St Peter Claver Catholic School
An interfaith pastor’s service and a day of caring provided the centerpiece for Catholic Schools Week at St. Peter Claver Parish in Macon. Students sorted non-perishable items at a community food bank, brought cheer to the residents of an elder care facility, and led learning games with children in the Pre-K program.
At St. Peter Claver, education is rooted in Franciscan values – caring for others, serving the greater community, and recognizing God’s face in everyone. That’s what sets us apart. Approximately 70 percent of the student population is non-Catholic, the interfaith prayer service was held at the parish church with 14 pastors from Episcopalian, Baptist, Methodist and other churches where students and their families worship. Before retreating to a fellowship reception, John Coughlin, OFM, school chaplain and parochial vicar, invited the pastors to the altar and asked students to gather around them to recognize their important role in the spiritual development of the youngsters.
Located in the historic neighborhood of Pleasant Hill, St. Peter Claver is widely recognized by local high school educators for being well prepared academically and spiritually. With 196 students in Pre-K3 to 8th grade, the school’s central Georgia location draws from seven counties, with its all-day Pre-K3/4 and before and after-school care programs attractive to working parents. A new institution made his debut during CSW – new school mascot Carl the Cougar. The long history of the school is celebrated daily by the school’s wall of fame, which showcases former students for their achievements and service, among them a four-time Super Bowl champion. But one name embodies the sense of family and community at St. Peter Claver – Margaret Sullivan, whose recognition came not out of fame, but for being a member of the first graduating class and the first of five generations to attend the 116-year-old school.
