Catholic
Schools Make a World of Difference Catholic Schools Week provides the greater community with the opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of our Catholic schools that do more than educate students. “Our Catholic schools nurture souls, touch hearts, kindle minds, deepen faith, and shape lives," states Brother Ralph Darmento, FSC, Deputy Superintendent of Schools To prepare for this annual event, each of the 141 Catholic grammar schools and 37 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese- Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union- is creating its own weeklong celebration of Catholic education. Kathleen Ciraulo, Director of Marketing for the Archdiocese Schools Office, has worked with each of the schools to communicate their significant events. “From specially focused liturgy, to cultural musicals, to family gatherings, to International “Peace” meals, Catholic Schools Week is a great event for us to showcase how our Catholic Schools make a world of difference,” she explained. For the fair, students have been very excited and very involved. Cultural differences are embraced in all of the events. Some of the highlights include: specially created costumes as art projects, native culture clothing, a Cultural heritage folk festival performance, academic contests, athletic competitions, and much more! Programs were developed by each class or in teams to encourage working together. Students will discuss their cultural and ethnic celebrations and what they mean to their families, bring in special food and treats to share with others, and bring in special music that represents their culture. All of these events demonstrate how Catholic School children are educated to BE an influence for good in the world. “The opportunity to celebrate a cornerstone of our faith— our commitment to faith-based education, centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and amplified by family and parish communities— is an important privilege for us in the Archdiocese. I applaud the many thousands of families who make substantial sacrifices to give their children this advantage,” said the Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark. For more information on Catholic Schools Week, please contact Kathleen Ciraulo, at (973) 497-4258.
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