A successful Catholic Schools Week 2024 is down in the books, and the memories created for Catholic school families, teachers, staff and supporters will last for a long time to come.
The Diocese’s Catholic school communities observed National Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28-Feb. 4, with special activities that included school-wide Masses, welcoming visitors for open houses and special guests for presentations, hosting unique exhibits, and events to benefit the community. There was a lot of fun stuff too, like sporting competitions between faculty and students and ice cream socials.
Across the nation and here at home, Catholic Schools Week provides a unique opportunity to promote all the good that a Catholic education has to offer.
“When I go to visit schools during Catholic Schools Week, I love seeing the pure joy on our students’ faces, and teachers and school leaders taking time to connect with the whole community,” said Bonnie Milecki from the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools. Milecki spent time on the road visiting schools as did Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent, and Daniel O’Connell, associate superintendent.
Milecki recounted, “We visit schools frequently and when we do, we talk to focus groups of the students. I always ask, ‘In 10 years, what will your favorite memories of your school be?’ and students will always say that Catholic Schools Week will hold special memories.” Milecki said, noting that the numbers of people who experienced the week in the Diocese’s schools were some 8,500 elementary school students; nearly 5,000 high school students and 1,350 teachers and staff.
Since 1974, the National Catholic Educational Association has hosted Catholic Schools Week for elementary and secondary schools in the United States. This year, the annual event had as its overarching theme “United in Faith and Community.” Each day was dedicated to recognizing a particular group within the school and Church community, including “Celebrating Your Students;” “Celebrating Teachers;” “Celebrating the Nation,” and “Celebrating Vocations.” Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, the wider community and the nation.
“To be out seeing the schools is always a great experience for me as superintendent,” said Dr. Schmidt.
“I always seem to learn something new, while allowing me to share education news with all the schools we visit,” he said. “But Catholic Schools Week takes it to a new level. There is so much joy and excitement within the schools and everyone is full of the Catholic school spirit that makes us unique in the education world.
“Also,” Dr. Schmidt added, “I love the opportunity to meet and talk about the direction of the schools with the parents.
“The investment in Catholic schools is clearly paying dividends,” Dr. Schmidt observed.
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.