National Catholic Schools Week Begins January 27-February 2
January 16, 2019 •

“Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

 

National Catholic Schools Week 2019 (CSW) will be observed in dioceses around the country January 27–February 2, including the Diocese of St. Augustine. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the truth of the Gospel.

Students from Epiphany Catholic School (photo by Woody Huband/St. Augustine Catholic)

 

As Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, Oakland, newly elected chairman of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Catholic Education said, “Young people today need Catholic education more than ever. In a world where truth, beauty and goodness are considered all but subjective, the Way, Truth and Life offered us in Jesus Christ are our only source of direction, clarity and hope. Furthermore, being rooted in faith does not endanger the academic quality of Catholic schools, but in fact is their very motivation for excellence in all things.”

Students from Guardian Catholic School (photo by Brandon Duncan/St. Augustine Catholic)

Nearly 1.8 million students are currently educated in 6,352 Catholic schools in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities around the country. In comparison, there are 11,263 students educated in 35 schools of the Diocese of St. Augustine.

Students receive an education that helps them become critical thinkers, strong communicators and active members of society, thus equipping them for higher education, a competitive work environment, and most importantly, living a Christian life of virtue in a challenging society.

The Catholic school system in the Diocese of St. Augustine continues to grow and thrive according to Deacon Scott Conway, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “We’ve built two schools this past year, and we’re breaking ground on a new school in August. We have plans to build about eight more in the next ten years to meet the needs and challenges of our families.” (See related story)

Students from Saint Francis Catholic Academy (photo by Woody Huband/St. Augustine Catholic)

The observance of CSW began in 1974. Schools and parishes around the country will hold activities such as Masses, open houses, and family gatherings to celebrate the communities they represent.  The week also highlights the educational and community successes of Catholic schools nationwide. Ninety-nine percent of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 86 percent of Catholic school graduates attend college.  This percentage has been consistent for more than 20 years.

Open House will be available in all Catholic schools of the diocese on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To find a school near you, visit www.dosafl.com/find-a-school or call the Office of the Superintendent at (904) 262-0668.