CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SET FOR JANUARY 25-31

             The Diocese of Pittsburgh will celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 25-31 with many activities highlighting the theme, “Catholic Schools : Building the Future.”  

            Bishop David A. Zubik, in his message for Catholic Schools , says, “The Responsorial Psalm for the January 25^th liturgy sets the context for our celebration of Catholic Schools Week: “Teach me your ways, 0 Lord! For more than 180 years, Catholic schools have worked to accomplish this momentous task with hundreds of thousands of children and youth throughout our diocese. And our schools have done a fantastic job!

            Over more than a decade as a teacher and school administrator, I was continually impressed with the quality of our schools, and our teachers and students. Every measure taken continues to indicate that our schools are succeeding, producing extraordinary young people who are successful, committed citizens of our world community and faith-filled, enthusiastic disciples of Jesus Christ and His Church. They are beacons of hope as together we work to build a world that reflects the goodness and truth of the Gospel.”

“The theme we have chosen for Catholic Schools Week this year is “Catholic Schools : Building the Future.” Catholic schools provide our children and youth an academically excellent, faith-centered education, an education that forms the whole person,” said Rev. Kris D. Stubna, diocesan Secretary for Education.  “Truly our Catholic schools help our students to achieve their fullest potential as children of God and these are the foundations of a hope-filled and blessed future.

We have provided the gift of our Catholic schools for more than a century-and-a-half, often at great sacrifice. But the life of the diocese and the community has been made richer because of it. There can be no greater investment made than helping our children receive the great beginnings that last a lifetime.  Catholic school students are indeed working to build a bright future for themselves and a hope-filled future for our world,” Father Stubna said.  

 “The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for all things under heaven.  For Pittsburgh ’s Catholic Schools , it is a time to build,” says Dr. Robert Paserba, Superintendent for Education for the diocese.  “It is always a time to build faith and a commitment to service, and our Catholic school students continue to illustrate a dedication to the message of the Gospel.

Ultimately, all of this “building” is part of an ongoing process that prepares our students to become contributing members of society, to become compassionate members of the community, to accept the responsibilities of moral leadership, and to become successful human beings.  In other words, we strive to prepare them well for current realities, and also for a future no one can foresee.  Student by student, we are building bright futures.”

Catholic schools locally and nationally will celebrate by hosting school, parish and community events.  National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools is set for Wednesday January 28.

On National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools on Jan. 28, delegations of students, faculty and parents will visit Washington , D.C. , and many state capitals to promote awareness among government leaders of the contributions of Catholic education. More than 2.3 million students attend the nation’s 7,400 elementary, middle and secondary Catholic schools. Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association, the world’s largest private, professional education association, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the national public policy organization of U.S. bishops.  

More details about the national events are available in the NCEA media kit, found on line at www.ncea.org/news/CSWKitHomepage.asp.  It reflects this year’s national theme, “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service,” which some of the local schools are including in their activities. Catholic Schools Week began in 1974.

At the state level, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania usually commemorates Catholic Schools Week with a resolution from the General Assembly.

Schedule for diocesan officials  

Bishop David Zubik will celebrate Masses with the following schools

Monday, January 26, 9 a.m. at Saint Maurice, Forest Hills

Thursday, January 29, 9 a.m. at Saint Teresa of Avila , Perrysville

Friday, January 30, 9 a.m., Saint Gregory, Zelienople

Saturday, January 31, 4 p.m., Catholic Schools Week Mass, Immaculate Conception/ Saint Joseph Parish at Immaculate Conception Church

Father Kris Stubna, Secretary for Education for the Diocese will participate at the following locations for Catholic Schools Week:  

Visiting and celebrating Mass at Saint Patrick in Canonsburg on January 28 at 9:00 a.m.

and Saint Vitus, New Castle on January 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Robert L. Paserba, Superintendent for Education

January 26, Saint Kilian Mars 9:00 a.m. Mass and classroom visits

January 27, Saint Anne, Castle Shannon

January 30, Saint Joseph High School and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Natrona Heights, 9:30 am

            Holy Spirit, Millvale, 11:30 a.m.

