Another exciting school year is underway at Allentown Central Catholic High School. Many events have already taken place with even more to come.

In late August, Central Catholic hosted a new student picnic to welcome incoming freshmen and transfer students. Food, music and games helped introduce the new school year and students and parents had a chance to interact with administration, faculty and upperclassmen.

Classes began the next day for all new students. The day started with a Mass, followed by school pictures, information sessions and lunch.

Viking Mentors and Viking Ambassadors guided the freshmen and transfers around the school and helped to make them feel at home.

Upperclassmen returned Aug. 30.

Central students were welcomed back to school with a beautiful memorial garden in front of the school, created by senior Andrew Johnson for his Eagle Scout project. The garden is dedicated to students who passed away before graduating from Central Catholic and was inspired by Alayna Velez, a member of the Class of 2017 who died in a car accident one year ago. New mulch, stones and flowers were placed to accent the garden.

The centerpiece is a statue of the Blessed Mother holding the child Jesus and a bench engraved with the names of six students and a quote, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25).

Fr. Mark Searles joined ACCHS as the new chaplain this academic year. Fr. Searles was stationed at Sacred Heart parish in Allentown before transferring to Central.

Although the school will miss former chaplain Fr. Hoffa, Fr. Searles is already fitting in well with the Central Catholic family by attending many fall sports competitions and getting to know the students.

Looking ahead, the Diocesan Family Festival? will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 25 at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. The day begins with an outdoor Multi-Cultural Mass celebrated by Bishop Barres 11 a.m. Bring a lawn chair. Games for all ages will include bingo, fun activities for children, youth, teenagers and adults.

Delicious ethnic foods such as bleenies (potato pancakes), kiffles, haluski (cabbage and noodles), an assortment of Spanish foods including tacos and empanadas, pierogies and more will be served. Music provided by “Island Time” band on the patio and by our talented high school, college and special learning center students will be featured on the Levitt Pavilion. Something for everyone to enjoy while spending time with family and friends.

An Internet safety program for families will be held at the school 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27.