Walking down the halls of Gloucester Catholic, you are likely to experience an undying spirit that separates our high school from all the rest. What separates GC is its Catholic environment. Tradition is the cornerstone on which the principles of the school are built. The Catholic Church was established on a solid foundation of tradition and continues its mission today. Students at GC become a part of this tradition and keep the Catholic spirit alive.

A tradition spans multiple generations. Many students at Gloucester Catholic are part of a long line of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, sisters and brothers who paved the way. Generation after generation have walked the halls of Gloucester Catholic. We will continue to do so in the future.

Gloucester Catholic has a strong tradition of service and dedication to helping those in need. Students are encouraged to act in this Catholic environment, to offer a hand to the less fortunate, the ill and the needy. Our service reaches far beyond the doors of Gloucester Catholic, branching out to the surrounding community, even to those suffering the effects of Hurricane Katrina. This tradition of service to others is guided by Christ’s example and founded on Catholic ideals.

The Church is often viewed as the Body of Christ, one family or community of believers. At Gloucester Catholic, students, parents and faculty are one in this family. This close and caring attitude define the unique element that separates us from the rest. We take pride in our school and the traditions that embody Gloucester Catholic. Traditions of pride, service and a family atmosphere epitomize the Gloucester Catholic experience and define what makes our school Catholic.

June Maloney is a Junior

I was working at Commerce Bank. It was my second week as a teller and a busy Friday evening. All the weekend hustle and bustle came to a complete silence. Three masked men entered our bank and began shouting orders. I had a gun pointed at me and the criminal stood right above me and emptied my drawer. I was never so frightened in all my life. But the emotion that overpowered that feeling of fear was spirituality. I turned to prayer hoping everything would be okay and that no individual would be hurt. I then proceeded to pray for the robbers. I could sense their desperation as I lay on the floor and the fear in their hearts.

Upon returning to the safety of my home that evening, I was embraced by my entire family. The first thing they said was “thank God you are okay and no one was hurt.” I did return to work at the bank the very next day. I felt a special closeness with my coworkers after that evening. I would not let the robbers get the best of me and who I am. I feel the guidance received from my family and Catholic education made me believe I am capable of overcoming fear and adversity and pushed me to higher levels of courage. I also realized that when I was facing death, the first thing I did was pray. I turned to God immediately. The reason I prayed for the robbers is a result of being taught that God loves us all and that we should have compassion for everyone. I feel very strongly about the values I have been taught in my thirteen years of Catholic education, and I anticipate sending my children to Catholic schools and continuing a family tradition.

Dan Walsh is a Senior and won our essay contest last year

Most people would just say that the reason Gloucester Catholic is Catholic is because we have religion classes, but it goes mush deeper than that. Wherever you are in the school, there is always someone to help you. Even if you don’t need anything, the teachers and students always seem friendly. It’s just an overall feeling in the school. The attitude found wandering around the hallways of Gloucester Catholic is “hospitable.” It is always comforting to know that the students and faculty will welcome you warmly and become like a second family to you.

One of the strong points of the Catholic faith is that, as a Catholic, you should be tolerant and accepting of those who practice a different religion. That is one quality that is definitely captured at GC. A few of the students I am friends with are not Catholic, but they are not treated any differently than anyone else. Everyone is treated equally, with respect and fairness. We take our faith seriously. I remember at freshman orientation they kept going on and on about the family atmosphere that is Gloucester Catholic. I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. I was wrong. The new friends I have made here are like family to me. I think Gloucester Catholic is a great Catholic school.

Caitlyn Stulpin is a Freshman