Celebrating Catholic Schools Week: January 29-February 4, 2017 | Diocese of Grand Rapids Catholic Schools

Scroll below for a list of schools' events.

West Michigan news outlets have been sharing the news of Catholic Schools Week:

A message from Superintendent Dave Faber

The more than 6,500 students in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are among nearly 2 million around the country celebrating Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 4. This annual celebration highlights everything that makes Catholic education outstanding.

This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service,” demonstrates that our schools are part of many communities including our families, parishes, cities, country and world. Catholic Schools Week activities at each of our 25 elementary and five high schools will feature the ways Catholic education contributes to these communities through students’ faith development, academic excellence and dedication to service.

Research clearly shows Catholic schools nurture students’ faith development. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate has found that millennials are seven to eight times more likely to attend Sunday Mass if they have attended a Catholic school.

The numbers also demonstrate our schools’ academic excellence. Among the seniors who graduated from high schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids last spring, 99% went on to college. These graduates reported being offered more than $25.5 million in scholarships.

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, our schools are showing their dedication to service by using the Missio app and Missio.org to support communities in need around the world. The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States provide Missio as a way for people to organize events, give financially, and share information to support communities in need. Using the app or website, each school can choose a project to support; examples include feeding the hungry in the Dominican Republic, caring for elderly religious sisters in Uganda, establishing business grants to laborers in Pakistan, and supporting seminarians in India.

Members of all of our school communities will celebrate together by gathering for Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Bishop David Walkowiak will preside as students, teachers, administrators and clergy give thanks for the gift of Catholic school education built upon the cornerstone of Jesus Christ.

Every day of the year, I am grateful for the families, faculty, school leaders, clergy and supporters who make our Catholic schools a success. Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to thank them for their dedication and service.

Bishop Walkowiak's Catholic Schools Week letter

Catholic Schools Week letter from Aquinas College President Dr. Juan Olivarez

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.

All Saints Academy

Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- Pack the Pews at St. Alphonsus, 11 a.m. Mass
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Mismatch Monday
- Dress-up days (25 cents per day or $1 for the week, supporting Catholic Charities West Michigan foster care and a cause in the Missio app)
- Visits from Catholic Charities West Michigan foster care teams
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Hat day
- 3rd grade attends Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- My Super Power Cape or mask decoration
- Special student treat at the end of the day
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- All-school games and snack at St. Alphonsus (9 a.m.-10 a.m.)
- All-school Mass and picture at St. Alphonsus, 10:30 a.m.
- 4th-8th grade games (11:30 a.m.)
- Thank you notes to parents
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Twin day
- Reflection: "ASA is helping me grow and become a saint/hero by..."
- Family B-Ball Game Night (8th grade vs. teachers at St. Isidore, 6:30 p.m.)
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Sports team day
- Rosary for staff and volunteers (8 a.m.)
- Elementary school watches "The Lion King"
- Middle school teachers vs. 8th grade, 12:30 p.m.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic School

Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- Students, parents, and teachers have roles in Masses
- Students who wear their uniforms to Mass get a jean day coupon
- Coffee and donuts following 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Crazy hair and slippers day
- Thank you donuts and coffee for bus drivers
- Students create thank you cards and letters for nonprofit and public service workers
- West Catholic High School peer ministers lead retreat
- Week-long diaper collection begins for HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Spirit jean day
- Student Council, 8th graders attend Mass at Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Pep rally, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- Red, white, and blue jean day
- Students create valentines for veterans
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Comfy clothes day
- Pancake breakfast
- 3 Mile Project
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Dress up day
- All-school Mass
- All-school talent show, 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
- 8th grade movie night

