The uniforms are washed and ironed. The backpacks and lunches are packed. The classrooms are freshly painted and beautifully decorated. All this must mean one thing: School is back in session for South Jersey Catholic Schools.
The week of Sept. 8, Catholic elementary schools across the Diocese of Camden officially opened for the 2026-27 school year. For two of the schools, a special visitor was among the teachers, parents and students – Bishop Joseph Williams.
On Sept. 8 and 9, he visited Resurrection Catholic School, Cherry Hill, and Saint Mary School, East Vineland. During both visits, Bishop Williams toured classrooms and spent time with students as young as 3 years old through eighth grade. In all the classrooms, he joined students in prayer for the beginning of the new school year, asking God to guide and bless them throughout the months ahead.
Jennifer DiSandro, a kindergarten teacher at Resurrection, appreciated Bishop Williams’ ability to connect with the students. “I thought it was a great way to show that he is a real person and just not someone hanging on our wall,” she said, referring to Bishop’s portrait that can be seen in schools, churches and offices across the Diocese.
“He was gracious, warm and engaging, and it was wonderful to see how relaxed and receptive the students were,” added John Keeley, principal at the Cherry Hill school.
Bella Hayes, an eighth-grade student at Saint Mary, was a part of the school’s welcome committee and had the opportunity to walk Bishop Williams around to all of the classrooms. She especially enjoyed that he was “teaching many students prayers and even a little Spanish,” while also taking the time to ask their names.
Margaret Kent, the new principal at Saint Mary, said she was privileged by Bishop Williams’ visit. “It meant so much to me, especially seeing Bishop Williams interacting with our students … being really personable with them and making connections.”
After saying goodbye to Bishop Williams, Keeley reflected on this school year and beyond. “My hope is that our families and children truly enjoy their time here and that, during their years with us, they grow mentally, physically and spiritually stronger. I want our Catholic identity to be evident the moment you open the doors and enter our school.”
Kent said she has many goals for the start of her tenure and is “looking forward to getting to know everyone better, learning everyone’s names and working closely with the teachers.”
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