            Saint Maurice, Forest Hills , 1:00 p.m.

Sister Mary Jo Mutschler, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Schools

January 26        Saint Margaret of Scotland , Green Tree

January 27        Saint Agnes, West Mifflin      

January 28        Saint John of God, McKees Rocks

January 29        Saint Bartholomew, Penn Hills

January 30        Holy Spirit, Millvale

Dr. Ron Bowes, Assistant Superintendent for Public Policy and Development

January 27        Saint Thomas More for a Saint walk at 2:00 p.m.

January 28        Mass at Quigley Catholic High School , Baden

January 30        Holy Spirit, Millvale for an International lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Donald Teti, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Schools

January 26, Serra Catholic, McKeesport 10:00 a.m.

                   Oakland Catholic, 1:00 p.m., and Speakers Bureau, 7:00 p.m.

January 28, Mount Alvernia, 1:30 p.m.

January 29, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

January 30, Saint Joseph High School , 9:30 a.m.

During the week, schools will celebrate with special Masses, community service projects, academic and artistic showcases, and athletic and family events. Many schools will hold open houses and registration so that community members can learn more about the value of Catholic education.

We also point out that many of the schools hold “dress up” or “dress down” days, in various forms.  These frequently require a fee that is used to benefit the school or donated toward one of the many charitable organizations in the diocese, such as the Chimbote Mission in Peru , Catholic Charities, food banks and others.

In Pittsburgh , Cardinal Wright Regional School ,     North Side, will focus on essay writing:  “How do you serve others in your family, at school and in the wider community?”   Monday will be “Black and Gold Day” with donations of $1 for dress down going to Catholic Charities. Tuesday is retreat day.  A book fair goes on all week.  .  Thursday includes a science fair, and a school family dinner at 5:45 p.m. in the cafeteria followed by a skit presented by grades K-3.

            St. Cyril of Alexandria School, Brighton Heights (North Side) opens with an all-school Assembly Monday morning with KDKA’s Dennis Bowman.  Tuesday is a PTG sponsored lunch for students and teachers and Wednesday features open house tours.  Thursday is an all school Mass at 9:30 a.m. followed by an all school talent show.  On Friday, the school will repeat last year’s emulation of So You Think You're Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" with 5th grade students challenging St. Cyril's alumni, with MC: Jack (aka 'Johnny Angel') Hunt

Bishop Leonard-Saint Mary of the Mount Academy, Mt. Washington, will participate in opening liturgy on Monday, January 26, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the School Chapel; a school spirit and fun day on Tuesday, along with a morning of volunteer appreciation, host a parents and a special persons on Wednesday, holds a carnival on Thursday, and parents and staff appreciation day on Friday.

Sacred Heart Elementary School , Shadyside, will participate in the Sunday, January 25^th Mass followed by a family brunch.  On Monday, a family breakfast will be held for 7^th and 8^th grades. On Wednesday guest speakers will talk about service professions and volunteers, and Friday will feature an all school birthday party.

Holy Rosary, East End , celebrates at the Sunday, Janauury 25^th  Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church of St. Charles Lwanga Parish.  The school holds an African-American Black Catholic History Quiz Bowl on Monday beginning at 1 p.m., a ministers luncheon on Tuesday for ministers of the churches that Holy rosary students attend.  Performing Arts workshops will be held on Wednesday, a teacher workshop on Thursday and a career day on Friday focusing on African American Manhood/Womanhood.

 Saint Raphael, Morningside, will begin Catholic Schools Week with Mass on Sunday at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Children's Bingo.  Throughout the week, they will feature people who are models of service, such as Mike Clark, Channel 4, a singular supporter of the Chimbote Mission, the school nurse and dental hygienist.  Activities providing an experience of service will involve student buddies creating a "thinking of you" favor for Meals on Wheels and the Vincentian de Marillac residence for the elderly.  Open house on Thursday evening includes a presentation from the Artists in Residence program.  Closing Mass at 10 a.m. Friday will be followed by a family picnic.

