Girls Catholic Central High School
Encyclopedia
Girls Catholic Central High School was a private, non-boarding college preparatory secondary school for girls grades 9 through 12 located in midtown Detroit, Michigan
. The genteel, religious, all-girls environment was created and maintained to encourage scholastic excellence without the social distractions and pressures associated with co-ed educational systems.
, Highland Park
, and Ferndale
. Although the student body was predominantly white for many years, the social changes of the late 1950s and early 1960s began to bring about the enrollment of a small number of students of color. Thereafter, in an atmosphere of ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity, young women of all nationalities, some foreign-born from Eastern European countries, were assimilating comfortably and forming strong bonds of friendship. The interactions and developing camaraderie between the high-achieving students proved to be mutually beneficial and paved the way to academic success. Located on a quiet side-street in mid-town Detroit, the four-story school building’s Tudor Gothic structure was in keeping with the sounds coming from nearby Orchestra Hall as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
rehearsed. Familiar symphonies and classical works by famous composers inadvertently provided accompaniment to afternoon classes.
, which was adjacent to the school building, and the Sacrament of Confession was offered weekly.
Highlighted by "Big Sister, Little Sister Week" - This was a non-academic tradition where the seniors/big sisters of the new school year were paired with incoming freshmen/little sisters for the initiation period. Subservient freshmen were provided a list of orders and tasks that were created to enforce strict adherence in total acquiescence to seniors’ whims. With a focus on “promoting school spirit”, humorous and harmless pranks such as silly hairstyles, and reversible wearing of clothing were acceptable.
Uniforms:
A strict high standard of dress code was enforced at all times. Make-up and hair styles were also scrutinized, and in general, jewelry was not acceptable, with the exception of wrist watches. The standard complete uniform was navy blue blazer, white cotton blouse, and navy blue pleated skirt (skirt length below the knee, preferably mid-calf) with white bobby socks or anklets, and lace-up walking shoes or loafers. Once monthly, the more relaxed First Fridays dress code rule was in place with the girls being allowed to attend classes “out of uniform”, but with good taste and modesty in mind.
Retreat:
A yearly ritual during which three days were set aside for students to reflect in prayer and solitude and penance, and to enhance their Catholic faith. Total silence was required, and with the exception of attendance at assemblies and conferences by visiting hierarchy from the Archdiocese, there was no interaction among the student body for the duration of the event. Students were encouraged to contemplate their lives in a manner reminiscent of the forty days that Christ spent alone in the desert,and to envision their future as good Catholic wives and mothers.
Senior Review:
Rigid scholastic testing was administered at the end of the school year during which graduating seniors were tested on general academic knowledge and readiness for college. The test was mandatory and a passing grade in all subjects was required for graduation.
Graduations:
Senior graduations were traditionally held on Sunday afternoons in the Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower
next door. These were very traditional white cap and gown, religious ceremonies, beginning with the procession of the graduates through the chapel's famous twin entrance arches. Following a formal Mass and Communion, the ceremony culminated with the officiating priest launching the graduates into adult life with an inspiring commencement address.
Class Ring Ceremony:
Several weeks prior to graduation, class rings were blessed by the pastor Priest with the words: “The blessing of our class rings by our priests signifies the blessing of our unbroken unity. It is a constant reminder that we have drawn no lines between us but a circle around all. One in which Christ is the beginning and the end... The worth of your character depends upon how well you have absorbed and enabled yourself to utilize the truths taught to you at Girls’ Catholic Central. You are proud of your school and therefore. It deserves your loyalty. In the years to come when this school, its faculty, and its principles have become vague memories, your ring should help you to recall all that your school symbolized. This is the purpose of your ring. It has been blessed not only to remind you but also to give you the grace, health of body, and courage of your convictions to execute these principles.”
Final Years:
In 1969, as a result of increasing demographic changes, shifting populations, and financial constraints affecting so many Catholic schools at the time, Girls’ Catholic Central High School held its final graduation and closed its doors for the last time.
Recent Years: In 1973, under the continued guidance of the IHM Sisters and the pastor of St. Patrick Church
, the school building on Parsons Street was converted into a senior citizens' activity center, St. Patrick’s Senior Center, and has continued to serve Detroit’s senior community. As also noted on their website, “St. Patrick Senior Center has evolved into a comprehensive health and wellness program that provides valuable services including hot and nutritious meals, an excellent health care clinic, and transportation assistance.” The center has been designated by The Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) as the model senior center for the City of Detroit and throughout the state.