Divine Providence Academy

Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29
- Students wear their uniforms to Mass, and many will have Mass parts
Monday, January 30
- Jean day for those who attended Mass in uniform
- Begin collection of new stuffed animals with tags for children who have surgery
Tuesday, January 31
- 4th and 5th graders attend Mass at the Cathedral and stop for lunch on the way back
- Other grades deliver cookies to local businesses in appreciation of community support
Wednesday, February 1
- Praying a rosary for the nation. Parents and parishioners are welcome to join the rosary being prayed at St. Catherine at 9:45 a.m. and at St. Joseph at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Thursday, February 2
- Read-a-thon day raising money helping a Ugandan school build a fence to protect the grounds from vandals and wild animals, and to create a safe environment for blind students
Friday, February 3
- All-school Mass at St. Joseph
- Pizza lunch

Holy Spirit Catholic School

Saturday, January 28
- Students participate as greeters, ushers, and readers at weekend Masses
- A Grand Gathering Auction
Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- Students participate as greeters, ushers, and readers at weekend Masses
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Mass at Holy Spirit with Bishop Walkowiak and St. Anthony of Padua students at 9 a.m.
- Prayer in the adoration chapel for students, parents, and faculty in Catholic schools
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Student Council members attend Mass with Bishop Walkowiak at Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- Students go to the 3 Mile Project
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Vocations presentations from seminarians and religious sisters
- Students/teachers volleyball game
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Holy Spirit color day
- Holy Spirit graduates now at West Catholic High School will be helping in classrooms
Saturday, February 4: Celebrating families
- Community Winter Carnival, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
- Presenters at weekend Masses
Sunday, February 5
- Presenters at weekend Masses

Holy Trinity Catholic School

Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- Students in uniform participate in 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mass
- Pancake breakfast, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Parents and parishioners can tour the school to see religious "Hero" doors
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Morning all-school hall prayer
- Students can wear jeans with class color shirts
- Lunch mix-up day (students may sit where they choose in the lunchroom)
- Students write thank-you notes to parents for sending them to Holy Trinity Catholic School
- Collection of personal care items for In the Image
- Welcome letters sent to the parish's 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Patriotic Day: Students may wear red, white, and blue with or without jeans
- Lunch mix-up day
- Red, White, and Blue Candy Guess (make a guess to try winning the candy)
- Making thank-you valentines to send to veterans
- Praying for the leaders of our nation
- 8th grade and Student Council attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- All-school Mass
- Lunch mix-up day
- Students play "Superhero Bingo"
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Students may dress up like their favorite superhero (a Bible figure, a saint, or any other hero)
- Lunch mix-up day
- Making class cards to thank Father Tom Simons, Father Tom McKinney, Deacon Roersma, and others with religious vocations
- Making snowmen and enjoying hot chocolate
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Spirit Day/Comfy Clothes Day
- Continental appreciation breakfast for parents, students, and staff, 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m.
- Lunch mix-up day
- Knights of Columbus judge "Hero" doors
- Students go to the 3 Mile Project

Muskegon Catholic Central

Sunday, January 29: Faith, knowledge, and service in our parish
- Students wear their Mass day uniform to church
- Muskegon Catholic Central representatives speak about the benefits of a Catholic education
Monday, January 30: Faith, knowledge, and service in our community
- Green & gold day with jeans
- Hot chocolate and donut bar for students
- Service project kick-off: Fundraising through Missio.org to help build a classroom in Uganda; collections will be taken every day in first block
- Shroud of Turin replica goes on display in the chapel and remains throughout the week
Tuesday, January 31: Faith, knowledge, and service in our students
- Coaches v. Cancer basketball game at Fruitport
Wednesday, February 1: Faith, knowledge, and service in our nation
- Red, white, and blue day with jeans
- Ice cream sundae bar for students during lunch
Thursday, February 2: Faith, knowledge, and service in our vocations
- Clergy and religious speak about their vocations in religion class
Friday, February 3: Faith, knowledge, and service in our faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Special treat for students during fourth block
- Shroud of Turin presentation for 7-12th grade students

