More than 6,600 students in 30 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids are celebrating national Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28-Feb. 3. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Events will highlight how Catholic education provides lifelong benefits for students and their communities.
In honor of Catholic Schools Week, the diocese is pleased to announce that Welcome Scholarships will be available for new families for the 2018-19 school year. Welcome Scholarships provide $250 at the preschool level, $750 for K-8, and $1,000 in grades 9-11 to students who are new to Catholic schools. Welcome Scholarships originally were offered through the three-year Bishop’s Catholic Schools Initiative (2015-16 through 2017-18) and will continue under the “Catholic Schools: Bridging Faith and Future” strategic plan. Catholic schools in the diocese are also celebrating three straight years of enrollment growth and the decision to open the new independent St. Robert Catholic School in Ada this fall.
“Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to thank the families, faculty, school leaders, clergy and supporters who make our Catholic schools a success,” said David Faber, superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese. “Every day, I am grateful for their year-round dedication and service.”
Catholic Schools Week activities at different schools include food drives for those in need, assembling thank-you baskets for emergency responders, and open houses, just to name a few. Additionally, several hundred student representatives and educators from across the diocese will gather for Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on Tuesday, Jan. 30, to give thanks for the gift of Catholic school education. Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, will preside at Mass.
Nearly 2 million children across the United States attend Catholic schools. Catholic Schools Week began in 1974 and is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
"Many Gifts, One Nation"
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are participating in "Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools" with Catholic schools across the country beginning on Jan. 30. Visit this link to learn how you can support Catholic schools in this way.
Bishop Walkowiak's Catholic Schools Week letters
Click here to read Bishop Walkowiak's Catholic Schools Week letter to parishioners.
Catholic Schools Week letter from Aquinas College President Dr. Kevin Quinn
Catholic Schools Week events at Diocese of Grand Rapids Catholic schools (alphabetical by school)
This list will be updated as school events are received. Contact schools for any additional information about these events. Additionally, find an open house calendar at this link.
All Saints Academy, Grand Rapids
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Celebrating our Parishes
- Pack the Pews @ St. Alphonsus, 11 a.m.
- Students, please wear your ASA uniforms!
- Parents, you are invited to wear ASA gear, also.
- Pack the Pews @ St. Alphonsus, 11 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Celebrating our Community
- Crazy sock & hat day
- 4th-8th grades attend concert at St. Anthony of Padua
- "What Faith, Learning, Loving and Serving at ASA Mean to Me" (student written and/or drawn reflections)
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Celebrating our Students
- Mismatch day
- 3rd graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- ASA logo talk
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Celebrating our Nation
- All-school Mass and picture at St. Alphonsus (students, dress up)
- All-school rosary for our nation
- Snack & art project
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Celebrating Vocations
- Red, gold and black color day
- Writing letters to seminarians
- Family basketball game night
- 6:30 p.m. at St. Isidore
- 8th grade vs. teachers
- Friday, Feb. 2: Celebrating our Staff & Volunteers
- Sports team day
- K-3rd grades see "Shrek the Musical"
- Middle school teachers vs. 8th grade sports, 12:30 p.m.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Belmont
Catholic Central High School, Grand Rapids
- Monday, Jan. 29
- DRESS: Blue & White Day
- Wear CC Blue to support teachers
- Wear CC White to support Seniors
- MAJOR EVENT: Staff v. Seniors Basketball Game (2:20 p.m.)
- DRESS: Blue & White Day
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- DRESS: School Uniform
- MAJOR EVENT: Diocesan Mass (10:30 a.m.)
- Principal Advisor Committee to represent CCHS
- Concert Choir, Capella Choir and Freshmen Women’s Chorale to sing
- Coffee Cart for teachers (Admin brings around coffee/juice/pastries)
- Wednesday, Jan. 31
- DRESS: School Uniform
- MAJOR EVENT: Rosary and all-school Mass (9:20 a.m.)
- Thursday, Feb. 1
- DRESS: School Uniform
- MAJOR EVENT: Heartside Neighbor Appreciation Day
- Friday, Feb. 2
- DRESS: Catholic School Spirit Day
- MAJOR EVENT: Winter Assembly
Corpus Christi Catholic School, Holland
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Celebrating our Parishes
- Mass at Our Lady of the Lake, 11 a.m. (students wear Mass uniforms)
- CCCS students & Knights of Columbus fundraiser pancake breakfast follows Mass
- Monday, Jan. 29: Celebrating Community
- Chapel visitor from our community
- Crazy sock day
- Each student will receive a slice of pizza at lunch, thanks to a special donor!
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Celebrating Students
- Alumni visitor in chapel
- Home & School provides donuts and juice in the gym before school
- 4th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Celebrating the Nation
- Mass at 8:40 a.m. (all are welcome!)