Holy Spirit, Millvale will celebrate at a 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, January 25^th,  followed by an open house from 11:15-12:15.  A dress down day on Tuesday will also benefit the Chimbote Mission. Wednesday includes a state of the school address and Thursday features a special person’s lunch.  An international food tasting event on Friday will be accompanied by a Souper Bowl Food collection pickup to benefit the local Millvale Food Pantry.  .

Saint Rosalia Academy, Greenfield, will hold an opening liturgy, Sunday, January 25^th  with students acting as lectors and the school choir enhancing the singing....   .

 Tuesday is student day, with a recognition assembly at 1:30 p.m.  On Wednesday, a flag ceremony and prayer service will be held to honor those serving our country.  Thursday will have an emphasis on vocations. On Friday, the day is devoted to recognition for faculty staff and volunteers followed by ice skating at Schenley Park .

Brookline Regional School, Brookline, will deliver thank you messages to parishioners on Sunday, January 25^th, and will celebrate service in our nation on Monday, wearing red, white and blue and participating in a Living Rosary for the intention of our leaders.  The service theme continues throughout the week, focusing on students on Tuesday, vocations on Wednesday, the faith community on Thursday, with a benefactor’s liturgy at 1 p.m. at Saint Pius X church...  On Friday, a junior achievement day is planned with lessons led by trained JA volunteers all day State Representative Chelsea Wagner visits at 1:30 p.m.

            In southern Allegheny county, Bishop McDowell Regional School, Baldwin, has a range of events scheduled, including eighth grade students handing  out “Thank You” bookmarks at all Masses, a brunch on Sunday, January 25^th,   Michael the Circus artist on Tuesday, a Prismatic Magic Laser assembly program on Thursday with a Black History Laser Tribute, a five-day book fair (M-F), a “Social Studies night” on Thursday, ice cream social on Friday, and a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, January 31 from 4-7 p.m. .

St. Agnes, West Mifflin, will have its students participating at all weekend Masses on January 24-25.  On Monday, students will celebrate service, while Tuesday includes a special guest day, and presentation of a distinguished graduate award. Wednesday is national appreciation day for Catholic Schools , and students will participate in carnival games to raise money the Chimbote Mission. Thursday will be celebration of service for vocations ...  Friday will celebrate service of faculty, staff and volunteers and will include a day of Eucharistic Adoration from 9:15-2 p.m.

            Serra Catholic High School, McKeesport, all week long is collecting donations for a pregnant women's shelter in Appalachia . The donations will be collected via the competition known as "Penny Wars."  Last year, the school raised over $1,000.  Monday opens with a special Mass at 10:00.  All pastors from supporting parishes have been invited to concelebrate and to a luncheon afterwards.  A student from each parish will accompany them at lunch. On Tuesday, Junior Achievement students are going to St. Therese School , Munhall to present the curriculum to each grade.  Wednesday is Teacher Appreciation Day. The faculty room will be decorated by the student government; bagels will be provided in the morning and a cake at lunch.  Thursday is Science Career Day with guest speakers presenting new careers in science. On Friday, to celebrate students, a special lunch is being provided for the students with an ice cream bar. 

St. Therese of Lisieux, Munhall, focuses on parishioners “Building the Future” theme with parents speaking at all Masses on Sunday January 25^th.   Monday includes spelling bees at 2:15 and 6 p.m., followed by art show, science fair and class room visits from 7-8 p.m. 26, with the theme, “Parents Help us Build the Future.”  Tuesday turns to “Classmates, with kindergarten Winter Olympics, while on Wednesday, “Professional Friends Help Us Build the Future” with presentations by parents about their careers.   On Thursday, the focus is special guests and the “principal for a day” will welcome grandparents and senior citizen relatives and friends. Friday includes a VIP faculty luncheon and an array of games and sports events