Alumnae: Hundreds of Girls Catholic Central alumnae hold frequent reunions in Detroit with some events taking place in the school building. "GCC Girls" from all over the country reunite and reflect upon "the unique GCC Experience", pleased to see that most of the school’s original interiors have been left intact.
Alma Mater: The rousing, up-tempo Alma Mater was sung and played after all assemblies, school programs, holiday pageants, and at traditionally formal events such as commencements.
Alma Mater
Let’s give a cheer for Catholic Central and let us pledge to her anew
Others may like black or crimson but for us it’s white and blue
Let all our troubles be forgotten - let high school spirit rule
We’ll pledge and give our loyal praises for the good of our ole school
It’s Catholic Central - Girls Catholic Central
The pride of every student here. Our Alma Mater deserves our praises
It’s Catholic Central now we cheer, Rah! Rah!
Now is the time to show what we can do
No matter what the people say. For there is none to fear
For we’re all here, so hail to Catholic Central High
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
. The genteel, religious, all-girls environment was created and maintained to encourage scholastic excellence without the social distractions and pressures associated with co-ed educational systems.
History
In September of 1893, four IHM Sisters (Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) opened a school called St. Patrick's, at Cathedral parish in Detroit. The first high school graduate was recorded on June 22, 1899. In the school year 1927-28, the building used by the Cathedral Parish as a grade and high school was converted into Catholic Central High School for Girls. Thereafter, the school, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Detroit, was administered by the IHM Sisters, Priests of the C.I.C.M. order, and was accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation. The tuition-based academic program included strict admission requirements under which potential student applicants were carefully scrutinized. Many traveled from considerable distances, not only from metro Detroit, but also from numerous surrounding areas such as Hamtramck, LivoniaLivonia
Livonia is a historic region along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. It was once the land of the Finnic Livonians inhabiting the principal ancient Livonian County Metsepole with its center at Turaida...
, Highland Park
Highland Park, Michigan
- Geography :According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 16,746 people, 6,199 households, and 3,521 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,622.9 per square mile . There were 7,249...
, and Ferndale
Ferndale, Michigan
Ferndale is adjacent to the cities of Detroit to the south, Oak Park to the west, Hazel Park to the east, Pleasant Ridge to the north, Royal Oak Township to the southwest, and Royal Oak to the north....
. Although the student body was predominantly white for many years, the social changes of the late 1950s and early 1960s began to bring about the enrollment of a small number of students of color. Thereafter, in an atmosphere of ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity, young women of all nationalities, some foreign-born from Eastern European countries, were assimilating comfortably and forming strong bonds of friendship. The interactions and developing camaraderie between the high-achieving students proved to be mutually beneficial and paved the way to academic success. Located on a quiet side-street in mid-town Detroit, the four-story school building’s Tudor Gothic structure was in keeping with the sounds coming from nearby Orchestra Hall as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Detroit, Michigan. Its main performance center is Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood...
rehearsed. Familiar symphonies and classical works by famous composers inadvertently provided accompaniment to afternoon classes.
Academics
The demanding college preparatory curriculum offered the required and elective courses at each grade level in Religion, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language (Latin I, II, III), Business (Typing, Shorthand), and Physical Education. Low student-teacher ratio was maintained, ensuring a maximum student body at slightly above or below 300 members. The faculty was strongly supported by families that shared the values and mission of Girls Catholic Central and the advantages of single-gender college preparatory education in the absence of demographic influences.Religion
The academic program was accompanied by mandatory, strict adherence to deeply religious values and devotion to the Roman Catholic faith and Church rituals. Prior to the beginning of classes each day, Mass was attended at the Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little FlowerChapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower
The Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower is a church located at 58 Parsons Street in Detroit, Michigan. It is currently known as St. Patrick Church. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.- History :...
, which was adjacent to the school building, and the Sacrament of Confession was offered weekly.
Traditions
Freshmen Initiation:Highlighted by "Big Sister, Little Sister Week" - This was a non-academic tradition where the seniors/big sisters of the new school year were paired with incoming freshmen/little sisters for the initiation period. Subservient freshmen were provided a list of orders and tasks that were created to enforce strict adherence in total acquiescence to seniors’ whims. With a focus on “promoting school spirit”, humorous and harmless pranks such as silly hairstyles, and reversible wearing of clothing were acceptable.