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Celebrating Vocations
- Chapel visitor will speak about vocations
- Wear your favorite sports team top with CCCS uniform bottom
- Bus ride to thank local businesses -- selected students and staff
- All-school bingo hosted by Fr. Bill & Fr. Mike
- All-school open house and family dinner
- Friday, Feb. 2: Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers
- Chapel visitor from our faculty
- Jeans day
- Breakfast cart for faculty and staff
- Drama club production of "Let My People Laugh", 1:30 p.m. in the gym
- Raffle drawing, 3 p.m. in the gym
- Sunday, Feb. 4
- Mass at St. Francis de Sales, 10:30 a.m. (students wear Mass uniforms)
- CCCS serve coffee, donuts and juice, and provide cleanup
Divine Providence Academy, Conklin and Ravenna
Holy Spirit Catholic School, Grand Rapids
- Student Council planned the week's activities to go along with the mission statement: "Our mission at Holy Spirit School is to promote the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. Students, parents, and faculty form a Catholic family of faith. Together, we challenge our students to achieve their fullest spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical potential."
- Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28: Students participate in Masses as lectors, commentators and speakers about the importance of Catholic education.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Social Activity
- Students attend concert at St. Anthony of Padua
- Crazy hat and socks day
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Academic Activities
- Students dress up like favorite subject or teacher
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Spiritual Activities
- All-school Mass, 8:45 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Physical Activities
- Students wear "Walking with the Spirit" shirt
- Friday, Feb. 2: Emotional Activities
- Students wear "This is Me" favorite clothes
- Saturday, Feb. 3: Winter Carnival, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Holy Trinity Catholic School, Comstock Park
- Sunday, Jan. 28: In Our Parish
- Students participate in Masses in school uniform
- Pancake breakfasts following Masses, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Parents and parishioners can tour the school to see doors decorated with saints
- Monday, Jan. 29: In Our Community
- Team day (students can wear clothes with their favorite sports team logo)
- Lunch mix-up day (students may sit where they choose in the lunchroom)
- Students learn about Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, write cards for patients, and learn about wishlist items the school may purchase through the week's donation challenge
- Welcome letter sent to all 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds of the parish
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: In Our Students
- Favorite outfit day
- Lunch mix-up day
- Popcorn sale supporting Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
- Team-building activities in classrooms
- Student Council & 8th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: In Our Nation
- All-school liturgy, planned by the 8th graders
- Dress up day in Sunday best
- Lunch mix-up day
- Living rosary with super friends, with each decade focused on national issues and branches of the service
- Students will write or say prayers for the leaders of our nation
- Thursday, Feb. 1: In our Vocations
- Vocation apparel
- Each classroom receives nameplates for students to decorate with faithful characteristics
- Lunch mix-up day
- Classes make cards to thank Father Tom Simons, Father Tom McKinney, Deacon Jerry Roersma and others in religious vocations
- Students work together to make snowpeople depicting classroom saints, followed by hot chocolate
- Friday, Feb. 2: In Our Faculty, Staff, Parents and Volunteers
- Spirit day
- Appreciation breakfast for families attending Holy Trinity Catholic School, 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m.
- Lunch mix-up day
- Students go roller skating
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, Grand Rapids
Ludington Area Catholic School, Ludington
Muskegon Catholic Central, Muskegon
Our Lady of Consolation Catholic School, Rockford
Sacred Heart Academy, Grand Rapids
San Juan Diego Academy, Wyoming
SS. Peter & Paul Catholic School, Ionia
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, Grand Rapids
- Sunday, Jan. 28
- Distribute promotional fliers at weekend Masses
- Students and families are encouraged to attend the parish mission with John Angotti at 6:30 p.m. in church (on Sunday, Monday or both nights)
- Monday, Jan. 29: Wildcats LEARN!
- K-8 students host students from Holy Spirit and All Saints Academy for a concert by John Angotti, 9:30 a.m.
- Crazy hats and socks day
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Wildcats SERVE!
- Student Government members attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in uniform
- Alumnus Josh Sweedyk speaks to students about the Transplant Games of America and the National Donor Registry, 1 p.m. (which is St. Anthony's CSW mission activity)
- Superfriends gather for game day
- "Tic Tac Tuesday" -- mints will be sold for $1, with proceeds given to Transplant Games of America
- Country day
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Wildcats LEAD!
- Talent show, 12:50 p.m. (begins in the church and moves to the gym)
- Teacher coffee/breakfast provided by Home and School
- Teacher lunch provided by administration
- Team USA day
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Wildcats CELEBRATE!
- Movie day, with snacks provided for students
- Beverages will be sold for $1 to benefit CSW mission
- Friday, Feb. 2: Wildcats SUCCEED!
