Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Language, Leadership, and Cabrini High School’s Global Mission

May 13, 2026

Cabrini High School continues to live out Mother Cabrini’s powerful words, “The world is too small for me. I want to bring the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to all people,” by forming students who can truly engage across cultures, and language is at the heart of that mission.

This year’s foreign language awards reflect not only academic excellence, but the development of real-world skills that allow students to communicate, connect, and lead in a global community. In one of the highest honors of Cabrini’s foreign language department, Junior Jordin McFarland earned first place in her French Oral Interview at the Southeastern Louisiana University Foreign Language Festival and received the prestigious Codofil Scholarship, a fully-funded opportunity to study in Brussels, Belgium this summer, and a true representation of the very spirit of Cabrini’s international mission in action

Cabrini students delivered an outstanding performance at the Southeastern Foreign Language Festival as a whole, dominating the competition and earning top placements across multiple categories in both French and Spanish. These accomplishments are more than awards; they represent students gaining the confidence and cultural fluency to engage meaningfully with the wider world.

Through language study, Cabrini students are not only excelling academically, they are continuing Mother Cabrini’s legacy, equipped to reach beyond borders with faith, compassion, and purpose.

A Night of Green and Gold in New Orleans

April 15, 2026

Cabrini High School’s Night of Green and Gold Gala brought together alumnae, parents, and friends last Saturday for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Crescent spirit. Guests enjoyed a festive night filled with signature cocktails, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment from the Wise Guys band, which had partygoers dancing until the very end. The event also featured both a silent and live auction, with attendees bidding on an array of sought-after items, including vacation packages, dining experiences, retail finds, and recreational experiences—all in support of Cabrini’s mission.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, who received the Heart of Cabrini Award. Sister Catherine’s lifelong dedication and influence have inspired generations of Cabrini women in New Orleans. Her impact on the founding of Cabrini High School and the school community was celebrated with deep gratitude and admiration for the legacy she established in New Orleans.

The school was also honored to welcome Sister Diane Olmstead, MSC, Sister Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, and Sister Maria Loretta Caeti, MSC, as special guests. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus served as a sponsor of the event, helping to make the evening possible and especially meaningful for alumnae, who remain deeply grateful for the Cabrinian education that has shaped their lives.

As Cabrini’s largest annual fundraiser, the Night of Green and Gold Gala plays a vital role in sustaining the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the formation of young women as faith-filled leaders. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of all who attended and supported the event, the evening was a great success.

Cabrini High School extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the night possible, ensuring that the legacy of Cabrini High School remains strong for years to come.

Cabrini High School Celebrates Annual St. Joseph Altar

March 18, 2026

Cabrini High School’s annual St. Joseph Altar opened on March 18, 2026, welcoming students with the traditional “Tupa-Tupa” ceremony, a reenactment of the Holy Family seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. Created in partnership with the Elenian Club, the oldest Italian women’s club organization in the United States, the altar reflected months of care, shared devotion among students, alumnae, and volunteers, and a strong commitment to tradition.

The opening day also included a lecture by Joann Testa, past Elenian Club president, on the Sicilian heritage of New Orleans and its enduring connection to Cabrini High School, offering students a deeper understanding of the cultural roots that continue to shape the school’s identity.

Guests of the altar experienced a beautifully arranged display of traditional foods and symbolic elements, including intricately shaped breads, fresh flowers, candles, and images of St. Joseph and Mother Cabrini. Tables were filled with handmade baked goods, especially Italian cookies prepared by religion classes under the guidance of the Elenian Club and Cabrini alumnae. The altar invited quiet prayer and reflection while showcasing the richness of a tradition passed down through generations. A highlight each year is the guided tours of Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, the Cabrini Museum, and the shrine.

The Cabrini community now looks ahead with anticipation to next year’s altar, carrying forward a tradition rooted in deep faith, devoted Catholic practice, and the rich Italian heritage that continues to shape Cabrini High School.

CHS “Welcome Wagon” Travels 400+ Miles to Personally Greet Every New Student

March 4, 2026

Cabrini High School recently rolled out a special “Welcome Wagon” to greet the newest members of the Crescent family in a way they will never forget. Over the course of one spirited weekend, Cabrini cheerleaders, members of the Eclipse Dance Team, and student ambassadors traveled more than 400 miles back and forth across the greater New Orleans area to personally welcome each incoming eighth- and ninth-grade student to the school community.

