Superintendent: Catholic Schools Week an opportunity to ‘see, hear, experience’
BY EMMALEE ITALIA Contributing EditorWhen it comes to celebrating faith-based learning, the observance of Catholic Schools Week nationwide brings the tremendous qualities of a Catholic education to the forefront of the dioceses and communities in which Catholic schools serve.
Entering its 49th year, the national observance of Catholic Schools Week will take place this year Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, under the theme “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” Since 1974, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has hosted CSW for both elementary and secondary schools in the United States.
Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Trenton, believes the most important benefits of Catholic Schools Week are threefold.
“First, we celebrate the fact that our Catholic schools are where Christ is alive in our buildings,” he pointed out. “Second,
it’s an opportunity for the greater community to understand the role that Catholic schools play – in individual children, in their families and in communities themselves. And third, it’s a chance to have fun in our Catholic schools in unique ways.”
During Catholic Schools Week, Masses and prayer services, open houses and other special events are held to showcase the value of Catholic schools in the community and in the life of the Church. This year, weekly themes include – Sunday: Celebrating Your Parish; Monday: Celebrating Your Community; Tuesday: Celebrating Your Students; Wednesday: Celebrating the Nation; Thursday: Celebrating Vocations; Friday: Celebrating
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., poses joyfully with a group of students from St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, following the school’s 2020 Catholic Schools Week Mass. Rich Hundley photo
Faculty, Staff and Volunteers, and Saturday: Celebrating Families.
Dr. Schmidt noted that while no one-size-fits-all for each school’s celebratory choice, he hoped that planning for maximum impact would “make sure that Christ comes through in everything we do, that it’s a true celebration” of Christ’s presence in every Catholic school.
Emphasizing the festive aspect, he encouraged schools to enjoy their Catholic Schools Week activities, and “the fact that our Catholic schools are here, fully functioning and living the mission.”
Parishes, too, play a significant role in spreading the Catholic school message, encouraging parishioners to consider a Catholic education for their children.
“I think it’s understood that all the pastors in the Diocese of Trenton realize the impact and importance of Catholic schools to the ministry of overall parish life,” Dr. Schmidt said. “During Catholic Schools Week, it is a real opportunity for pastors to have an extended presence in the [school] building, to witness, participate in and enjoy the ministry that directly deals with the youth of their parish.”
In the weeks leading up to Catholic Schools Week, he continued, “My hope and prayer … is that the pastors and schools get all that’s going on in Catholic schools in front of the parents in the pews … so they can hear about, see and experience what a wonderful opportunity it is to have a Catholic school in their future.”
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others.
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others.
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others.
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org
During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.
During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.
During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight.
DEAR [FIRST NAME],
Catholic Schools Have It All... and our students take it with them wherever they go. Catholic schools provide hope in a secular world that makes little room for faith. There is no substitute for the value that strong Catholic schools have to offer our Church.
Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.
Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.
Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others.
– Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Dr. Vincent Schmidt
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org
With the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our Catholic schools need support more than ever. Let’s work together to preserve this vital part of our Church.
