Now entering its 50th anniversary year, National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education across America.
From Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, Catholic schools throughout Philadelphia, and the nation, will commemorate the week with various activities that embrace Catholic education. The various celebrations include Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and members of the community.
This year’s new theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” According to the National Catholic Education Association website, “The fact that all members of a Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites the school as a faith-filled community.”
Schools across the Philadelphia region typically observe the week with Masses, assemblies and other activities to celebrate what makes Catholic schools great.
Each day of the week has a theme, and here’s a rundown with information from the National Catholic Schools Week website.
Local schools around the Philadelphia region will be adapting each of these themes to fit their mission.
Sunday: Celebrating Your Parish
Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. Many parishes join in the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting a Mass to Catholic education. Schools start the week by inviting parishioners and community members to parish-centered events and school open houses that feature their outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.
Monday: Celebrating Your Community
A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities – both local and beyond – they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and learn how to make the world a better place. When they observe how others serve the community, they gain an appreciation for how they can continue to serve others their entire lives.
Tuesday: Celebrating Your Students
Schools celebrate students during National Catholic Schools Week by planning enjoyable and meaningful activities for them and recognizing their accomplishments. They encourage students to reflect on the benefits of Catholic education and how the grounding in faith, knowledge and service it provides will help them throughout their lives.
Wednesday: Celebrating the Nation
On National Appreciation Day for Catholic schools, students, families, educators and other Catholic school supporters communicate the value of Catholic education to government leaders. They share information with leaders on the significant contributions Catholic schools make to the nation and their role in preparing students to be good citizens. They pray for the nation and recognize all those who serve.
Thursday: Celebrating Vocations
By focusing on faith, knowledge and service, Catholic schools prepare children to use their God-given talents to the fullest later in life. National Catholic Schools Week offers an opportunity for students to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well in the service of God and others.
Friday: Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers
Teachers are the backbone of Catholic schools. On this day, schools honor teachers, as well as administrators and staff who support teachers in their important work, and thank the parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners and school board members who provide volunteer service.
Saturday: Celebrating Families
Parents, guardians and other family members play a vital role in Catholic education. Not only do they volunteer at the school, they instill values and expectations for academic excellence in their children at home. Catholic schools acknowledge the role of families in Catholic education and celebrate their contributions to the success of schools on the last day of National Catholic Schools Week, and all year long.
For more information on National Catholic Schools Week, visit www.ncea.org/csw.
