Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Exceeds Goals with First-Ever Day of School

Cypress (Aug. 22) - Christ the Redeemer Catholic School made history yesterday as they opened their doors for their first-ever day of school. A much-needed addition to the Cypress area, the school exceeded its projected student body of 140 to have 168 bright-eyed students from Pre-K 3 through 4th grade.

Rev. Sean Horrigan, pastor at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church and the school's biggest advocate, was even taking time out of his day to greet all the families and escort the students into their cars after the half day. One little boy even told him he didn't want to leave. He remembers his favorite moment was at the end of the day at the carpool line.

"A little girl came running out to her car and as her mother swung open the door and asked her how the day went she shouted for everyone to hear, 'It was awesome!'" he said. "I couldn't say it any better than her. She took the words right out of my mouth!"

He said he was overjoyed at the first day and it was all that he had hoped for, and more.

"I was filled with a sense of gratitude all day for the good work God has done in and through our school, and this was just the first of many days," Fr. Sean said.
 

Rev. Sean Horrigan and a CtR Catholic School student at Mass.

Not only is CtR Catholic School the newest school in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, having been built from 2011-13, but Fr. Sean and the administration recognized the need for a " digital classroom." The school offers tablets or laptops to students in all grades. Also, CtR Catholic School features interactive whiteboards in every room. With technology at the forefront in a warm environment steeped in Catholic tradition, it is truly inspired learning at its best.

As he was walking over to the school building early in the morning, he began to think about how long ago the plans had started and all the work that went into getting CtR Catholic School to that day.

"It was amazing to finally reach the day when we opened the doors," he said. "I enjoyed shaking all the hands of the kids (and parents) as they walked in, wide-eyed in amazement of what was to come. It truly was a highlight of all the years of my priestly ministry."

The Founding Families, administration and church staff celebrated the school's opening with the first school Mass on Aug. 22. Dr. Julie Vogel, the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, was also in attendance. It was the perfect way for the church community to celebrate the future of educating children at Christ the Redeemer.