Catholic Schools Week January 29^th, 2012 – February 3^rd, 2012

The idea of Catholic Schools Week began in 1974 as a joint project between the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.  To date, there have been 38 CSW celebrations in all – all expressed by a common theme or thread that highlights the many values that a Catholic Education inspires to develop in the young people in our schools.  Some memorable themes that you may recall have been CS: The Good News in Education, CS: A Faith-Filled Future and CS: Dividends for Life.  Last year, we at St. Francis of Assisi School, along with the other 7,000 Catholic Schools across the United States, celebrated with the theme, A+ for America: Catholic Schools.  This year our 2012 school-year theme is CS: Faith, Academics, and Service.  This particular theme was chosen to express what makes Catholic Schools stand out from other educational institutions.  During our Opening Liturgy for CSW, our students presented three special offertory gifts  - a cross, a school book, and a sign that read Teens for Jeans. 

In Catholic schools our children do learn about our Catholic faith.  They focus on academics so they can reach their highest potential.  And they practice service – by providing their time, talent, and effort to help others.  These are the recognized, visible signs of a Catholic education, but the deeper signs of a Catholic education are much greater than the eyes can really see.  It is that which can inspire, identify, form, inform, and transform individuals.  A true Catholic education is an education that emanates from the heart and soul of a community of people who are rooted in Christ.  It is a “way of life” that flows in, around, and through our Catholic schools.  It is cultivated and grown by the Gospel creed and the stories of Jesus heard, explained, and deeply understood.  It is the communion of saints, tradition, and the sacraments ( Cook, 2001). 

It is Faith, Academics, and Service. It is the faith that joins the union of God with the soul, it is the academics that recognize Jesus as our Master Teacher, and it is the service carried on in His name.

This week St. Francis of Assisi School is proud to celebrate all that we have been, all that we are, and all that we will be.

Cook, T.J. (2001). Architects of Catholic Culture.NCEA.