By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
With the theme “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” this year’s annual Catholic Schools Week will be marked Jan. 25-31, “emphasizing faith formation, service, and strong partnerships with families and parishes” as described by the National Catholic Educators Association.
“CSW gives us the privilege of stepping into so many classrooms and witnessing something deeply meaningful: students who are grateful for the opportunity to practice their faith, and educators who intentionally create calm, purpose-filled spaces where learning and formation go hand in hand,” said Bonnie Milecki, diocesan Catholic schools assistant superintendent for development and operations.
“Our schools remain places where tradition, ritual and reverence anchor young people in what truly matters,” she noted. “As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Pierce v. Society of Sisters Supreme Court verdict, which codified the right of Catholic schools to exist, we are reminded that this work is not only sacred, but foundational to the freedom of families to choose faith-based education.”
Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent, pointed to how CSW is significant to Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools in multiple ways.
“It is a celebration of what makes us different … a ‘Faith First’ environment where Gospel values are lived daily,” he explained. “CSW also allows schools to showcase [that] unique environment – not only to existing families, but also to the prospective parent looking for an alternative program that might be a better fit.”
It is an also an opportunity, Dr. Schmidt said, “for a Catholic school to unite with other schools in the Diocese to see how [they are] part of something much bigger: the Universal Church.”
School initiatives in the Diocese’s schools will be on display during CSW, as visitors will be able to observe the fruits of these efforts – including sustained focus on safe school environments, classroom supplies and innovative teaching tools from teacher grants, and much more. The Diocese is working on implementing a new information system to improve communication and engagement, as well as procuring expanded support from federal programs, innovation grants, upgraded curriculum and teacher faith formation.
“Our schools strive to provide their students a rich experience embedded with Catholic values and the best in academics,” Dr. Schmidt said. “CSW allows [our] schools to join Catholic schools across the nation in recognizing the tremendous work [of] committed faculty, families and parish communities.”
The Monitor will carry special coverage of Catholic Schools Week in the February magazine issue and on TrentonMonitor.com.