A New School Year Begins!

08-09-2026Pastor's LetterFather Wilson

Dear Parish Family,

As we begin a new school year, I want to thank all those who support St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School. Whether you have children enrolled or simply offer your prayers and encouragement, you are an important part of this ministry. Catholic education is a mission of our entire parish as we work together to form young people who know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.

God has blessed our school community in many ways. This fall, we are welcoming our strongest enrollment in fifteen years. Several grade levels are at capacity with waiting lists. This growth reflects the confidence families have in the faithful formation and academic excellence provided at St. Mary’s.

Over the spring, we completed important campus improvements, including new HVAC units and energy-efficient LED lighting in Carter Hall. These projects improve the learning environment for our students while helping us remain good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

We are also grateful for the continued growth of our STEM program. Through STEM and robotics classes, students design, build, and test projects that address authentic engineering challenges through hands-on experiences. These opportunities encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration while helping students appreciate the beauty and order of God’s creation. This summer, Dr. Murray Daw, a retired Physics Professor from Clemson University, worked with our faculty to strengthen the integration of science and faith in the classroom. He will continue partnering with our STEM Director, Ms. Kristin Matthews, as we further develop this important part of our educational mission.

Our students continue to witness Christ’s love through service. During our recent Diaper Drive, our school community collected 5,236 diapers and 1,192 wipes to support families in need throughout our community.

We are deeply thankful for the generosity of our parish and school families. The PTO Gala netted more than $24,000 to support our students. We also give thanks for the generous Gilmore Estate bequest, which provided $246,826.53 for tuition assistance for future students. Through our parish assistance program and the Friends of SMS sponsorship fund, 27 students are receiving assistance that helps make Catholic education possible.

Please keep our students, faculty, staff, and graduates in your prayers. We are especially proud of our recent graduates beginning high school and our alumni entering college, the workforce, and military service. This year, both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Aiken High School are graduates of St. Mary Help of Christians School and members of our parish family.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Together, we are forming faithful disciples and preparing the next generation to serve Christ and His Church.

May God bless you and your families!

All the best…in Christ.