THIS YEAR, CELEBRATING Catholic Schools Week — an annual event to promote Catholic education and recognize the many values it provides — take place Jan. 26 through Feb. 1. Initiated by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), this year’s theme is: “Faith. Excellence. Service.”
In honor of this special week, several Diocese of Orange educators share how their school celebrates Catholic Schools Week.
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: FAITH, ACADEMICS AND COMMUNITY
Catholic Schools Week highlights the core values of academic excellence, spiritual growth and community service that define Catholic education. At St. Bonaventure Catholic School, the week begins with a special Mass and Community Open House where students actively participate as readers, ushers, greeters and gift bearers, demonstrating their leadership and faith. The Open House welcomes both current and prospective families to explore the campus, meet teachers and learn more about the school’s programs, with Student Council members leading campus tours.
Throughout the week, daily themes emphasize the school’s Catholic mission. Vocations Day, for instance, features a school-wide assembly with the pastor, Fr. Vincent Pham and Religion Teacher Sr. Christin, sharing their personal callings to religious life, encouraging students to reflect on their faith journeys. Service to Others Day brings the school community together for a service project. Students will collaborate in small groups to create blankets for those in need and write appreciation cards for community members such as police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, priests and sisters, fostering empathy and community spirit.
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S ZOLI TEGLAS AND ELLA DUNCAN BRING UP THE GIFTS TO FR. VINCENT PHAM DURING A SCHOOL-WIDE MASS. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL
The week-long celebrations conclude with Grandparents and Special Persons Day, where guests enjoy a breakfast program followed by Mass, recognizing the significance of family and mentorship in students’ lives.
Additional highlights of the week include School Spirit Days, a Pep Rally, an Alumni Coffee Social and a visit from the In-N-Out Food Truck, adding festive elements to the celebration.
Diane Woodfill, parent of fourth and seventh grade students, shared her thoughts on the importance of Catholic Schools Week, stating, “This week truly embodies what St. Bonaventure stands for—faith, service and togetherness. It’s a time when our entire community comes alive, and you can see the joy in the students’ faces as they live out the values we cherish.”
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER SENORA JONES AND STUDENT LYA ELLISON. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
At St. Bonaventure Catholic School, we proudly say, “It is always a great day to be a SAINT!” Catholic Schools Week serves as a powerful reminder of the faith, academic excellence and sense of family that define our community. It offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the school’s mission while uniting students, families and staff in shared values and purpose.
— Vanessa Frei
HOW MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
One of the most anticipated events of the year at Mission Basilica School is Catholic Schools Week, an annual celebration of what makes Catholic education truly special. Schools throughout the Diocese come together to showcase their unique qualities and foster community spirit among students, parents, alumni and the wider community. This week is a joyful time filled with faith, service and fun, as we live out our Student Learning Expectations (SLEs) and reflect on what it means to be part of a Catholic school.
DURING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO MASS TO HONOR THEIR FOUNDATIONAL ROLE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL
At Mission Basilica School, Catholic Schools Week is a time of gratitude, celebration and reflection. The week begins with a beautiful Family Mass in the Basilica, uniting our parish and school communities to celebrate our Student Learning Expectations (SLEs), particularly the call to be Life-Long Learners.
This opening Mass sets a reverent and joyful tone for the week, emphasizing our shared faith and commitment to Catholic education.
The festivities continue with Celebrating Community and Vocations, a day dedicated to recognizing our Community Members. Our priests are honored during a morning assembly with a special prayer and a Spiritual Bouquet, a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their guidance. The Carmelite Sisters enrich the day by leading a retreat for parents and engaging with students, offering a deeper connection to their faith and vocation.
Midweek, the spotlight shifts to Celebrating Students, emphasizing their role as Self-Respecting Individuals. Free Dress Days, live music at lunch and other classroom celebrations help students celebrate their Catholic school community. Catholic Schools Week also includes our highly anticipated Open House, where current families, alumni and prospective families explore classrooms, meet teachers, and experience the vibrant energy of our campus.
On Celebrating the Nation Day, students focus on being Globally Aware Citizens. Activities like learning about different cultures foster empathy and understanding, while appreciation cards for parents highlight gratitude and family values.
As the week progresses, we honor our faculty, staff and volunteers, celebrating their dedication through teamwork-focused activities like Sports Day, where everyone wears their favorite team jerseys or tees. This day reinforces the SLE emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
The week concludes with Celebrating Families, honoring their foundational role in Catholic education. Grandparents and special friends are invited to Mass and enjoy a warm morning on campus. Students express their love and appreciation by writing thank-you letters to their parents, focusing on the SLE of being Faith-Filled Catholics.
Catholic Schools Week at Mission Basilica School is more than a celebration— it’s a reaffirmation of the values that guide us daily. It brings our community closer, nurtures faith and highlights the lasting impact of Catholic education on students, families and the world.
This spirit-filled week is a testament to our shared mission and the enduring strength of Catholic schools.
—Gina Kersten
SAINTS SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL-FAITH, KNOWLEDGE, SERVICE
Catholic Schools Week is celebrated annually during the last week of January— a dedicated time to honor our Catholic faith and highlight the remarkable contributions Catholic schools make to their students and communities.
YOUNG STS. SIMON & JUDE STUDENTS ATTEND A SCHOOL-WIDE MASS. PHOTO COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
This year’s theme embodies the mission of Catholic schools: to live out faith and service every day. At our Catholic schools, students learn the importance of giving back as an integral part of their education and spiritual growth. Acts of service, such as food and toy drives, collecting donations and supporting those in need—become second nature, just as faith is a natural and essential part of each school day.
At Saints Simon & Jude Catholic School (SSJ), Catholic Schools Week is a highly anticipated celebration. The week begins with Open House and Mass, where families are invited to tour our campus and witness the incredible learning happening in our classrooms.
THE WORDS FAITH, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE ARE DISPLAYED IN THE SCHOOL HALLWAY AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
This year, SSJ is thrilled to unveil our brand-new library and our “Alumni Wall,” showcasing composite photos of graduating classes dating back to 1968. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the library’s grand opening, and alumni are invited to celebrate the unveiling of this special tribute.
To honor our students and families, SSJ will host a Family Night in the church featuring musicians from the Pacific Symphony and performances by our talented student musicians.
On Monday, as a gesture of gratitude, students will take community walks to thank local businesses and community workers in Huntington Beach. The week concludes with Special Person’s Day, where students and their special guests come together for Mass, followed by a picnic-style lunch.
As part of our celebration, students will write letters to honor and thank those who protect our nation, expressing their appreciation for the freedoms we hold. Additionally, thank you cards, heartfelt stories and creative drawings will be presented to our dedicated priests as a token of gratitude for their guidance and commitment to the Catholic faith—a tradition cherished by our students.
Catholic Schools Week is a time to reflect on the blessings of Catholic education and celebrate the vibrant communities that make it possible. We are proud to join the Diocese of Orange in sharing the gift of Catholic education and ensuring that our students continue to grow in faith, knowledge and service.
—Becky Chacon