PROVIDENCE — Rev. Joseph Brice, pastor of St. Patrick Parish announced the appointment of Billy Burdier as fourth principal of St. Patrick Academy. (Photo: St. Patrick Academy)

There are many questions circulating about the tragic shooting in Minneapolis at Annunciation Catholic Elementary School during its opening Mass on August 27. How did this happen? What more could have been done to prevent the tragedy? What can we do to help those lost and those grieving? What can we do to prevent this from happening again elsewhere? Hopefully, these questions will be answered in the weeks and months ahead. One question we can begin to answer today, however, is, will the students go back to school and church again?

In the wake of this morning’s tragic shooting in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop Bruce Lewandowski offers his prayers for the Annunciation School community and reassurance for families here in the Diocese of Providence. Our Catholic schools have safety protocols and emergency plans in place, and we are actively reviewing these policies to ensure the utmost protection of our students, faculty, staff, and families. Together, we place our trust in the Lord and remain committed to fostering safe environments for learning and faith. Click for more from WPRI12 Providence.

Our diocese and parishes are praying for all of our students, families and teachers as they begin their new school year! (Photo: Diocese of Providence file)

Hello August! A new and exciting academic year is quickly approaching! We're looking forward to welcoming new and returning students to our 36 Diocese of Providence Catholic schools later this month! Don't worry, it's still summer break for a few more weeks so be sure to enjoy it! (Image: George Martell)

WASHINGTON — Saint Philip School’s Melissa Roberts and her fifth grade class participated in an extended day field trip to Boston’s Tea Party Ships and Museum and Freedom Trail thanks to a grant from the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program. This trip provided students with an exceptional, hands-on history learning opportunity. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT PHILIP SCHOOL)

EAST GREENWICH — While just two OLM School 7th graders competed in the first ever RI State Civics Bee on Tuesday, June 17 at the Swift Gymnasium in East Greenwich, they certainly made their presence known by taking First and Second place in the competition. (PHOTO COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL)

. . . support Catholic Education in the Diocese of Providence! Deadline is July 1 - more at faceofri.org.

PROVIDENCE — The Board of Trustees of La Salle Academy announced that Br. Dennis Malloy, President, will assume the role of President Emeritus effective June 30, 2025. To ensure a seamless transition, the Board has appointed a familiar name and face—longtime La Salle Academy principal Donald Kavanagh—as Interim President, effective July 1, 2025.

By Allison Shinskey, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - CRANSTON — Summer is nearly in full swing for schools around the diocese as many begin their end-of-year outdoor activities. For St. Mary School in Cranston, that day is known as “Olympic Day,” where Pre-K through eighth graders are split into country-themed teams and rotate between exciting activities such as an obstacle course, water relay, corn hole, a few blow-up tents with basketball hoops, and classic burgers and hotdogs for lunch.

By Cole DeSantis, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - NEWPORT — Salve Regina University celebrated its 75th annual commencement on Sunday, May 18, on the Salve campus, conferring degrees to 508 undergraduates. (PHOTO: COLE DESANTIS)

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — Nine hundred and seventy-five men and women crossed the stage of Amica Mutual Pavilion to receive their degrees as the 107th graduating class of Providence College on May 18. (PHOTO: PETER GOLDBERG, PROVIDENCE COLLEGE)

Your donation to the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Providence through FACE of RI will help economically challenged students attend a Catholic school of their choice! Click to learn more! *Applications available beginning June 1, deadline to apply is July 1, 2025.*

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Diocese of Providence announces that, with the support of Bishop-Designate Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., Reverend Monsignor Albert Kenney, Diocesan Administrator, has appointed Mr. William Klements, M.Ed. as Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Thank you and God Bless you for all you do for our Catholic Schools and Students in Rhode Island!

"Cycle Prep-First Period Workshop for Girls" is being offered on Saturday, May 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Rejoice in Hope Catholic Center, 804 Dyer Ave., Cranston. Registration required. Click for all info.

We'll be celebrating with an Open House and Family Fun Day! Come and tour the beautiful grounds, partake in fun family activities, and learn more about our awesome summer camp program! (Photo: Mother of Hope Camp)

The 2024-2025 CAL Basketball Playoffs will be played throughout the Diocese on Saturday, March 8, Sunday, March 9 and Saturday, March 15th! Good Luck to all the teams competing! To see the full list of brackets for each of our 16 boys and girls divisions, click the title above More at http://www.calsportsri.org/

Pre-K4 students from Good Shepherd Catholic Regional School in Woonsocket had a great time outside building snowmen. (PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC REGIONAL SCHOOL)

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week, students from St. Mary Academy - Bay View, Riverside, were given a dress down day in support of a coat and a “Restart Kit” drive for DORCAS International. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARY ACADEMY - BAY VIEW)