- Family VIP Mass, 8:30 a.m.
- K-8 go to Rebounderz
- Students wear uniforms for Mass and may change into athletic wear for Rebounderz
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, Greenville
- Saturday, Jan. 27
- Open house after 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Charles, followed by family board game night in the activity building. Pizza and popcorn will be offered.
- Sunday, Jan. 28
- Open house after 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Charles
- Monday, Jan. 29
- Student Council serves breakfast treat to all students
- All students deliver thank you cards and treats to local businesses
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Singing at Friendship House - grades K - 2
- Wednesday, Jan. 31
- 7:30 a.m. rosary in church led by student leadership team
- Sledding if weather permits or board games with another grade
- Thursday, Feb. 1
- Bowling at Jacket Lanes
- Friday, Feb. 2
- VIP lunch followed by 12:15 p.m. Mass
St. John Vianney Catholic School, Wyoming
St. Joseph Catholic School, Pewamo
- Monday, Jan. 29
- Knights of Columbus breakfast
- Catholic Jeopardy for grades 5-6 and 7-8
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- 8th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Parents visit school
- Wednesday, Jan. 31
- Mass
- National Geographic Geo-Bee
- Lunch buddies
- Games with prayer buddies
- Thursday, Feb. 1
- Annual 7th and 8th grade competition
- Friday, Feb. 2
- Mass
- Catholic Schools Week gathering and reflections
St. Mary Catholic School, Big Rapids
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Celebrating Our Parish
- All-school Mass, 9 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Celebrating Our Students
- Students wear class shirts
- All-school picture
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Celebrating Vocations
- Students wear uniform
- 7th and 8th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Celebrating Our Nation
- Students wear red, white and blue
- Students write cards and notes to send to deployed personnel
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Celebrating Our Community
- Students wear college attire
- Making blankets for Angels of Action
- Talent show, 6 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Celebrating Our Faculty, Staff & Volunteers
- Parent appreciation with coffee and bagels
- Afternoon activity for students
- Sunday, Feb. 4
- All-school Mass, 11 a.m. at St. Paul's
St. Mary Catholic School, Spring Lake
- Sunday, Jan. 28
- Students participate in 11 a.m. Mass, with middle school choir singing. Students should wear their Mass uniforms.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Community Recognition Day
- Students assemble baskets of gratitude for local community helpers (like emergency responders, city workers and local businesses)
- "Love One Another" jeans day
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: National Recognition Day
- St. Mary's Student Council members attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Staff Recognition Day
- All-school rosary, 9 a.m.
- Staff treated to luncheon
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Student Recognition Day
- Student treated to afternoon of bowling
- Color day
- Friday, Feb. 2: Volunteer Recognition Day
- All volunteers and community helpers will be recognized at 9 a.m. Mass
- Light snack and beverage provided to volunteers and community helpers after Mass
St. Michael Catholic School, Remus
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Kick-off to Catholic Schools Week Mass
- All St. Michael school families are encouraged to attend Mass at 11 a.m.
- 5th graders serve coffee, juice and donuts in parish center after Mass, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
- Monday, Jan. 29: Hats off to Catholic Schools Week
- Wear favorite hat/jeans
- Dynamic School Assemblies performs "Catholic Schools Rock" in the gym, 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Dress for Success
- Dress up as your future career
- Guest speakers in the gym, 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Grow in Knowledge, Take a Reading Adventure
- All-school rosary at 9 a.m.
- Guest storyteller
- Comfy day
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Outdoor Sports Theme
- Dress according to your favorite outdoor sport
- Staff appreciation luncheon
- Talent show, 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Bee Filled with Knowledge and Faith
- Mass, 9 a.m., with blessing of candles
- Spelling bee, 1 p.m., followed by ice cream social sponsored by Knights of Columbus
St. Patrick Catholic School, Parnell (events will be held Feb. 5-Feb. 9)
- Monday, Feb. 5
- Field trip to 3 Mile Project
- Sports day
- Tuesday, Feb. 6
- Donuts and Dear
- Dance breaks
- Cozy day
- Wednesday, Feb. 7
- Blessing bags
- Wacky Wednesday
- Thursday, Feb. 8
- Minute to Win It, 1:30 p.m.
- Super hero day
- Friday, Feb. 9
- VIP Mass and cookies
- Spirit day
St. Patrick Catholic School, Portland
- Sunday, Jan. 28
- Kick-off Mass, 9:30 a.m.
