Home » Why I value Catholic Education: Lipani

“Why I Value Catholic Education” from Miss Mary Jo Lipani




My mother attended Saint John the Baptist School in Scottdale, Pennsylvania. Because of her wonderful experience there, she enrolled me in first grade at Saint Michael School in 1953. My teacher was Sister Mary Justina, my first introduction to the wonderful education I would receive from the Sisters of Mercy.

The Sisters taught us lessons in faith and value that would serve us for a lifetime. We were prepared for the reception of sacraments, taught prayers and took part in beautiful faith traditions. They encouraged academic excellence, respect for others, love of learning and values that demanded love of God and neighbor.

I graduated from high school well prepared for college thanks to the Sisters and lay teachers who were my role models for twelve years. I continued my Catholic education at Mercyhurst College, always receiving encouragement from the Sisters.

At Mercyhurst, my Catholic values were reinforced and new dimensions of my faith, service to others and a desire to teach in a Catholic School emerged.

I taught third grade at Saint Patrick’s in Franklin and then came to Saint Michael where I taught various grades. Still working with the Sisters of Mercy, I served as an assistant principal and became principal in 1972. I was blessed to serve in that position for forty years. I hope that during that time, many young people received the best education possible and have made the world a better place by their achievements and continued practice of their Catholic faith. One of my greatest joys was seeing the children and grandchildren of my former students attending Catholic schools, especially Saint Michael.