Catholic Schools Week activities will kick off in all diocesan schools on Jan. 27 for a week that annually celebrates the key role Catholic schools play in providing Christian-based education for students.
Catholic Schools Week, which began in 1974, is a joint project between the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Events held throughout the diocese, and in dioceses throughout the country, are planned to build community relationships and participation in Catholic school activities.
Schools in the diocese will kick off the week’s celebration with Masses on Sunday, Jan. 27. Students are encouraged to attend Mass with their family and friends.
“When I think of Catholic Schools Week, I see it as a special time for all Catholic school students and their families, along with all the faculty and staff, to showcase our faith in a bolder manner, take part in extra service projects and celebrate the excellent academics that are part of a Catholic education. It is a week to have fun, to be joyful and to celebrate being part of the greater universal Church,” said Sister Mary Marta Abbott, superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools.
The following are highlights of the many spirit-filled activities at diocesan schools Jan. 27-Feb. 2:
Sunday, Jan. 27
- All students are encouraged to attend Mass with family and friends.
- St. Mary School in Oak Ridge will host an Admissions Open House from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- St. Joseph School will hold an Admissions Open House from 2-4 p.m. Students will be present at Sunday Masses to thank parishioners for their support.
Monday, Jan. 28
- Science Day at St. John Neumann School featuring the Dr. Al Hazari UT Chemistry Show.
- Tie-Dye Shirt Day at Sacred Heart Cathedral School plus a collection for the sister school in Haiti.
- Spiritual Pep Rally at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
Tuesday, Jan. 29
- Family dinner at the Irish Café at Knoxville Catholic and varsity home basketball games.
- Vocations Day at St. Jude in Chattanooga and an all-school rosary.
Wednesday, Jan. 30
- Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrates Mass at St. Mary School in Johnson City. St. Dominic School in Kingsport will join for the Mass and stay for lunch at St. Mary.
- At St. Joseph School, an Admissions Open House is set from 8-10:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. A cross-grade family group academic bowl also will be held.
- Admissions Open House at Sacred Heart from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- “Hats On Day” and collection for childhood cancer at Our Lady Perpetual Help in memory of a former student
Thursday, Jan. 31
- “Year of Faith” all-school retreat at St. John Neumann School.
- “Evening of Scenes” theater production at Notre Dame High School.
- Special flag ceremony at St. Jude in Chattanooga, plus students will write letters to Congress focusing on areas of concern to Catholic school students.
Friday, Feb. 1
- Green and Gold Day at Knoxville Catholic
- Fifth annual Faith Rally at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge.
Family and friends of present and former Catholic school students and parishioners are encouraged to attend Catholic Schools Week activities at any of the 10 schools, St. Jude, Notre Dame and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, St. Dominic and St. Mary in the Tri-Cities, St. Mary in Oak Ridge, St. John Neumann in Farragut, and Knoxville Catholic High, St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart in Knoxville.
