RATIONALE

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, with the devastating effect these storms had on the City of New Orleans and other regions, along with their respective infrastructures, it was imperative that life affirming, community building, and future investment activities be restored as soon as possible. A critical element was the rebuilding and the re-opening of schools, the pulse of a community’s future.

As a part of the overall efforts of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to re-open and re-vitalize Catholic schools affected by the hurricanes, The MAX School was an extremely important undertaking. This school reached out to those students traditionally served by St. Mary’s Academy, St. Augustine High School, and Xavier University Preparatory High School. These three schools have a collective legacy that is an invaluable resource to the city of New Orleans. Because of their deep roots in the New Orleans African-American Community, Catholic and non-Catholic, it was of vital importance that the continued presence of these schools and the continuation of their work and mission be an integral part of this transition period.

The decision to join together during this time of crisis was a tangible witness to the commonly shared values that unite these three academic institutions.

The Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of St. Mary’s Academy extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Administration of Xavier University Preparatory High School for preserving the legacy of the three academic institutions by offering the use of their campus as an educational medium to ensure that the mission and philosophy of the three religious communities would not be lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.