What is National Catholic Schools Week?
National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2016 is January 31 – February 6. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.
Daily Themes
Celebrate the following daily themes and celebrations in your (arch)diocese during Catholic Schools Week 2016.
- Sunday – In Our Parish
- Monday – In Our Community
- Tuesday – In Our Students
- Wednesday – In Our Nation (National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools)
- Thursday – In Our Vocations
- Friday – In Our Faculty, Staff and Volunteers (Teacher & Principal Appreciation Day)
- Saturday – In Our Families
Good News for the Nation: Catholic Schools Are Thriving
Catholic schools offer academic excellence and faith-filled education for students nationwide. National test scores, high school graduation rates, college attendance and other data show that Catholic schools frequently outperform schools in both the public and private sectors. While some Catholic schools are challenged by declining enrollments and school closures, the good news is that there is a strong demand and enthusiasm for Catholic schools. Thirty-two percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists for admission and new schools are opening across the country. This infographic shares facts and figures about the ongoing excellence and promise of growth represented in our country’s Catholic schools.
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