In Bethel Park, St. Thomas More School will celebrate a school open house and book fair following the Saturday January 24^th 5p.m. Mass.  The book fair runs through Thursday morning.    Monday includes a pep day and Chimbote Mission dance marathon to raise funds for the mission. On Tuesday, parents and family will visit the school; when students will dress up in costume to feature a saints parade highlighting their studies about saints from different countries. On Wednesday, preschool students and parents will lead a “Grandparents and G.R.A.C.E.  Mass, and Friday is an open house from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Saint Katharine Drexel, Bethel Park, begins the week with a parish Mass on Sunday, January 25^th, at 11:30 a.m.  .  Monday features a parish appreciation day with a K-8 outreach project for shut-ins at Saint Germaine and Nativity parishes.   Tuesday is student appreciation day with an afternoon assembly on “Radical Reptiles,” and Wednesday features a school Mass followed by a cupcake walk. .  Thursday is literary and community outreach day and students will participate in crafts and performances at the Barnes and Noble Book Store, South Hills. .  Friday is school spirit day, with winter Olympics in the afternoon. 

Saint Valentine School, Bethel Park, will be sponsoring an open house and registration on Sunday, January 25^th.  Monday is Service Day, with students cleaning the church, the grounds and visiting nursing homes. Wednesday features a morning mass, with an afternoon assembly for the science center or the zoo.  Thursday is an all day retreat and Friday is school spirit day, with an afternoon of bowling.

St. Sylvester, Brentwood ,

            St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, Whitehall, has the following schedule:

Monday:  Service projects in homerooms during the day- (creating and sending care packages to soldiers)

Tuesday:  Mass 8:45-10:00 a.m.  Junior Achievement 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Parent/Teacher conferences 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday: Assembly- Prismatic Magic (Black History Laser Show) 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Friday: Olympic Day 9:30-2:30 p.m.

Saint Joan of Arc, South Park, has an opening liturgy on Sunday January 25^th with open house in the afternoon.   Monday includes a beach day lunch; a talent show is set on Tuesday afternoon, while Wednesday is faculty appreciation day. Thursday is a school birthday party lunch.

Holy Child, Bridgeville, holds its Open House Sunday January 25^th  from 1-4 p.m. Throughout the week scheduled activities include a School Spirit Day, a casual day and a dress up day, a Geography Bee competition on Wednesday and an all school Amigo Mass on Thursday, January 29, and on Friday, for Career Day, speakers are scheduled all day, speaking to each class about career choices they have made and what is needed to do their job.

West of the City, Saint Margaret of Scotland, Greentree, will celebrate a schools week opening Mass on Monday, and “Build a Career Snowman.” During the week they will have a “Buddy Day” on Tuesday, a Junior Achievement day on Wednesday and a Winter Luau on Friday, followed by Amateur Night at 6:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Grace, Scott Township will celebrate with an opening Mass Saturday, January 24 at 6 p.m. followed by an ice cream social.   All week long there will be various service projects. Monday features making blankets for the homeless, Tuesday, prayer cards for the parish, Wednesday collecting canned goods for St. Vincent DePaul, and Friday, thank you cards for volunteers.  There will also be a Carnegie Museum presentation, a special person lunch, and a spaghetti dinner on Saturday and a school open house.

Saints Simon and Jude, Green Tree, will hold an open house Sunday, January 25^th from 1-3 p.m., and an opening prayer service on Monday at 9:15 a.m. in the Church.  Tuesday, January 27^th, will mark the 50^th anniversary of the school.  On Wednesday students will bring canned goods for area needy persons.  On Thursday, students from Bishop Canevin High School will visit to participate in Junior Achievement Day, while a “Lasermania” assembly will close out the week on Friday at 9 a.m.

Saint Philip School, Crafton, holds a family fun night on Saturday, January 24, then participates at the Sunday, January 25^th Mass.   Monday is invention convention day, Tuesday features displays by various grades including inventions,, paper people, World Culture display, Autobiographies, science /reading projects, a rocket display, and a community diorama.  Wednesday is Crazy Olympics and a Mother Goose visit to kindergarten and Friday features a talent show by grades 6-8. 

