Leadership from the Owensboro Catholic School System, including the new director of the Early Learning Campus, Kelly Heaton, participate in the ribbon cutting on Aug. 4, 2026. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Owensboro Catholic School System continues legacy of early child development with Early Learning Campus
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Fr. Larry Hostetter, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro, blessed the newly developed Owensboro Catholic Schools Early Learning Campus on Aug. 4, 2026.
During the blessing, Fr. Hostetter walked beneath brightly colored ribbons and past posters bearing messages like, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” He entered classrooms filled with little chairs, alphabet rugs and other early learning materials. He prayed for the staff and children who would soon fill the space.
Following the blessing, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce joined OCS leadership for a ribbon cutting and remarks. Guests were then able to tour the campus and its classrooms.
St. Pius X first became home to a Catholic school in 1957, under the leadership of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. In responding to the needs of local families, Sr. Mary Mercy Hayden, OSU, opened the daycare and kindergarten there in 1971. She was able to turn it into a thriving part of the community with more than 100 kids in the program, becoming a model for early learning programs throughout Owensboro, before she stepped away.
Seeking to continue the legacy of early development while adapting to a more sustainable structure, St. Pius X Parish, in collaboration with OCS, announced in spring 2025 their plans to introduce a preschool program beginning with a small cohort in fall 2026.
“Ultimately this provides us with the opportunity of participating in something really special and using our building for its original intent, as a school,” wrote Fr. Hostetter in the initial announcement to parishioners.
The Early Learning Campus follows the OCS calendar and operates from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with after-school care available. The schedule and the program’s connection to the wider school system are designed to ease families’ transition into kindergarten at the OCS K-3 Campus.
“Our Early Learning Campus is more than a place for children to learn and grow—it is the beginning of their journey within our school community,” said director Kelly Heaton. “Through nurturing relationships, engaging learning experiences, and a strong foundation in faith, we prepare our students with the skills and confidence they need for a smooth transition to our K–3 campus and continued success in the years ahead.”
For more information about the program, visit https://owensborocatholic.org/early-learning-campus/.
On Aug. 4, 2026, Fr. Larry Hostetter walks through the hallway blessing the newly developed Owensboro Catholic School Early Learning Campus, located on the campus of St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
