It should be quite a celebration weekend Oct. 9-11 at Marquette High School in Ottawa. A pioneer school of our diocese, Marquette is marking 150 years of Catholic secondary education in the city and region this year. The school traces its roots back to 1859 and the establishment of St. Xavier Academy by the Sisters of Mercy from Chicago. Through the years names such as St. Joseph’s School and Ottawa Catholic Academy have also been affiliated with the school, which has been known as Marquette for six decades.

Several classes are planning reunions at this weekend’s festivities, beginning with a homecoming football game on Friday. We say, “Go Crusaders!”

But it would be well worth a fall drive for all Catholics in the northeast part of our diocese and even beyond to pay a visit to the school this Sunday, Oct. 11. Starting at noon, visitors to the school library can view a display of memorabilia from the school’s rich history. At 3 p.m., Bishop Jenky will lead prayerful thanksgiving at a Mass in the Bader Gym. We hope to see you there.

And we congratulate the thousands of teachers, students, staff members, parents and volunteers who have sacrificed to support Marquette High School through the years. May they know the good they have accomplished in so many lives, may Christ richly bless them, and may Marquette High School be a beacon of Catholic education in our diocese for decades to come. — Thomas J. Dermody