From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, the energetic teams went door to door, pom-poms waving and cheers echoing through neighborhoods as they surprised the newest Crescents right at home. Each stop brought moments of pure joy as students stepped outside to find their future classmates and school leaders celebrating them with enthusiasm and excitement.

The reactions were unforgettable. Many students reacted with squeals of surprise, wide smiles, and even tears of happiness as they realized the visit was just for them. Families joined in the celebration, creating videos and cheering along as Cabrini representatives shared a warm welcome and helped mark the beginning of each student’s journey as a Crescent.

The excitement and heartfelt moments fueled the group’s energy throughout the entire weekend. Even after hundreds of miles on the road and dozens upon dozens of stops across the region, the spirit never faded. The final visit on Sunday evening was met with the same enthusiasm as the first, closing the weekend as the sun set on a truly memorable welcome for Cabrini’s newest students.

The effort was so notable that a local news outlet picked up the story and featured the Welcome Wagon in its broadcast, highlighting Cabrini’s unique approach to building community and celebrating its newest students.

The celebration reflects Cabrini High School’s deep commitment to sisterhood, connection, and community. Before a Cabrini girl even enters the gates, Cabrini High School ensures that every member of the school community feels celebrated, supported, and proud to be part of something bigger.

To view a video of the weekend’s recap on Instagram, click here.
The Crescents’ Welcome Wagon made the local news, to see that newsclip click here

Building the Next Chapter at Cabrini High School

January 8, 2026

The Cabrini High School Board of Trustees, in partnership with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has announced the appointment of Mr. Eric L. DesOrmeaux, M.Ed., as the next president-elect of Cabrini High School following a comprehensive, year-long national search.

Eric began his transition into the role this week and is working alongside Deacon Uriel Durr, who continues to serve as head of school. A formal transition of leadership is expected in April, ensuring consistency and stability across the Cabrini community.

With more than twenty years of experience in Catholic education, Eric brings a broad range of leadership expertise. At Holy Cross School in New Orleans, he has served as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, chief school officer, and interim president. His professional background includes academic leadership, campus operations, financial stewardship, and institutional advancement. A member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Eric is recognized for a leadership approach grounded in faith, collaboration, and service.

In reflecting on his appointment, Eric expressed appreciation for the welcome extended by the Cabrini community and affirmed his commitment to advancing the school’s Catholic mission. He emphasized the importance of the missionary spirit modeled by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and the responsibility to form young women whose faith is expressed through leadership, service, and action.

The entire Cabrini High School community extends sincere gratitude to Deacon Uriel Durr for his dedicated leadership and continued partnership during this transition period.

As Cabrini High School continues strategic action planning, campus investment, and academic growth, the school remains focused on strengthening its mission and positioning the community for sustained excellence.

Cabrini and Brother Martin Retreat Teams Share Faith with Catholic Schools

December 4, 2025

This year, the Cabrini High School Retreat Team embraced its call to share the Gospel in a meaningful new way: by partnering with the Brother Martin High School Retreat Team to host faith-filled retreats for local Catholic elementary students. Students participated in these special retreat days designed to strengthen their understanding of faith and community.

The combined Cabrini/Brother Martin retreat teams broke into small groups and together, they guided the students through discussions, reflections, and hands-on activities centered on building a strong foundation of faith. Their shared leadership created a dynamic environment where younger students felt supported, welcomed, and inspired.

What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the deep spiritual connection between the two schools. Cabrini High School was founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while Brother Martin was founded by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Both religious communities share a devotion to the love and mercy of Jesus, symbolized by His Sacred Heart. Seeing students from these two traditions work together as modern-day disciples brought this devotion to life in a beautiful and tangible way.

Cabrini extends heartfelt thanks to Campus Minister Nicole Jouandot for her commitment to bringing Cabrini’s faith leadership to other schools, and to Donnie Midkiff of Brother Martin for inviting Cabrini to join in this mission. The schools are looking forward to hosting more retreats together in the spring.

Cabrini Students Shine at Archdiocesan Respect Life Gathering

October 8, 2025

Cabrini High School was proudly represented at the annual meeting of archdiocesan high school Respect Life Club Leaders with Archbishop Gregory Raymond. The event brought together two student leaders and one moderator from each high school in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, providing an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration on the pro-life mission within Catholic education.