Elizabeth Seton Regional School, Sheraden, has been celebrating throughout the month of January, 2009 because it is the bicentennial year of the founding of The Sisters of Charity.by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Her feast day was celebrated January 4, and the school has set the month of January as a service month.  On January 14^th, the school dedicates a portrait of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and holds a tea for the Sisters of Charity on January 21. During Catholic Schools Week, the school will celebrate at the 9 a.m. Mass at Holy Innocents Church , with a Pancake Breakfast in the Elizabeth Seton Gymnasium from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. they will also celebrate Student Appreciation day on Monday, Junion Achievement on Tuesday, Teacher Appreciation on Wednesday and Grandparent Appreciation on Thursday.  Friday is Family Day with mass, family activities and a luncheon.

Bishop Canevin High School, in Pittsburgh’s Oakwood neighborhood, will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:30-1:30 on Monday, and a faculty appreciation pancake breakfast on Tuesday.  Wednesday includes Educator Awards while Thursday will feature a blood drive from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.  Junior Achievement teachers will assist that day at SS Simon and Jude Elementary school . 

Saint John of God, McKees Rocks, celebrates at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Church on Sunday, January 25^th.  A book fair begins on Monday, and continues through Friday morning.  Wednesday features dedication of the library in memory of Sister Margaret Berry following an *30 a.m. Mass. On Thursday, students will prepare school supplies for “Operation Iraqi Children,” and Friday includes Tiny Tots basketball at 1:15 p.m.

Saint Joseph School, Coraopolis, plans student appreciation on Monday, open house from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, a teacher appreciation breakfast on Wednesday as well as a principal’s spelling bee.  Thursday is special persons day, and Friday is career day.

Saint Malachy, Kennedy Township, will open the week by participating at the 11 a.m. Mass where students will be readers and servers.  Tuesday is a parent lunch and book fair; Thursday features a trip to the Byham Theater and Friday includes a morning Mass, an Officer Phil program, a concert by guitarist Josh Gawaldo and a talent show in the afternoon.

Holy Trinity, Robinson, begins the week with the 10 a.m. Mass, followed by open house from 11 -1 p.m.  Monday includes good book activities with older students pairing with younger students for story time; Tuesday includes a Mass to honor volunteers and their service.  Wednesday is old-fashioned game day and spelling bee, while Friday includes a ski trip to Seven Springs for grades 6-8 and movies for K-5.

Saint James, Sewickley, will gather with parishioners for opening Mass on Sunday, January 25^th at 11:30 a.m., followed by a doughnut social.  Monday is “Breakfast and Books with our Buddies,” Tuesday highlights service with organizing the food bank and helping in the library. Wednesday includes making valentines for local seniors and a carnival in the gym. On Thursday, students will make celebration bags to be distributed to Faith in Action, the Food Pantry, and the Union Aid Society.

             Activity north of Pittsburgh

Assumption School, Bellevue, opens the week with a 10 a.m. Sunday Mass followed by open house at the school.  On Monday, it is teachers switch classes day.  Tuesday is Read for Assumption Day, and Wednesday will feature recognition of alumni and teachers.  On Thursday the talent show is scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m.

Vincentian Academy-Duquesne University, in the North Hills, opens the week with a prayer service. Posters created in the previous week exemplifying the Building the Future and Service Themes will be judged and awarded prizes. The two winners from each grade will be awarded prizes and all posters will be on display in the school cafeteria throughout the week. On Tuesday, Prayer Buddies will be assigned through distribution of prayer cards with names from within the school family, and these are to be remembered in prayer throughout the year.  Thursday, January 29 revolves around a full school assembly and brings back the Bible Baffle game show. 

Saint Bonaventure School, Glenshaw, will hold a Sunday open house on January 25^th. Masses for different grade levels will be held on Tuesday through Friday.  In addition, Students will make coupon books for parents on Tuesday, Wednesday is Junior Achievement day, and on Friday, a variety show will be held from 1 pm-2:40 p.m.

