Catholic students head back to school

Sept. 5 is back-to-school day for most of the Diocese of Wilmington's approximately 36 Catholic elementary and secondary schools. This year's theme is Catholic Schools: Believe. Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.

"The new school year welcomes approximately 10,000 students to Catholic schools in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland," said Dr. Louis De Angelo, superintendent of schools for the diocese. "In our Catholic schools, almost 1,000 educators ensure that faith formation is nurtured, rigorous academics are pursued, multiple opportunities for outreach to the less fortunate are provided, and church leadership and national citizenship are developed. Catholic schools educate the whole person."

For over 185 years, Catholic schools have been serving the needs of area families by offering a Christ-centered educational alternative.

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington was established in 1868 and comprises 56 parishes, 18 missions and 36 schools serving the State of Delaware and the nine counties of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The diocese will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration beginning March 3, 2018. For more information, go to www.cdow.org.