school is planning as part of its Catholic Schools Week celebration, which begins Jan. 29. The school is taking the week to strengthen its spirit, show school pride and bring the St. Mary community together in gratitude, love and fun, according to Linda Roney, a parent affiliated with the school. The week begins with a school-wide Mass. Also planned for the week are an ice-cream social; a day to wear pajamas and watch a movie; and the annual "Bump-Up Day," on which students get a chance to spend time in the grade they will be in next year; a family bingo night; school open house and preschool tea. From left in top row are Jake Zabski and TJ Young; middle row, Brett Hart and Julia Bryant; and front row, Chase Bryant and Lily Bryant. (Photo submitted)

MIDDLETOWN – Xavier High School honored outstanding student athletes at its annual fall sports award ceremony at the school.

Cross-country head coach Chris Stonier presented the following awards for the 2011 season: Mitchell Brown of Durham, ’13, Most Improved Runner; Emmett Coughlin of Portland, ’13, Coaches Award; David Pugliese of Middletown, ’12, Most Valuable Runner; Russell Stevens of Colchester, ’12, Senior Award; and Daniel Hergott of Wallingford, ’15, MVP Freshman.

Tony Jaskot, ’69, director of athletics announced that Brian Fitzgerald, ’99, has been named the head soccer coach after stepping in as interim coach in September.

of Guilford, ’12, Coaches Award; and Spencer Fletcher of Middletown, ’12, Senior Award.

Principal Brendan Donohue asked the student athletes to reflect upon their past season and to thank their coaches, teammates and families for all that they have done to help make each athlete's accomplishments possible and helped them grow as men.

Following the ceremony, the football team received team letters and certificates from the coaching staff.

The cross-country and soccer coaches also presented letters and certificates to their student athletes.

MIDDLETOWN – Xavier High Scgool senior Sam Izzarelli of Hebron has signed a National Letter of Intent accepting an athletic scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 Lacrosse for the Manhattan College Jaspers under Coach Tim McIntee in Riverdale, N.Y. Standing behind Sam in photo from signing are, from left, Principal Brendan Donohue; guidance counselor Joan Tomasiello; Xaverian Brother Brian Davis, headmaster; Sam's parents Samuel and Darcy Izzarelli; brother Tom Izzarelli, Coach Scott Basile and director of athletics Tony Jaskot, ’69.

Three Northwest Catholic High School seniors pose Jan. 5 at a ceremony acknowledging their acceptance as student athletes at three colleges. From left: are Sydney Golic of Avon (swimming at Notre Dame), Mary Deneen of Windsor (volleyball at Bates College) and Brian Poirier of Windsor (track at Princeton University).

(Photo by Jack Sheedy)

HARTFORD – The Jesuit priest whom Stephen Colbert calls "The Colbert Report chaplain" will be the guest speaker at this year’s annual Archbishop’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast.

Jesuit Father James Martin, a sought-after commentator on religion and spirituality in the national and international media, will speak. He is a frequent guest on and contributor to "The Colbert Report." Father Martin also has appeared on all the major radio and television networks, including NPR, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, the BBC and Vatican Radio.