Saint Mary of the Assumption, Glenshaw, will have an open house on Sunday, January 25^th  following Mass.  Throughout the week, service projects include a food drive for the local food bank, a clothing drive for St. Vincent DePaul Society, writing letters and cards to shut-ins of the parish, making blankets for delivery to a local woman’s shelter, and a memory service for the deceased at the parish cemetery

            Saint Sebastian, Ross Township, includes the following activities for the week:

Monday; Junior Achievement Day Activities

Tuesday: Prayer Partners Board Game Day

Thursday:  Spirit Day, Eighth Grade Student Teachers

Friday:  Mass with Special Persons, refreshments and classroom presentations to follow  

            Saint Teresa of Avila, Perrysville, plans an open house on Sunday from 9:30-noon,  “special persons” lunch days through the week: for K-1 on Monday, 2-3 on Tuesday, 4-5 on Wednesday. On Thursday, Bishop David Zubik will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m., followed by a reception for adults. On Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m., Senator Jane Orie speaks to students

            St. Alphonsus School, Wexford, begins on January 25^th with Sunday Mass at 12:15, followed by open house in the school and science project displays as well as art displays..  Monday includes a visit from Mike LaPoint from WPXI TV in the afternoon.  Tuesday is “Rainbow Day,” focusing on Shades of Service and Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science presentations at 6:30 p.m.  Other events include a carnival for K-4 on Thursday and lunch for parents and students on Friday.

            Aquinas Academy , Wildwood, will hold open house for parents on Tuesday, January 27, and a special Mass at 8 a.m. Wednesday, to celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the school patron, with his Latin Hymns.  The remainder of the morning will include roller skate/blade for the Lower and Middle School, broom hockey for high school, and the afternoon will have a skits contest for the middle and high school students.

            Saint Ursula, Allison Park, participates at the Sunday Mass January 25^th at 1 p.m., followed by open house at 2 p.m. Other activities of the week include a service project on Tuesday, a field trip on Thursday, and an Internet Safety Program by Officer Vulakovich for students during the day on Wednesday, and for parents at 7:30 p.m.

            In eastern Allegheny County , Good Shepherd School , Braddock, holds a Pittsburgh 250 Food Festival and Education Fair on Saturday, January 24, following the 4 p.m. Mass. Monday will be devoted to celebrating careers, especially those of service.  Guest speakers will be invited to talk about careers to grades 6-8.  Tuesday is service organizations day, and on Wednesday, students will participate in Jump Rope for heart and Hoops for Heart Programs.  Thursday will honor service men and women and Friday will include a closing .Mass

Saint John the Baptist, Plum, participates in the Mass at 11 a.m., January 25^th, followed by an open house and book fair.  The book fair continues through Thursday at 1 p.m.   Monday includes older students reading to the younger, and cartoonist /storyteller Joe Wos at assembly programs a 9 and 9:45 a.m. Tuesday is student appreciation day, Wednesday includes writing letters to the military , while Thursday, focusing on vocations, students will write thank yous to seminarians. 

Saint Bartholomew, Penn Hills, will hold an opening Mass on Sunday, January 25^th at 10:30 a.m.  Monday includes a teacher appreciation breakfast and a special person luncheon. Tuesday includes a student assembly with the Carnegie Science Center , “Wild Weather Adventure.”  Wednesday is dress down day and includes a musical cake walk.   Thursday opens with Mass at 10 a.m. and an open house from 1-3 p.m.

Word of God School, Swissvale, will participate in the Sunday, 9:30 a.m. January 25^th Mass and present service and distinguished graduate awards.  Tuesday features a spelling bee. The PTG sponsors coffee and doughnuts for bus drivers and crossing guards on Monday, breakfast for teachers on Thursday, and an open house for parents on Wednesday evening from 7-8 p.m.  Eighth grade oral history projects will also be presented on Thursday from 7-8 p.m., with parents, relatives and others who were the subjects of the projects will be invited to share in this event.