- Free-will donation all-you-can-eat breakfast served by students and school board members, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 29
- Preschool-12th grade breakfast sponsored by St. Patrick School PTO
- Eucharistic miracles exhibit in parish hall
- Distracted driving simulator for high schoolers
- Student dress-up day: Comfy day
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- Student delegates attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- All-school candlelight rosary
- Farm Bureau mobile science lab visits
- Hat day
- Wednesday, Jan. 31
- Fam Bureau mobile science lab visits
- Ice cream served to students at lunch
- Twin day
- Thursday, Feb. 1
- K-12 communion service with commissioning of high school extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
- Students bring canned/boxed foods for school SOUPer Bowl food drive
- Smoothies served to students at lunch
- Shamrock day: Students wear green uniform polos or green dress shirts with ties
- Friday, Feb. 2
- Elementary students go bowling
- Middle schoolers go sledding, have dance
- High schoolers watch movie or play games
- Shamrock spirit day: Jean day for all students
- Saturday, Feb. 3
- High schoolers have formal dance
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, Grand Rapids
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Celebrating Our Parish
- Kick-off Mass: Students will be actively involved in each liturgy, and staff members will be present, too. Students will be in uniform. Home and School will host coffee and donuts after each Sunday liturgy.
- 8th grade vs. parents basketball game in the gym, 6:30 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Celebrating Our Community
- Serving Our Community: K-8 students make valentines for residents of area senior living communities. Selected grades will deliver the valentines.
- Building Our Community: K-8 students and staff members participate in a team building relay in the gym, called "Across the Island".
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Celebrating Our Students
- Jeans day
- 8th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Partner grade activity: "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" activity involves students in Early 5's to 8th grade working together to make people, characters, animals or sculptures out of snow at the end of the day. If weather conditions don't allow for this activity, students will play board games. They'll end the day with a special snack after the activity.
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Celebrating the Nation
- Jeans day with red, white and blue theme
- Flag-raising ceremony and prayer service, 8:05 a.m.
- Living rosary, 9:30 a.m.
- The Price is Right, 1:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Celebrating Volunteers and Vocation
- Morning liturgy followed by "thank you" coffee for parents and volunteers. Students will also make cards for volunteers to show their appreciation for their time and kindness.
- Vocations: How did we choose our life path? Teachers will share with their students how their faith guides them in the work. Discussions at home and at school offer students an opportunity to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well in the service of God and others.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Celebrating Faculty and Staff
- Things Teachers Always Enjoy: Jeans day for the entire school and a tasty treat for teachers and students. Home and School will also provide a delicious lunch for staff. Thank you, Home and School!
- Saturday, Feb. 3: Celebrating Families
- We Relax and Spend Time with Our Own Family: We are thankful for our many blessings! Have a wonderful day and weekend!
St. Stephen Catholic School, East Grand Rapids
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, Grand Rapids
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Please pray for the Saint Thomas Education Board
- Celebration Sunday! Student Council members speak after each Mass. School Board members serve donuts after all Sunday Masses in the lower level of the church.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Please pray for Saint Thomas students
- "Angels Among Us" at chapel with Miranda Eden and Drew Edgerton
- Afternoon tea for parents, 2 p.m. (RSVP to betsyedgerton@stthomasgr.org)
- Catholic marshmallow sculpture contest begins for the week
- Door decorating begins for the week
- Tuesday, Jan. 30: Please pray for Saint Thomas parents
- Saint Thomas trivia day at chapel with Guy Smiley
- Children's author Alan St. Jean visits
- Saint Thomas Tuesday Talks: Spiritual and physical fitness with Jessica Payne, 8:20-9 a.m.
- Student Council attends Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Wednesday, Jan. 31: Please pray for prospective students
- No school
- Thursday, Feb. 1: Please pray for Father Jim and all those discerning a vocation
- Chapel: Virtue talk by Father Jim
- Teacher exchange day
- Adoration for parents, led by Lucyna Dieleman, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Please pray for Saint Thomas teachers
- All-school Mass and Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, 8:30 a.m.
- Variety show (and snow sculpture, essay, and door decorating winners announced), 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 3: Please pray for Catholic schools
- Daddy Daughter Dance, 6-8 p.m.
West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids
- Monday, Jan. 29
- Prayer for supporters and benefactors in St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel
- Start Help the Needy collections for Haiti Needs You
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- Mass with the Bishop at the Cathedral
- Christian Service Hour announcement
- Confession offered during lunch and homeroom
- Wednesday, Jan. 31
- Praying rosary as a school in conjunction with the alliance of Catholic schools across the diocese
- Thursday, Feb. 1
- All-school Mass at 10:10 a.m.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion commissioned
- New National Honor Society members inducted after Mass
- Friday, Feb. 2
- Students, staff and parents are invited to pray for the well-being of West Catholic students at 7:30 a.m in the St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel
- School Wide Fun- Dodgeball Tournament at 2 p.m