Sacred Heart Academy

Sunday, January 29
- Knights of Columbus breakfast, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Kick-off Mass, 10:30 a.m. (students are asked to wear their uniform)
- Open house, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 31
- Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew for student representatives
- Open house, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 2
- A Man for All Seasons (performed by Sacred Hear Academy Theatre Arts program) sneak preview, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Authenticum, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, February 3
- Prayer followed by 8th grade v. staff volleyball game, 2:30 p.m.
- A Man for All Seasons opening night

San Juan Diego Academy

Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Crazy hair day
- Family quilt
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Regular uniform with silly socks
- Classroom buddies write thank you notes to donors and volunteers
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- Red, white, and blue day (with uniform pants)
- Valentines for veterans
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Hat day
- Extended lunch
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Pajama day
- Movie and popcorn

St. Charles

Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- Students participate at weekend Masses
- Open house following 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Masses; refreshments served
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- School breakfast with community members, 8:30 a.m.
- Talent show, 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Friendship House singing for K-4
- 6-7 attend Mass at Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- "Rock 'n Roll into CSW" assembly, 12:15 p.m.
- Patriotic crafts
- Adoration
- Cookie collection for veterans home
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Geography bee, 12:15 p.m.
- Making cards for diocesan seminarians
- Care package collection for diocesan seminarians
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- VIP lunch, 11 a.m.
- All-school Mass, 12:15 p.m., followed by early dismissal
- Carnival, 6 p.m.

St. Mary Catholic School, Big Rapids

Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- All-school Mass at 9 a.m. with breakfast fundraiser to follow
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Wear class shirts
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Middle school attends Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Movie & popcorn day
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- Patriot day
- Morning patriot and awards assembly
- Wear red, white, blue
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- College day: Wear shirts from your fave college
- Talent show
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Wear be nice. T-shirt
- PB&J drive
- Rollerskating
Sunday, February 5
- All-school Mass, 11 a.m.

St. Mary Catholic School, Spring Lake

Sunday, January 29
- Middle school choir sings at 11 a.m. Mass, and students will be greeters, readers, servers, and cantors. All students in attendance are asked to wear their Friday Mass uniforms.
Monday, January 30
- "Ready, Set, Auction!" (5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the St. Mary's gym) A night of fun, food, and fellowship -- and families are encouraged to bring a friend or two.
Tuesday, January 31
- Student Council members attend Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Wednesday, February 1
- Staff recognition will feature an hors d'oeuvre luncheon, and students are welcome to recognize staff in their own special way
Thursday, February 2
- Color day for students! K-8 students will spend the afternoon at Sherman Bowling Center, bowling with fellow students. Student Council will cover the cost of this event.
Friday, February 3
- St. Mary's Catholic School will recognize the many volunteers, retired teachers, fire fighters, and police agencies by inviting them to the 9 a.m. Mass, followed by light refreshments and a tour of the new school building

St. Michael Catholic School

Sunday, January 29: Kickoff to Catholic Schools Week Mass
- St. Michael Catholic School families are encouraged to attend the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses, which will each be followed by donuts and refreshments in the parish center
Monday, January 30: Hats off to Catholic Schools Week
- Wear your favorite hat/jeans
- Knockerball in the gym, 1 p.m. (all are welcome)
Tuesday, January 31: Be a team player
- Support your favorite team or school by wearing a favorite jersey or shirt featuring that team or school
- 5th/6th grade gingerbread houses designed as church/school in the cafeteria, 1 p.m.
- Staff appreciation luncheon, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesday, February 1: Grow in knowledge, take a reading adventure
- Wear your warm PJs and bring your favorite storybooks to school
- Guest storyteller for the afternoon
Thursday, February 2: Dress for succress
- Stand out in your community and dress for your future career
- Talent show, 1 p.m.
Friday, February 3: 'Bee' filled with knowledge and faith
- Mass, 9 a.m.
- Spelling bee followed by an ice cream social for all (held by the St. Michael Men's Club), 1 p.m.