Saint Maurice School, Forest Hills, will have faculty, students and families participating in the Noon Mass on Sunday, January 25^th,  followed by open house.  Bishop Zubik will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m. on Monday, with classroom visits, time permitting.  During the week, activities include on Tuesday, January 27, a “Polar Bear Expedition for Grades 4-6, a faculty lunch sponsored by the PTG on Wednesday.  Service projects by all grades will focus on the community, with thank yous and projects for firefighters, area pre-schools, police, residents of Centurion Commons, residents of Lincoln Square , Meals on Wheels, and valentines for the Nursing Home.  

Saint Bernadette School, Monroeville, will have students as servers, singers, and lectors at the noon Mass on Sunday, January 25^th, followed by an open house. Monday is Junior Achievement Day.  Wednesday includes the Kevin Hurley Magic Show at 10 a.m. and Friday is teacher appreciation day.

Christ the Divine Teacher Academy, Aspinwall, begins with a School Spirit Day on Friday, January 23^rd, followed by an open house on Saturday, January 24^th from 3-5 p.m. and Mass at 5 p.m.  They will have the traditional “Donuts with Dad and Muffins with Mom” on Monday, Teacher Password on Tuesday, movie day on Wednesday, and a Civic Light Opera presentation, “Innovators of Pittsburgh” on Friday.

.  Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Natrona Heights, celebrates opening Mass Sunday, January 25^th at 11 a.m. On Monday, classes will go on field trips to several locations.  Wednesday features the annual talent show, and Thursday includes the science fair.  Friday includes a special assembly with magician Dan Kuniak.

Saint Irenaeus School, Oakmont, opens the week with “Service Around the World” at a special liturgy at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 25^th, followed by an open house.  Each class will display artifacts of their particular country, activities, songs, and food. Thursday includes the “Families First Bee Kind Program, and Friday concludes the week with a bowling event.

In Beaver County , Our Lady of Fatima School , Hopewell Township , will participate at the Sunday, January 25^th 9:00 AM Mass.  The distinguished graduate award will be given.  A book fair runs all week. On Monday, January 26^th, students will attend a Ronald McDonald presentation on bullying. while Tuesday is student appreciation day.  Wednesday is community and teacher appreciation day, and Thursday is Disability Awareness Day. Friday includes an open house beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a lunch with family and friends.

            Divine Mercy Academy , Beaver Falls , celebrates at the opening liturgy on Sunday, January 25^th,  including presentation of the NCEA Distinguished Graduate Award followed by an open hose and soup and baked goods sale.  On Monday, the Lincoln Park Performing Arts School will present a drum performance and there is Zaner Bloser handwriting contest and a religion bee as well. Wednesday includes an Audubon Society presentation on Birds of Prey, the family pizza dinner at 6 p.m. and annual talent show at 7. Friday includes Mass at 8:30 and Principal’s Awards and a Grandparent Fiesta Day in the preschool.

            Saints Peter and Paul School, Beaver, addresses the “Celebrate Service” theme by focusing on various groups throughout the week. On Sunday, the focus is on the parish with Mass and open house. Students read and serve at all Masses for the weekend, and open house follows the 9:15 Mass until 1 p.m.  Monday is community day, with the school featuring the annual cakewalk to raise money for the diocese’s Chimbote Mission in Peru . Tuesday turns to a national focus, with national appreciation day, featuring letter writing for and visits from military personnel. Wednesday is student appreciation, Thursday is appreciation for vocations day, and career day, while Friday features a First Friday Mass and luncheon for faculty and staff.

            Saint Titus, Aliquippa, will sponsor a pancake breakfast after all Masses on Sunday, January 25^th. Monday opens with a prayer service and Tuesday is devoted to service projects and Olympics activities all day. Wednesday includes more contests and Thursday and Friday  will focus on making “Valentines for Vets.”  A dance jamboree will close out the week on Friday.