Representing Cabrini for the evening of faith and fellowship were junior Janaé Haynes and senior Makayla Richoux, along with campus minister, Nicole Jouandot. Haynes and Richoux are active on Cabrini’s Campus Ministry Board, Pro-Life Club, CHS retreat team and the new Bible Study Club. Both young women attended the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., and plan to return again this year.

The Cabrini representatives shared their school’s creative initiatives promoting a culture of life on campus. Archbishop Raymond commended them for being innovative and inspiring. The students expressed pride in wearing their signature pink Pro-Life sweaters as a visible symbol of their faith and conviction.

Before departing for the evening, Ms. Jouandot offered the students a tour of the nearby seminary, where she is pursuing a Master’s of Arts degree in pastoral leadership. The evening was filled with meaningful discussion, laughter, and genuine pride as Cabrini’s students spoke with confidence, grace, and conviction. Their strong voices and leadership true examples of what it means to be a Cabrini girl: faithful and courageous in living their values.

Academic Engagements Kickstart the New CHS Year

September 18, 2025

Our teachers spent the summer enhancing their mastery and expanding their instructional impact across subjects. Several completed ACT Instructional Mastery credentials. Some earned AP Certifications while others trained in TestBright ACT/SAT Curriculum. One faculty member completed ASCA Training to better support student transitions into high school.

Our world language faculty deepened cultural immersion abroad. Dr. Loreque Colimon studied French language and culture at the Université libre de Bruxelles. Vivian Coutin explored Spain from Santiago de Compostela to Salamanca, and Maria Vargas spent a month in Madrid. Cabrini faculty also represented the school at the national AP Annual Conference in Boston.

Student Crescents made their mark across the city, nation, and globe through Xavier University’s dual enrollment program, Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy and Tulane University’s neuroscience program.
Other students trained with Broadway Artists Alliance and made sure to make time for a visit to the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, as well. Student leadership flourished at Louisiana Girls State and at the Louisiana Youth Seminar.

From Brussels and Madrid to Broadway and Louisiana leadership camps, Cabrini students spent the summer expanding their knowledge, talents, and personal impact. Our faculty and students’ collective efforts inspired our community and ensured the 2025 school year began with energy, confidence, and pride.

Cabrini Dads Make Jazz Fest Parking – A Favorite Tradition for All

May 6, 2025

year, the Cabrini Dads’ Club works tirelessly to raise funds that directly support student education. Their biggest and most beloved fundraiser? Parking for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Just blocks from Cabrini’s Bayou St. John campus, Jazz Fest draws world-class musicians, artists, and food lovers from all over for eight days at the end of April and the beginning of May. And for many of them, parking at Cabrini has become part of the tradition. Expertly managed by the Dads’ Club, Cabrini offers safe, secure parking and something more: a tailgating experience that’s as memorable as the festival itself.

For more than 40 years, Cabrini dads have transformed the Dads’ Club garage into a hub of hospitality—grilling burgers, playing music, and welcoming festivalgoers with signature warmth. It’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where many return year after year, their Jazz Fest experience incomplete without a twilight burger and a wave from a dad in a Hawaiian shirt.

Their generosity and spirit haven’t gone unnoticed. So beloved is the Dads’ Club that local news crews make it a point to stop by each year—not just to cover Jazz Fest, but to spend time with the dads themselves. They’ve become part of the festival’s story—not because they’re out to make a buck, but because their fundraising transforms lives.

That transformation is felt every day on campus. As one of Cabrini’s largest benefactors, the Dads’ Club has played a major role in supporting curriculum enhancements, capital improvements, and state-of-the-art technology—projects that keep Cabrini competitive in one of the most rigorous Catholic school systems in the country.
While we love celebrating the success of our students, it’s just as important to honor those who make that success possible. Cabrini is a family, and these faithful stewards in baseball caps are a vital part of it. Their work isn’t just service—it’s a legacy of love.

Cabrini Dads Make Jazz Fest Parking ~ a Favorite Tradition for All

May 2, 2025

At Cabrini High School, forming young women into the faith-filled leaders God intends them to be is at the heart of everything we do. But behind the scenes, it takes more than just dedicated faculty and staff—it takes the commitment of our incredible Cabrini dads.
Each year, the Cabrini Dads’ Club works tirelessly to raise funds that directly support student education. Their biggest and most beloved fundraiser? Parking for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

While we love celebrating the success of our students, it’s just as important to honor those who make that success possible. Cabrini is a family, and these faithful stewards in baseball caps are a vital part of it. Their work isn’t just service—it’s a legacy of love.