Catholic Schools Build a Faith-Filled Future "Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated in a variety of ways throughout our Archdiocese, reflecting the creativity and diversity of our schools and also the rich heritage of Catholic education in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. These celebrations make a powerful statement about Catholic education, where students are learning to love and loving to learn," said Trish Fitzpatrick, Director of School Marketing for the Archdiocese Schools Office. All around the Archdiocese, Catholic Schools Week plans for diverse and exciting celebrations are underway in each of the 141 grammar schools and 37 high schools. This special week celebrates the unique relationship between a school and its sponsoring parish(es), community, students, volunteers, parents, and faculty. Most schools will kick off the weeklong celebration with a special Mass at the beginning of the week. Many of the schools offer retreats during the week, and encourage students to participate in service activities to foster a good connection between school and community. Many schools will host academic competitions during Catholic Schools Week. Students at St. Francis Academy, Union City, will participate in both Math and Spelling bees. Visitation Academy, Paramus, will be the site of a deanery-wide spelling bee. Garfield Catholic Academy will host the Shoestring Players, who will present Water of Life and Other Tales for the students; the school will also host a Grandparents’ Tea. Holy Trinity Interparochial, Westfield will have a skating party, and an ice cream social. Students at St. Aedan School, Jersey City, will celebrate their diversity with a costume party and an international food festival. Parents and alumni are an important part of the week, too. St. Joseph the Carpenter, Roselle invites parents to attend a lecture on Homework and Study Skills. Our Lady of Sorrows, South Orange will honor a distinguished graduate at a Mass in the beginning of the week. Most schools will open their doors to current and prospective parents for class observation. Parents and students will recognize their principals, faculty and staff at breakfasts and luncheons, and will present special gifts and cards to them. Students are given an opportunity to highlight their talents in skits, plays, and talent shows. In many schools, kids are encouraged to wear the school colors all week to raise school spirit. Catholic Schools Week is a great time to celebrate the rich heritage of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit your local school to see children learning to love and loving to learn. For more information on Catholic Schools Week in the Archdiocese of Newark, contact Trish Fitzpatrick, at (973) 497-4258, or visit online www.rcan.org/schools/cathschoolweek04.html.
|
