Catholic Schools Week: Jan. 26 - 31

Sacred Heart Catholic School will be celebrating 143 years of faith-filled Catholic education next week as it hosts Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26 – 31.

Using the theme United in Faith and Community, it highlights the school’s focus on faith development, academic excellence and dedication to the community service.

“We have planned a variety of events to show how we are doing this as a community,” Sacred Heart Catholic School principal, Kevin Haas said. “We encourage friends and neighbors who may be considering a Catholic school for their children to visit the school. Not only is this a time to celebrate, it’s also a time to spread the word about the ‘good news’ in education.”

Activities, at the school that will be held each day include:

Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 25-26 – “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community, In our Parish – Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide.

“We want to extend our very heartiest thanks to Sacred Heart parishioners for everything they have done to make the promise of faith-based education a continued reality here since 1982,” Haas said.

Activities for these two days include:

• Students, faculty, and parents will serve as cantors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, organists, and Offertory participants at all Masses.

• Student posters will be displayed in church and around town with the theme, “Catholic Schools – Sacred Heart students are joyful disciples”.

Monday, Jan. 27 – The theme for today is “What a Vocation” and has a focus on vocations that involves anyone seeking a personal example of the ideals to Learn, Serve, Lead and Succeed.

“You need to search no further than the priests, deacons and sisters responsible for so much of Catholic education,” Haas said. “ We honor those religious who attended Sacred Heart and those who now serve our school. We celebrate and encourage the religious vocations that make such sacrifices and contributions possible.”

Monday’s activities include:

• Prayers for vocations to be recited throughout the day in all classes.

• A give-away will be held to collect money that goes to the Seminary Burse. The winner will have lunch at Whataburger with Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher.

Tuesday, Jan. 28 – Today’s theme is “In Our Students” – “Students are encouraged to reflect on the benefits of their Catholic education and how, by learning, they will succeed throughout their lives,” Haas said.

Tuesday’s activities include:

• All students will receive special recognition from faculty members through various activities.

• Students enjoy fun games and activities including dominoes, bingo, board games and some classes willgo bowling.

Wednesday, Jan. 29 – Today’s theme is “In Our Nation” involving National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools.

“Today we remember the vital role that Catholic schools have played in American civic life, especially her in Hallettsville since 1882,” Haas said. “Students will wear red, white and blue to honor the Catholic schools in our nation.”

Catholic schools play a key role in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for America.

More than two million students attend Catholic schools in the United States, and more than 85% of them go on to pursue a college degree. Catholic schools produce academically successful students; foster a commitment to service, family and community; and accept students from all faiths and backgrounds. The Diocese of Victoria has 2,500 students enrolled in 15 Catholic schools.

Wednesday’s activities involve:

• Students will recite the rosary at 9 a.m. for “Respect for Life” over the PA.

Thursday, Jan. 30 – Today’s theme is “In Our Community, Volunteers and Supporters” – “We recognize the Sacred Heart Catholic School is part of a great network, a community comprised of administrators, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, parents, grandparents, supporters and civil leaders,” Haas said. “We appreciate their dedication and support.”

Thursday’s activities include:

• Special guests, leaders of the community, and supporters of SHCS will be invited for lunch and be recognized.

• The school will host an Open House from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the entire community and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Teachers will be in their classrooms during that time.

• The Sacred Heart Home and School Association will be sponsoring a soup and sandwich meal in the cafeteria from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• The annual Sacred Heart Coronation, sponsored by the senior class, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the SHCS Gymnasium. The program will include entertainment by the students and everyone is welcome to attend.

• During the day, students will be allowed to wear baseball caps as they celebrate “Hats off to the community and supporters”.

Friday, Jan. 31 – The theme for today includes, “In Our Faculty and Staff” – “We recognize that the dedication, enthusiasm and innovations of our teachers, staff and volunteers truly make Catholic schools places for learning and celebration,” Haas said.

Friday’s activities involve:

• Special liturgy at 8:05 a.m. including a Mass of rededication of the faculty and staff.

• Flag raising ceremony.

• Awards ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the gymnasium for grades K through 8th. School Spirit award recipients and poster contest winners will be recognized.

• Elementary students will pass out cookies to businesses as a sign of appreciation for their support of Sacred Heart Catholic School.

• Catholic Knowledge Bowl will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the gymnasium for grades 5 through 12.