Dateline: January 11, 2007

Ceremony to recognize Catholic education

In 1899, the first Catholic school in the Panhandle was established in Clarendon by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  St. Mary’s Academy was closed  in 1911 due to an outbreak of typhoid fever. The Academy was moved to Amarillo where it continues today.

This Friday, January 12, Bishop John W. Yanta will lead a delegation from Amarillo and Pampa to recognize 108 years of Catholic education in the Panhandle. This event will be held at the refurbished St Mary’s church with includes the historic Altar refinished by Chriss Clifford and Theresa Shelton of Clarendon.

Bishop Yanta will begin the morning with Mass at 11 a.m. and will review the history and successes of the Catholic education system in the Panhandle of Texas.

Lunch will be served. The public is invited.