Close to 300 people ran, walked and supported the annual Scott’s Run fundraiser for Catholic Charities Atlanta.

Holy Spirit Prep School grabbed the spotlight, not only with its speedy students winning the 5K race, but also with artistic flair. Emily Olague, a sixth-grader at the independent Catholic school in Atlanta, designed the T-shirt coveted by runners.

Ryan Doyle, 15, was the overall male winner, completing the 3.2-mile course at hilly Chastain Park in 18:12 minutes. The fastest female was Hannah Meadows, 14, who clocked in at 20:49 minutes.

The money raised by the race supports immigrant children’s programs at Catholic Charities.

“Phantom runners” were people who contributed to the children’s programs even if they couldn’t lace up for the Oct. 3 event. Among them were Auxiliary Bishop Luis Zarama, who has been spotted running on Peachtree Road, and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Diane Starkovich.

Support from sponsors made the event possible. The top donor was the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Atlanta chapter. Silver sponsors were Kuck Immigration Lawyers LLC, Socheat Chea, P.C., and Sutherland.

Scott’s Run honors Scott Starratt, a Marietta native, and officer of the INS (now called the Office of Homeland Security). He stood out for his kindness to foreign children who ended up in detention. He died in an automobile crash in 2001.

A long-time spiritual director here will be adding to her ministry as she serves in a leadership role with her congregation.

Cenacle Sister Susan Arcaro was installed as a new province councilor on Sept. 26, the feast day of St. Therese Couderc, the foundress of the Cenacle order.

Sister Susan has lived in Atlanta for 17 years where she has been involved in the order’s charism of prayer, spiritual direction and faith formation. She is an adjunct lecturer at Spring Hill College, Atlanta. She is also involved in the RCIA program at Prince of Peace Church, Flowery Branch.

Sister Susan joins the new provincial, Sister Evelyn Jegen, of Metairie, La., a suburb of New Orleans, and three other sisters in the congregation’s leadership.

Sister Susan said the congregation is passionate about its mission of deepening faith with others. She said it may need to look at continuing that service in new ways to ensure sisters can focus on the mission, not on things like keeping up a retreat house.

Marist School welcomed Angela Dorsey as its new vice president for institutional advancement.

Dorsey had worked at The Westminster Schools, where she successfully led its major and planned gifts, annual giving, stewardship, and development services. She helped design a $100 million comprehensive campaign which, to date, has raised $80 million.

At Marist, Dorsey will lead the institutional fundraising efforts for the school, providing strategic vision and cultivating donor relationships. She will oversee the advancement staff’s fulfillment of both yearly and long-term goals for the annual fund, planned gifts and major gifts, according to the independent Catholic school.

Marist Father John Harhager, president of Marist School, spoke of the importance of advancement efforts to the life of the school: “The work Angela will be doing is absolutely essential. Without the support of our parents, alumni, and other generous donors, we would be unable to fulfill our mission in education.”

Sister Margaret McAnoy called it a well-deserved recognition when a former Atlanta Immaculate Heart of Mary sister earned Vatican honors.

Sister Sharon Holland, who served at Holy Cross Church from 1969 to 1974, recently received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Cardinal Franc Rode at the Vatican.

Trained as a canon lawyer, Sister Sharon was one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican. She received the papal medal as she was preparing to conclude her 21-year ministry at the Vatican and return to her congregation, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Michigan.

She retired from her Vatican position as a bureau chief at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Sister Sharon described her ministry at the Vatican as “a wonderful experience in terms of being exposed to the universal Church.” Although she didn’t expect any kind of honor, she said of receiving the medal, “It was a very positive sign of my work having been appreciated.”

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, cast in gold and tucked into a red leather case along with matching lapel pin, translates as “For the Church and the Pontiff” and is presented for outstanding service to the Roman Catholic Church.

Sister Margaret and Sister Sharon lived with several other sisters on David Road, near the parish, during their time together. Sister Margaret called her friend compassionate, very knowledgeable and a strong advocate for religious congregations.

The medal is a four-pointed cross that bears in its center the images of the apostles Peter and Paul. The cross is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon.

This is the second award Sister Sharon has received in three months. On April 23 she received an award from the Catholic Health Association. In 2007 she was awarded the International Medal from St. John’s University in Rome.

St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School is partnering with Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem to build relationships between soldiers and the school.

The new arrangement was the center of a special ceremony on Sept. 17 at the Decatur school.

At the same time, to honor soldiers and their families, the school offers a tuition scholarship to children of military women and men who are enrolled in the school.

Col. Howard Butler, garrison deputy commander of Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, and Catherine Spencer, school principal, signed the partnership agreement in the presence of students.

The partnership means students can participate in Job Shadow Day and the Educators’ Recognition Award Ceremony and other special occasions at the army bases. Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem soldiers will reciprocate by participating in activities at the school such as the annual field day and career day.

Approximately 30 other schools in the Atlanta area have similar agreements with the army bases.

Archdiocesan Schools Superintendent Diane Starkovich, School Liaison Officer for Fort McPherson Camille Jefferson and other guests were on hand for the partnership signing.