National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated at Catholic schools throughout the country every year. This year, it kicks off on Sunday January 30 and runs through February 5. National Catholic Schools Week originated in 1974 and often has a specific theme. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2022 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” Typically, schools celebrate for the entire week with different activities each day. Overall, the celebrations are meant to focus on the value Catholic education adds to our society. Catholic schools provide an opportunity for children to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, engage in strong academic preparation, provide service to the community, and become aware of the unique gifts they possess. Catholic schools boast a 99.4% graduation rate, with 97% going on the college or military service, and 1000s of hours each year given to the community through service. In the Diocese of Phoenix, Catholic schools had many different activities happening to celebrate and promote their schools during Catholic Schools Week!
In addition to two diocesan events that occur during the week of Catholic Schools Week, individual schools stay busy with activities on their campuses. While all schools in the diocese are invited to participate in the Diocesan English and Spanish Spelling Bee’s and the Catholic Schools Week Rally at Wesley Bolin Plaza to thank legislators who support school choice, schools host grandparents, celebrate special masses, and honor members of the community, among other events. Each school designates a day to celebrate principals, administrators, staff, teachers, families, and students in various ways.
In previous years schools such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale, Student Council members showed their leadership by hosting a carnival for all students. They also represented their school at the Diocesan Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and the Rally downtown. There was also a Jog-a-thon for all students, and parents received thank you notes from their children for sending them to Catholic school.
Annunciation Catholic School students were surprised a few years ago in a pep rally by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. ACS was featured as a Phoenix Suns Charity at the game on January 31, 2021 and celebrated Family Fun Night.
However, the big event for Catholic Schools Week is Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents’ are showered with gratitude, attend mass with the students and staff, and are entertained by the school theater musical or production.
National Catholic Schools Week looks different in every school, but the purpose remains the same. Honoring the core values of Catholic education through gratitude, prayer, service, and community can be found in every Catholic school throughout the country during this special week.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix are currently enrolling students for next school year. If education through spiritual nourishment, academic excellence, strong community, and service to others appeals to your family values, check out Catholic school options near you.