Uniforms:
A strict high standard of dress code was enforced at all times. Make-up and hair styles were also scrutinized, and in general, jewelry was not acceptable, with the exception of wrist watches. The standard complete uniform was navy blue blazer, white cotton blouse, and navy blue pleated skirt (skirt length below the knee, preferably mid-calf) with white bobby socks or anklets, and lace-up walking shoes or loafers. Once monthly, the more relaxed First Fridays dress code rule was in place with the girls being allowed to attend classes “out of uniform”, but with good taste and modesty in mind.
Retreat:
A yearly ritual during which three days were set aside for students to reflect in prayer and solitude and penance, and to enhance their Catholic faith. Total silence was required, and with the exception of attendance at assemblies and conferences by visiting hierarchy from the Archdiocese, there was no interaction among the student body for the duration of the event. Students were encouraged to contemplate their lives in a manner reminiscent of the forty days that Christ spent alone in the desert,and to envision their future as good Catholic wives and mothers.
Senior Review:
Rigid scholastic testing was administered at the end of the school year during which graduating seniors were tested on general academic knowledge and readiness for college. The test was mandatory and a passing grade in all subjects was required for graduation.
Graduations:
Senior graduations were traditionally held on Sunday afternoons in the Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower
Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower
The Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower is a church located at 58 Parsons Street in Detroit, Michigan. It is currently known as St. Patrick Church. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.- History :...
next door. These were very traditional white cap and gown, religious ceremonies, beginning with the procession of the graduates through the chapel's famous twin entrance arches. Following a formal Mass and Communion, the ceremony culminated with the officiating priest launching the graduates into adult life with an inspiring commencement address.
Class Ring Ceremony:
Several weeks prior to graduation, class rings were blessed by the pastor Priest with the words: “The blessing of our class rings by our priests signifies the blessing of our unbroken unity. It is a constant reminder that we have drawn no lines between us but a circle around all. One in which Christ is the beginning and the end... The worth of your character depends upon how well you have absorbed and enabled yourself to utilize the truths taught to you at Girls’ Catholic Central. You are proud of your school and therefore. It deserves your loyalty. In the years to come when this school, its faculty, and its principles have become vague memories, your ring should help you to recall all that your school symbolized. This is the purpose of your ring. It has been blessed not only to remind you but also to give you the grace, health of body, and courage of your convictions to execute these principles.”
Final Years:
In 1969, as a result of increasing demographic changes, shifting populations, and financial constraints affecting so many Catholic schools at the time, Girls’ Catholic Central High School held its final graduation and closed its doors for the last time.
Recent Years: In 1973, under the continued guidance of the IHM Sisters and the pastor of St. Patrick Church
Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower
The Chapel of St. Theresa-the Little Flower is a church located at 58 Parsons Street in Detroit, Michigan. It is currently known as St. Patrick Church. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.- History :...
, the school building on Parsons Street was converted into a senior citizens' activity center, St. Patrick’s Senior Center, and has continued to serve Detroit’s senior community. As also noted on their website, “St. Patrick Senior Center has evolved into a comprehensive health and wellness program that provides valuable services including hot and nutritious meals, an excellent health care clinic, and transportation assistance.” The center has been designated by The Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) as the model senior center for the City of Detroit and throughout the state.
Alumnae: Hundreds of Girls Catholic Central alumnae hold frequent reunions in Detroit with some events taking place in the school building. "GCC Girls" from all over the country reunite and reflect upon "the unique GCC Experience", pleased to see that most of the school’s original interiors have been left intact.
Alma Mater: The rousing, up-tempo Alma Mater was sung and played after all assemblies, school programs, holiday pageants, and at traditionally formal events such as commencements.
Alma Mater
Let’s give a cheer for Catholic Central and let us pledge to her anew
Others may like black or crimson but for us it’s white and blue
Let all our troubles be forgotten - let high school spirit rule
We’ll pledge and give our loyal praises for the good of our ole school
It’s Catholic Central - Girls Catholic Central
The pride of every student here. Our Alma Mater deserves our praises
It’s Catholic Central now we cheer, Rah! Rah!
Now is the time to show what we can do
No matter what the people say. For there is none to fear
For we’re all here, so hail to Catholic Central High
External links
- http://www.archdioceseofdetroit.org/ Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan
- http://www.ihmsisters.org/ IHM Sisters, Motherhouse, Monroe, Michigan
- catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dqcic.html/ CICM (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae) Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- http://www.stpatseniorcenter.com St. Patrick’s Senior Center, Detroit, Michigan