            In Butler County , Butler Catholic will have families speaking at all Masses at sponsoring parishes on Sunday, January 25^th  and a special liturgy celebration at each parish.  Parent lunches for various grade levels are scheduled throughout the week as well as Junior Achievement Day, Grandparents Day and Game night.

Holy Sepulcher School , Glade Mills, will participate in the opening liturgy Saturday, January 24 at 4 p.m., followed by an open house and reception for the new pastor, Father Al Semler.  Various celebrations of service are planned for the week, including the community on Monday, with students making place mats for Meals on Wheels, and a talent show.  Tuesday celebrates parents and families, Wednesday is service to others with students making cards of thanks for caregivers for the elderly, and parents will be guest speakers about their careers.  Senator Jane Orie will address students on Thursday, January 29^th.

Saint Gregory School, Zelienople holds a book fair Monday through Thursday. And school registration for non-parishioners opens at 9 a.m.  Tuesday features the science fair.  Wednesday features display of essays on “What Makes Saint Gregory School Special.”  Thursday includes spelling bees and math competitions.  Friday features a closing Mass at 9 a.m. with Bishop Zubik. 

In Lawrence County , Holy Redeemer School , Ellwood City , participates at the Sunday, January 25^th 10 a.m. Mass.  Brunch and open house follow Mass.  Monday will be a day of competitions; Tuesday is Bring a guest to Pasta Lunch; Wednesday is mini-course day where students can sign up for numerous programs throughout the day.  Thursday is billed as a day of surprise, and Friday honors teachers with a luncheon.

            Saint Vitus, New Castle, beings the week with “Patriotic Outreach Day” on Monday, and New Castle Mayor Mastrangelo will give a Catholic Schools Week Proclamation.  Tuesday includes a spelling bee and faculty/staff appreciation luncheon.  Wednesday is spirit day, Thursday is student appreciation day with a fine arts festival at 7 p.m. On Friday, volunteers will be honored following the 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Kris Stubna, Secretary for Education for the diocese.

In Washington County, Madonna Catholic Regional School, Donora, celebrates at the 11 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Valley parish, with a social in the cafeteria following the Mass.  On Monday, students at the Monongahela site will assemble craft kits for the hospitalized and homebound children while the Donora site participates in Mathcounts.  On Wednesday, the Monongahela site will visit the Monongahela High Rise to play games, while Donora based students will attend a Mass and reception for parishioners and then visit the MonValley Care Center for Mass at 11 a.m.  Friday features career day for the Donora Site, while the Monongahela site holds a Mass and reception for parishioners.  

 Saint Patrick School, Canonsburg, will open the week with a special liturgy at the noon Mass on January 25^th,  with all students participating in the liturgy, followed by open house.  Each day of the week will use the “Celebrate Service ” theme for a different group affiliated with the school:  Monday is for the nation, with a nationality day, and each class will represent different nations of the world, dressing in costume.  On Tuesday, the school will celebrate service in students, on Wednesday in vocations.  Father Kris Stubna, Secretary for Education for the diocese will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m.. On Thursday, students participate in Jeopardy championships, celebrating the value of education, and  finally, faculty staff and administration will be recognized on Friday, with a special luncheon while 6-8^th grades will take over teaching classes during the luncheon, supervised by parents.

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FACTS ABOUT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN PITTSBURGH  

• The Poor Clare nuns founded the first Catholic school reported in Pittsburgh when they opened an “academy for young ladies” in 1828.
• Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are the fourth largest school district of any type in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .
• 112 schools serve the six-county Diocese of Pittsburgh , encompassing approximately 25,000 students and approximately 1800 teachers.
• Our schools meet all state and diocesan curriculum requirements
• Our students consistently score significantly above the national norms on standardized tests.
• In the past 10 years, our high schools have produced 120 National Merit semi-finalists and more than 100 National Merit finalists.
• More than 97 percent of high school graduates went on to post-secondary education following the year 2008 graduation. 
• Our schools save the taxpayers of western Pennsylvania hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

(Source: Department for Catholic Schools, Diocese of Pittsburgh )