Father Kevin McCray from St. Mary Church in Evanston and Father Joseph Tito from St. Nicholas Church in Evanston, along with fifth-grade students from Pope John XXIII School, honored Mary with a virtual May crowning this morning May 1.

The pastors discussed the importance of praying the rosary with their family and as a class —especially during the month of May. They reminded students if they have a Mary statue inside or in the garden to make a crown of flowers for her and honor her with their own May crowning ceremony with their family.

Since May 1 also marks the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, students learned about his significance within the Catholic faith.

Pope John XXIII School is grateful to have such actively involved pastors.

Pope John XXIII School has a long history in Catholic education in Evanston dating back to 1886 with the establishment of St. Nicholas and St. Mary’s Schools. The original St. Nicholas School was in the building now called the Annex where Fr. Oldershaw Hall is located. The Annex at the present time holds the gym, computer lab, and the music room. The main school building was built in 1954.

In 1986, the two schools, St. Mary’s and St. Nicholas, consolidated and the new school was renamed Pope John XXIII. This consolidation is a success story for both parishes and for the archdiocese.