Alex’s journey is one of many that show the fruits of walking together in faith.
Written by Sarah Badillo, director of communications and marketing, St. Joseph Catholic School, [email protected]
St. Joseph Catholic School (SJCS) in Bryan, TX, serves students in Pre-K (age 4) through 12 across two campuses and is the only Catholic school in the Brazos Valley. As a parochial school, SJCS continues its longstanding mission of forming the whole student—mind, body and spirit—in a Catholic environment committed to a culture of belonging in partnership with St. Joseph Catholic Church. Students thrive through a strong student-led campus ministry, competitive athletics and meaningful service opportunities. The school’s arts program has been recognized as a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction—a testament to its commitment to creative expression and high-quality arts education. SJCS partners with local churches, universities and nonprofits to provide a community-rooted education that prepares students to lead with courage, compassion and faith.
St. Joseph is one of 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin. Collectively, Catholic schools in Central Texas serve over 5,200 students, offering a Christ-centered education that promotes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service. Guided by a vision to form disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world, the Diocese of Austin supports schools in building faith-filled communities grounded in Catholic identity and excellence.
This spring, the St. Joseph Catholic School community gathered in celebration for a procession in honor of the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, patron of both the parish and the school. Students, faculty, staff and clergy processed together from the Elementary Campus to St. Joseph Catholic Church, a visible expression of their shared faith. The event followed the school’s 130th anniversary celebration in February, marking more than a century of forming young minds.
Leading the procession were the school’s Prayer Pals, a beloved tradition that pairs secondary and elementary students for prayer, friendship and spiritual mentorship. This cross-campus connection reinforces a culture of belonging that defines the SJCS experience. Throughout the year, Prayer Pals exchange letters, pray for one another and sit side by side at school-wide liturgies.
Faith life is further enriched by the Student Ministry Leadership Team, a dedicated group of 10–12 grade students who organize weekly prayer services and plan retreats throughout the year. Their leadership fosters a spiritual environment, empowering peers to grow in faith and community.
While more than 90 percent of families at SJCS are Catholic, all students fully participate in the spiritual life of the school, from weekly Masses and retreats to service opportunities and Catholic celebrations. One of the most powerful examples of this inclusive environment came this past school year when Class of 2025 graduate Alex York, who has attended SJCS since Pre-K, received the Sacrament of Confirmation—surrounded by classmates, teachers and family members who had walked with him throughout his faith journey.
“Being at St. Joe’s for so many years helped me ask deeper questions about God and what I believe,” Alex shared. “Over time, I realized the Catholic faith was where I belong. It meant so much to have my friends and teachers support me as I made that decision.”
Head of school Juan Nagore reflected on the significance of this moment: “For 130 years, SJCS has formed students in an environment where they are known, loved and encouraged to become the people God created them to be. Alex’s journey is one of many that show the fruits of walking together in faith.”
Faith formation at SJCS is supported by a robust academic and extracurricular program that develops students’ God-given gifts. The arts program’s statewide recognition as a TAEA placed SJCS in the top 5 percent of art programs across Texas. From the youngest creators in Pre-K to advanced high school studio artists, students are encouraged to explore truth, beauty and self-expression.
As SJCS looks to the future, events like the feast day procession are more than tradition—they are expressions of a community that continues to thrive, rooted in Christ, strengthened by the Church and committed to forming disciples for generations to come.
