14
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
November 19, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
Sacred Heart Nativity Schools Celebrate the Legacy of Father Mateo Sheedy
What sort of legacy could an Irish
American pastor of Sacred Heart of
Jesus Parish in San José possibly leave
to an entire immigrant community? As
it turned out, quite a large one.
In commemoration of the 19th anni-
versary of his death, on October 21, Sa-
cred Heart Nativity Schools welcomed
friends, supporters, family members,
and community leaders to join in a
Celebration Luncheon to honor Father
Mateo Sheedy’s legacy.
In 1997, Father Mateo struck a deal
with Santa Clara University to secure
an annual scholarship for one parish
youth to attend. However, he quickly
realized that the neighborhood chil-
dren were not prepared to pursue
any form of higher education. That
motivated him not only to open Sacred
Heart Nativity School but also inspired
the opening of other charter schools
in the area. He was a beacon for social
justice and a champion for equality in
education.
At this celebration, over 150 guests
enjoyed student-led campus tours, ob-
served a robotics club project, picked
up a handmade rosary from Campus
Ministry, learned about the schools’
Athletics program, and were enter-
tained by student Folklórico Dancers.
Jesús Piceno, a graduate of the first
Nativity class of 2004 and a current
board member, shared how the legacy
of Father Mateo was ever-present dur-
ing his time at the school. Jesús and his
classmates became the first to benefit
Emely Garate and Angel Paez shared
their stories at the luncheon.
from Father Mateo’s desire to provide a
college preparatory education to break
the cycle of poverty through education
for students in the parish boundaries.
The attendees also heard from two
Nativity eighth-grade students, Emely
Garate and Angel Paez who shared the
impact that Nativity School has had on
them and their families.
To conclude the afternoon, school
president, Deacon Rubén Solorio,
presented the Father Mateo Sheedy Vi-
sionary Award to the amazing team of
Nativity volunteer tutors and mentors,
in gratitude for the tremendous sup-
port that they provide to the students.
Sadly, while Father Mateo did
not live to see Sacred Heart Nativity
Schools open, his spirit is very much
alive today in the classrooms and
hallways. And yes, each year, a student
from the parish continues to receive a
scholarship to Santa Clara University.
Courtesy of Sacred Heart Nativity Schools.
Junior Briana Gaskill Named a Saint in the City
Junior Briana Gaskill flanked by Andrew
Brown, religious studies teacher and Ignite
youth group moderator, and Father Steve
Kim, director of Campus Ministry.
Always compelled to make a differ-
ence in others’ lives with acts of service,
Saint Francis High School junior Briana
Gaskill has been selected as a Saint in
the City, a fitting honor.
Each year, the Diocese of San José
honors young people who have “car-
ried the torch of discipleship with fear-
less faith, enduring hope, and bountiful
charity.” Nominated by Saint Francis
High School, Briana received the St.
Francis of Assisi award.
Briana has many interests at Saint
Francis. As a varsity football team
manager, a member of Women of BRIC,
a photographer for yearbook, among
other roles, she is fully immersed in
the school. However, it is through
Campus Ministry and service where
she chooses to make the biggest impact.
From school liturgies to food and cloth-
ing drives, Ignite youth group meetings
to Anchor Moments prayer services,
she can be counted on to assist or lead
so that the events will be a blessing
to her fellow peers or the local com-
munity. She has completed more than
a hundred hours of service each year.
Outside of school, Briana works exten-
sively with homeless and low-income
individuals and families.
“I believe my greatest life’s work is
to share my time, talent, treasure and
faith with others in my community and
school,” she said.
Briana was recently recognized at
the Saints in the City banquet hosted
by the Diocese, along with honorees
from every Catholic school and parish.
She hopes to inspire others to give of
themselves beyond what is required
and to find joy in service like she has.
“Being involved in Campus Minis-
try offers me an opportunity to contin-
ue to integrate my faith with justice and
a sense of the common good,” she said.
Courtesy of Saint Francis High School
Holiday Guide
Advertise in our 2019
Holiday Gift Guide!
The Valley Catholic
is looking to promote
your business in the
December 10, 2019
edition.
Call today for more information!
Rosie Zepeda · (408) 983-0262
[email protected]
Saint Leo the Great School Hosts Annual
Alumni Mass & Luncheon
In late October, Saint Leo the Great School held its annual Alumni Mass
& Luncheon. The event is a yearly fundraiser for the school and is a wonder-
ful opportunity for alumni and friends to return to the Saint Leo the Great
community.