LA Archdiocese welcomes school year with Mass at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High

Archbishop José H. Gomez and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Department of Catholic Schools welcomed the new school year with a special Mass, Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello.

The service gathered representatives from Catholic schools throughout Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

The Mass also helped to celebrate the closing day of the 2026 C3 Conference, Gomez’ annual conference for educators, catechists and administrators engaged in Catholic education.

During the service, Catholic school educators who completed their Catechetical Certification or Recertification during the 2025–2026 school year were honored.

Gomez praised Catholic education during his Homily — as well as Catholic educators.

“And it is beautiful to begin this new school year with the celebration of the Eucharist, because in the Eucharist we meet Jesus, and Jesus is at the heart of Catholic education,” Gomez said. “To be a Catholic school teacher, to be a school principal or president, to be part of a school’s administration and staff — this is a noble vocation. Because through your work, you help our young people to meet Jesus.”

The archbishop added: “In Jesus, we discover who we are and who we are made to be; the beautiful truth that we are created out of love to be children of God; the beautiful truth that each of us has a place and a purpose in God’s plan.”

A combined student choir featuring singers from St. Bernard High School, St. Anthony of Padua School, Holy Innocents School and Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School performed the music for the Mass.