What our Students Say!

When students were asked “What do you think about the Mother of God School” we had many wonderful responses, but one that really stood out and summarized the general view of the students was:

“We aren’t just a school or a grade or a classroom, we are a family. We are bonded together by more than our classroom, we are bonded by the Spirit and you can feel it because of the love people at the school have for each other.’ Caroline

Excerpts from Cardinal James Hickey's address, November 19, 1998:

"Dear friends, dear members of the [Mother of God] Community, dear school parents and friends, and all family members: I wish to each and every one of you the most blessed and joyous Christmas. I pray that our Blessed Mother Mary will help us to approach the Lord Jesus, the infant Jesus with all the simplicity of childhood"

"With deep love for the young, you have enabled the school to grow not only in enrollment but in quality as it helps young people to discover the wonders of God's love. You have done much to create a friendly and supportive relationship with St. John Neumann and other neighboring parishes…"

“Dear friends Mary and Joseph are models of hope for us, models for the entire church during Advent – which is a whole season of expectation, the season for the longing for the coming of the Lord. But in a special way, Mary, the Mother of God – your patroness – is a model of hope, of hope for this Community as you look to the future.”

Letter of November, 2009 from Father Rory Conley, former pastor of St. John Neumann Parish:

As pastor of St. John Neumann parish for four years, I was very impressed with the Catholic identity of Mother of God School. Through teaching classes in religion each week, as well as offering Mass there on a regular basis, I had frequent interaction with both students and faculty. I think that Mother of God School offers an excellent spiritual environment for children to learn the most important lessons in life – which, of course, have to do with their relationship with the Lord. I was very pleased that so many of the children of the parish were able to benefit from what the Mother of God School has to offer.

The following reflection was sent to Mother of God School by Deacon Anthony Cedrone, chair of the evaluation team which visited the school as part of the Middle States accreditation process in 2004:

Mother of God School is truly a faith community grounded in the tradition of the Blessed Mother, Mary, Mother of God. The presence of the Holy Spirit is evident throughout the school. I personally saw the Spirit of God operative in the presence of the faculty and especially the principal. I stand in awe at their level of faith. During my pre-visit, I was privileged to join the faculty at morning prayer and share the First Friday Eucharist with the school. At both celebrations, the Spirit was present.

However, I only echo the words of the Council, the Board of Directors, and especially the parents who say, “Something beautiful is happening here.” And it is. The children are thriving on the love, concern, care, respect, and sense of community that permeates throughout the school.

Father Scott Woods’ closing remarks given to the Mother of God Community after morning Mass on June 13, 2006:

“You will never know how many graces are going to flow through that school. It is the most Catholic school that I have ever experienced in my whole life. Really it has been very much so. And I just pray, God, that you will do everything to keep it so – and to help so many more kids know Christ.”

Father Francis Martin, chaplain of the Mother of God Community:

“Since 1987, Mother of God School has graduated young people with a solid education and vibrant faith. I recommend the mother of God School to any parent seeking a school with dedicated and highly qualified teachers who will support their child’s academic and spiritual growth.”

Cathy Scarbrough, parent:

“Mother of God School is a blessing to our daughter and our family. The kindness, spirituality, and academic performance are outstanding. The teachers are dedicated and caring. The students graduate with a true connection to Jesus and are able to ‘bear the light of Christ’ into the world.” Paul Rabil, graduate of Mother of God School and professional lacrosse player: “Mother of God School provided me with a great foundation to go on to DeMatha Catholic High School and then to Johns Hopkins. I try to use and apply all the qualities I learned at Mother of God School in my daily life.”