Annual ‘Legacy Luncheon’ celebrates Catholic school education, milestone anniversaries

The St. John XXIII Bell Choir performed at the 2025 Catholic Schools Legacy Luncheon, hosted by St. John XXIII College Preparatory, on Jan. 29, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this academic year. (Photo by Jonah Dycus/Herald)

KATY — The 2025 Catholic Schools Legacy Luncheon, hosted by St. John XXIII College Preparatory, celebrated milestones in Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Among the schools recognized during the event was St. John XXIII itself, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this academic year.

Among those in attendance at the Jan. 29 event in Katy were Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, along with school pastors, principals, Archdiocesan Advisory School Council members and friends of Catholic school education. David Magallanez served as Master of Ceremonies; Joseph Noonan, St. John XXIII’s principal, provided the welcoming address; and Roland Millare, STD, was the event’s keynote speaker.

“Today is about acknowledging the great work you all do each day to fulfill our mission of forming disciples. Our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are incubators of hope and faith fostering intellect and service that will one day transform the world,” said Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese. “We hear and see the beautiful success stories of our Catholic school graduates daily. Our graduates are problem solvers, collaborators, critical thinkers and faithful disciples, which are testaments to your dedication and commitment to Catholic education.”

Besides St. John XXIII, other schools recognizing milestones during the luncheon were Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Texas City (75 years), St. Michael Catholic School (70 years) and Corpus Christi Catholic School (65 years). Video tributes for the anniversary schools were shown, and the St. John XXIII Choir and Bell Choir performed throughout the luncheon for the invited guests.

In her closing remarks, McCoy recognized Cardinal DiNardo for his dedication to Catholic schools in Galveston-Houston. On Jan. 20, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis accepted Cardinal DiNardo’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and named Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin, as Cardinal DiNardo’s successor. The installation Mass for Archbishop-Designate Vásquez is scheduled for March 25.

McCoy thanked Cardinal DiNardo for his unwavering support of Catholic schools, saying it was “commendable” and that his leadership blessed the schools.

“Your presence at the various school events, such as this one, The Cardinal’s Circle, A Pattern of Hope and Steps for Students, is noteworthy. The support you consistently provide is truly exceptional,” she said. “On behalf of the Catholic Schools Office and the 56 schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, I extend our deepest gratitude for all the support you have provided over the years and continue to do so. Thank you!”