Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are celebrating Catholic Schools Week from January 27 through February 2. Catholic schools will celebrate with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community.
Special activities include an opening Mass followed by fireworks starting at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 27th at St. Pius X in Rodgers Forge and school visits by Archbishop William E. Lori and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Barbara Edmondson. The Archbishop and Superintendent will visit Mt. de Sales Academy in Catonsville on Monday at 9:00 a.m., The John Carroll School and St. Margaret School in Bel Air on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and 12 p.m., and St. Ursula School in Parkville on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
“The weeklong celebration gives us a moment to pause and reflect on the mission of Catholic education to provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and emphasizes the formation of the whole person … mind, body, and spirit.” said Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson.
The theme “Catholic Schools Raise the Standards” highlights the recent launch of national best practices to ensure the sustainability of Catholic schools and the consistent student achievement as a result of high academic standards and an emphasis on spiritual formation. The “National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools” was developed through a broad collaboration with partners in higher education, elementary and secondary schools, and parishes.
Conducted annually since 1974, Catholic Schools Week includes national, diocesan, and school-wide activities to promote the value of Catholic education.
There are 49 Catholic elementary/middle schools and 20 high schools serving 27,118 students in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which consists of Baltimore city and the following counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Washington.
To learn more about an Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic school, call 1-800-5-CATHOLIC or visit www.archbalt.org/schools.