St. Patrick Catholic School, Portland

Sunday, Janury 29: We celebrate as a parish!
- Weekend Masses kick off Catholic Schools Week
- St. Patrick teaching staff and school board serve all-you-can-eat breakfast, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (free; donations accepted)
Monday, January 30: Let the school celebration begin!
- Preschool-12th grade breakfast sponsored by the St. Patrick School PTO
- Pajama day for all students
Tuesday, January 31: We celebrate with the diocese!
- Delegation of students go to Mass at Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- All students pray candlelight rosary
- Hat day for all students
Wednesday, February 1: We celebrate as a school!
- Middle and high school students watch movies
- All students may dress "out of dress code" in school-appropriate clothing
Thursday, February 2: We celebrate spiritually!
- K-12 Mass, 9:30 a.m. (Students may dress in their Sunday best)
- Students bring canned food/boxed goods for SOUPer Bowl food drive
Friday, February 3: We celebrate as a school!
- Ice cream for students at lunch
- High school pep assembly
- All students may wear school spirit wear (free jean day)

St. Paul the Apostle

Sunday, January 29: In our parish
- Children's choir sings at 11 a.m. Mass
- Students are encouraged to wear their school uniforms to Mass
- Students will bring up the gifts of bread and wine
- Parents v. 8th grade basketball game, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, January 30: In our community
- Winter clothing drive: Please send gently used winter clothing items to school. The class that collects the most items will have a Donut Day!
- Service project: Classes will color bags for Kids Food Basket and make Valentine cards for neighbors at Heartland, Breton Village Green, Cook Valley Estates, Whispering Woods, Porter Hills, and Raybrook Manor.
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating students
- 8th grade attends Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
- Principal for a Day
- Board game bonanza: Please send your student to school with their favorite board or card game. Older students will team up with their younger class partners for an afternoon of fun.
- Plus, a yummy treat from Mrs. Quillan
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating our nation
- Morning ceremony: We will start our day with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a patriotic sing-along.
- Students can wear red, white, and blue.
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating volunteers
- All-school Mass, 8:30 a.m.
- Volunteer appreciation: All volunteers are welcome to our appreciation coffee hosted by 8th grade
- Preschool/Kindergarten open house, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday, February 3: Celebrating staff
- Spirit day: Wear your favorite St. Paul the Apostle gear with jeans
- All-school bingo, 2 p.m.

Saint Thomas the Apostle

Sunday, January 29: Celebrating your parish
- School video presentation after all Masses
- School board members serve refreshments after all Sunday Masses
Monday, January 30: Celebrating your community
- Foundation shirt day
- Saint Thomas 2017 theme song introduced at Chapel
- All-school photo immediately following Chapel
- Father Jim hosts parents for afternoon tea, 2:00 p.m. (RSVP to monicamorin@stthomasgr.org)
- Catholic snow sculpture contest throughout the week
- Door decorating throughout the week
Tuesday, January 31: Celebrating your students
- Saint Thomas trivia day at Chapel
- Tuesday Talk from Principal Furtwangler: Saint Thomas art piece, 8:20 a.m.-9a.m.
- Student Council attends Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Wednesday, February 1: Celebrating the nation
- Faith, knowledge, and service at Chapel
- Preschool & Kindergarten round-up, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
- God's Glow rosary in the gym, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Thursday, February 2: Celebrating vocations
- Virtue talk at Chapel from Father Jim
- Teacher exchange day
- Catholic Central/West Catholic student panel for 7th and 8th graders
- Adoration for parents, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Friday, February 3: Celebrating faculty, staff, and volunteers
- Teacher uniform day
- "Now what?!" at Chapel
- All-school Mass, 9:55 a.m.
- Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, A Saint I Know Essay Contest, Snow Sculpture, Door Decorating winners announced after Mass
- Saint Thomas the Movie premiere, 2:45 p.m.
Saturday, February 4: Celebrating families
- Daddy daughter dance, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, February 5
- Student Council representatives at all Masses