Our Catholic Schools:
Centered in Christ, Committed to Excellence.
Catholic school students across the Diocese of Saginaw are participating in the nationwide Catholic Schools Week celebration from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”
Catholic Schools Week highlights the many contributions of Catholic schools to the Church and greater community. Students, families and staff will participate in service projects, special Masses and fun school activities.
“Catholic Schools Week is like a “Spirit Week” for Catholic schools,” said Dr. Cormac Lynn, superintendent. “It really is a reminder of how we got here and what we're called to do today and what our mission is for the future. It's really a great week for our schools. It's a lot of fun with a ton of events going on for students, staff and families.”
The week begins with students serving in Mass ministries and speaking at many parishes associated with schools, and continues with numerous service projects, prayer services, Masses, assemblies and fun activities.
One highlight for schools is the diocesan-wide synchronized virtual prayer, during which all schools are invited to come together virtually to pray for God’s blessing upon our schools, teachers, staff and students. The faithful of the Diocese are invited to join our Catholic schools in spirit by praying these prayers Monday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.
In addition, our Catholic schools use this week as an opportunity to give back to their communities with numerous service projects, from making cards for the elderly to raising funds for worthy causes to crafting blankets for children in need.
“For us, the significance [of Catholic Schools Week] is that it's a chance to really engage the community at large ... and for us to put our faith into practice,” said Laura Wilkowski, principal at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic School in Midland.
Clark Switalski, principal at Auburn Area Catholic School in Auburn, agrees.
“I can't even tell you how much it means to our local community when we send out cards to people who are in nursing homes or are sick or homebound,” he said, referencing one of the elementary school’s annual projects. “That is part of our mission: how can we, as a school, spread Jesus to other people? ... We are all one that are trying to just build this discipleship so that we can continue and grow and be one in faith, be the body of Christ, be one.”
The close-knit, family atmosphere of Catholic schools is a big part of what makes them so special, said Father Andy Booms, chaplain of Sacred Heart Academy in Mount Pleasant.
"The Catholic school model is all about is journeying with the family," he said. “Faith is not a vacuum. Faith is within that wonderful, beautiful context of creation. That's what we do in Catholic education: we walk with those families as their children grow, learn, explore and truly blossom. And that's the secret behind every Catholic school.”
Celebrate with us by following along on our Facebook page and join us in prayer!
Listen to the United in Mission: One Heart and Mind podcast about Catholic Schools Week and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw here or below.
“Catholic schools have an irreplaceable role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. Building on the central goal of Catholic schools to form saints, Catholic schools teach and embrace the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The fact that all members of a Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites the school as a faith-filled community.” -National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
The Diocese of Saginaw is home to 10 elementary schools and three high schools. To learn about the difference a Catholic education can make in your child’s life, find a school near you!