National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States in which schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, communities, and nation. This year’s celebration takes place beginning the week of January 28 – February 3, 2024.
The theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community”
Often times the decision to attend Catholic high school is made years before 8th grade, and it starts with families choosing Catholic education at the grade school level.
Joliet Catholic Academy is proud to partner with our local Catholic grade schools and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office, ensuring that we continue the tradition of producing leaders in the Joliet area that follow the path of Christ.
In advance of National Catholic School’s week, we’d like to share with you the competitive advantage of attending Catholic schools. Our number one goal as a Catholic college preparatory high school is to “Inspire Growth in Knowledge and Faith.” This mission statement and belief has permeated throughout the JCA community as we celebrate over 154 years of Catholic education, and it continues today. Christ, and our Catholic beliefs, are at the center of every daily activity at JCA, and that leads to the excellence in academics, service, and extra-curricular activities.
Daily themes for Catholic Schools Week include:
Sunday: Celebrating Your Parish
Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. Many parishes join in the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting a Mass to Catholic education. Schools start the week by inviting parishioners and community members to parish-centered events and school open houses that feature their outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.
Monday: Celebrating Your Community – JCA Uniform
A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities—both local and beyond—they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and learn how to make the world a better place. When they observe how others serve the community, they gain an appreciation for how they can continue to serve others their entire lives.
Tuesday: Celebrating Your Students – Class Heritage Colors; Freshmen – White, Sophomores – Yellow, Juniors – Blue, Seniors – Brown
(Assembly)
Schools celebrate students during National Catholic Schools Week by planning enjoyable and meaningful activities for them and recognizing their accomplishments. They encourage students to reflect on the benefits of Catholic education and how the grounding in faith, knowledge and service it provides will help them throughout their lives.
Wednesday: Celebrating the Nation – JCA Uniform
(All School Mass)
On National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools, students, families, educators and other Catholic school supporters communicate the value of Catholic education to government leaders. They share information with leaders on the significant contributions Catholic schools make to the nation and their role in preparing students to be good citizens. They pray for the nation and recognize all those who serve it.
Thursday: Celebrating Vocations – Catholic Schools Spirit Day: Catholic College, Catholic Grade School or JCA
By focusing on faith, knowledge and service, Catholic schools prepare children to use their God-given talents to the fullest later in life. National Catholic Schools Week offers an opportunity for students to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well in the service of God and others — by answering the call to a religious vocation, by nurturing a family through sacramental marriage, by volunteering in church activities and charities, and/or by pursuing a career that makes the world a better place.
Friday: Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers – JCA Spirit Day
On this day, schools will honor teachers and principals as well as administrators and staff who support them in their important work and thank the parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners and school board members who provide volunteer service.
Saturday: Celebrating Families
Parents, guardians and other family members play a vital role in Catholic education. Not only do they volunteer at the school, they instill values and expectations for academic excellence in their children at home. We acknowledge the role of families in Catholic education and celebrate their contributions to the success of our schools on the last day of National Catholic Schools Week and all year long.
For more information on National Catholic Schools Week visit the National Catholic Educational Association’s website at https://www.ncea.org/CSW
To schedule a Shadow Day or JCA Family tour please visit: Shadow Visits and Private Tours | Joliet Catholic Academy (jca-online.org)
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