Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2024: January 28 – February 3

For the past 40 years, the last Sunday in January has been designated the start of Catholic School Week, a time for Catholic schools to highlight their values and celebrate the contributions of the parish, community, families, and staff. More than 50,000 students, including 19,000 in elementary schools, are enrolled in New York’s 160 Catholic schools.

During the week of January 28 – February 3, Catholic schools will hold special masses, open houses, and school events tied to this year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” The week’s daily themes honor key members and values: the parish, community, students, nation, vocations, faculty, staff and volunteers, and families. The tenets spotlighted during the week include service to others, religious guidance, and the importance of living a full and fulfilled life.

The mission of Catholic schools is “to educate students intellectually, spiritually, morally and physically in an environment infused with the Gospel message.” That commitment leads to a broad perspective and sense of global citizenship, adds Michael Deegan, superintendent of schools of the Archdiocese of New York. “Catholic school students in the Archdiocese of New York, through their lessons and their faith, understand that as children of God, they are part of something greater than themselves,” he says.

With high test scores, low student-to-teacher ratios, relative affordability, scholarship opportunities, and commitment to values-based learning, Catholic education is an appealing option for some families when compared to public, charter, and private schools. Beyond an excellent education, Catholic schools aim to instill family values, spirituality, and a sense of community.