Faith isn't an afterthought at Bonner & Prendie—it's foundational. We sat down with Dr. John Cooke, President of Bonner & Prendie, to explore how Catholic identity shapes every aspect of the student experience.
Q: What makes Bonner & Prendie a Catholic school today?
Dr. Cooke:
Prayer is central to our day. We pray at the start of every day and again after lunch during the 7th period. Every class and staff meeting also opens with prayer. It keeps our focus where it belongs.
Our faith is visible everywhere—we have crucifixes in classrooms and hallways, religious artwork, and the Stations of the Cross lining the 2nd floor corridor and outside. We also offer mass daily and celebrate Mass as an entire school community monthly. Mass is led by our full-time Archdiocesan priest who also teaches five theology classes.
All programming and even when we bring in outside speakers who talk about addiction, mental health, or leadership—it's always through a Catholic lens. We speak to the heart of the person, with compassion and love.
Q: What are some of the Catholic traditions that students experience today?
Dr. Cooke:
We offer confessions 2-3 times a year and bring in 5–7 priests when we do, giving students plenty of opportunity to participate. Even non-Catholic students are welcome to speak with a priest.
We also have four IHM Sisters in the building, and some of them run our RCIA program. Last year, six students converted to the Catholic faith through the RCIA program. This year, we have four more preparing to join our faith. It's a year-long journey that culminates in a beautiful moment of commitment.
One of our most powerful traditions is the Rosary Rally in May and October. Students and staff form a living rosary on the turf field and pray together. It's an incredible visual and spiritual experience.
Q: Do students take theology classes?
Dr. Cooke:
Yes, all students take at least one theology class every year, and we tailor courses to where they are in their faith journey. We offer intro classes for non-Catholic students or those new to Catholicism, and more advanced and philosophical electives for those ready to go deeper.
We're not just teaching doctrine—we're forming minds and hearts to understand how Catholic values shape the way we live.
Q: How do Catholic values influence school culture and discipline?
Dr. Cooke:
We approach every situation through the lens of love and service. Our student handbook is designed to be restorative, not just punitive.
This week, I had two situations where we could've handed out punishments and been done. Instead, we chose to walk with those students, support them, and help them learn from their mistakes—just as we would with our own children. Accountability and compassion go hand in hand.
Q: Do students still participate in annual retreats?
Dr. Cooke:
Yes, every student attends a retreat each year. Freshmen through juniors participate in one-day retreats focused on faith and reflection. Seniors go on a transformative three-day retreat. Every retreat focuses on a new theme each year.
Senior girls go to Malvern Retreat House, and the boys go to Black Rock Retreat in Lancaster County. The goal of the senior retreats is to help students rediscover themselves, strengthen bonds with classmates, and reflect deeply on their relationship with God before graduation.
They include prayer, small group discussions, talks, personal reflection, and lots of meaningful conversations. We separate boys and girls so each group can dive into their experience in a more personal way.
Q: Why is Catholic education so important at B&P?
Dr. Cooke:
Because it's who we are. Our Catholic faith is the core of our identity. We're forming students to be people of faith, integrity, and service—whether they're Catholic or not.
Even our non-Catholic students come to understand the values we live by compassion, justice, forgiveness, and love. Those values, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, change lives.
Q: How does a Catholic education prepare students for life after graduation?
Dr. Cooke:
It prepares them to be good people—people who give back, serve others, and live their faith. Our alumni are proof of that. They support our school because they know the value of what they received here, and they want the next generation to have it too.
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We're not just educating students—we're forming leaders rooted in faith and driven by purpose.