Catholic schools celebrate Catholic education and school communities

January 27, 2017

Communications Office

ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
For immediate release 

WHAT: Catholic schools celebrate Catholic education and school communities. 
(Note: Interviews and photo opportunities are available at a number of schools – many unique opportunities available)
WHEN: Monday Feb. 1 – Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016
CONTACT: Catherine Rogan, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Media Relations Manager; 
713-652-8213 (office) or 713-515-6054 (mobile); e-mail crogan@archgh.org

Catholic schools gear up to celebrate their achievements and communities

HOUSTON – With a theme of "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service," the 59 schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are taking time next week, Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. Instituted by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week is dedicated to celebrating faith and the exceptional standards of Catholic schools, as well as their achievements and communities.

It is also an ideal opportunity for these schools to open their doors to parents interested in learning more about Catholic education for their children. Parents will find that when they choose a Catholic school, they will provide their child with a foundation of faith which will carry them through their entire lives.

"Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to academic excellence, our students, staff and our faith," said Dr. Julie Vogel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. "We are so proud of how our schools encourage students to live out their faith as examples of Christ's love daily. We believe an education focused on faith, love and service prepares our students to transform the world." 

During the week-long celebration, the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese will host a number of fun and unique events such as Saints Alive Jeopardy, a Living Museum of Book Characters, a Pajama Day and a Festival of Saints. 

"Catholic Schools Week is a time for special focus and celebration of the unique and distinctive standard of excellence in Catholic education," said Susan Harris, Principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Crosby. "It enables students, parents and the parish community to come together as one clear expression of unity and pride in support of Catholic Education. Each day offers a different celebration: a Family Mass, an Open House for prospective families, Career and Vocation Days, a Multicultural Evening as well as many other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members."

Every school in the Archdiocese hosts their own activities. They typically include volunteer projects, educational contests, spirit activities, appreciation events, presentations and special Masses and prayer services. 

Additionally, all schools have community service projects. At Sacred Heart in Conroe students will be volunteering and collecting items for the Montgomery Food Bank, Conroe Soup Kitchen, Birthright of Montgomery and some will be making goodie bags for patients at Veteran's Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital.St. Pius X High School and St. Rose of Lima Catholic School are teaming up to hold a drive benefitting the Volunteers of America Texas' Homeless Veteran's Reintegration Program (HVRP). Students at St. Mary Catholic School in League City will create greeting cards which will be sent to area military hospitals. And students at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Richwood plan to make and send St. Michael's medals and thank you cards to officers from the Richwood, Lake Jackson, Angleton and Brazoria County police departments.

Also, every school will host at least one Open House during which parents interested in learning about the possibility of Catholic education for their children can come and tour their local school and have any questions answered. 

"Catholic Schools Week allows us to share our Mission with the entire parish," said Carolyn Sears, Principal at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (SVdP). "We have so much to be thankful for at SVdP. This week allows us a time to say thank you to the parish, our volunteers and benefactors who do so much and offer such amazing support to our students and teachers throughout the school year. It also serves as a celebration of gratitude and acknowledgment of excellence in Catholic School education." 

Catholic schools are known for their unwavering standard of academic excellence and offer rewarding athletic and extra-curricular programs. The education students receive develops their values in faith and prepares them to be strong leaders and good stewards in their communities. Catholic Schools Week is a perfect way to celebrate these accomplishments.


About the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic Schools:

• The Archdiocese has the largest private school system in Texas and welcomes students of all faiths.
• There are currently 59 schools throughout the counties of the Archdiocese.
• More than 19,500 students are enrolled.
• The schools serve students PreK-3 through 12th grade.
• All schools offer need- based tuition assistance for students.