Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2025

By Eileen Connelly, OSU

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2025, celebrated nationally Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our Church, our communities and our nation.  

Franciscan schools throughout the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe joined in the faith, fun and expressions of gratitude in a variety of ways.

Roger Bacon High School, Cincinnati, Ohio

A friar celebrates Mass in an auditorium full of children.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, the entire community at Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati gathered to celebrate the school’s Catholic and Franciscan identity. (Photo courtesy of Roger Bacon High School)

A friar presents communion to a student.

Br. Mark Hudak, OFM, a faculty member at Roger Bacon, distributes Communion. (Photo courtesy of Roger Bacon High School)

Students pray together during Mass.

Roger Bacon students celebrate their faith and sense of community. (Photo courtesy of Roger Bacon High School)

20 faculty members hold up certificates that celebrate their achievements.

At the end of Mass, faculty members with milestone years in their service to Roger Bacon and Catholic education were recognized. Among those pictured are Brothers Mark Hudak, OFM, Chris Cahill, OFM, and Angel Vazquez, OFM. (Photo courtesy of Roger Bacon High School)

Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio

Students wearing bright orange 'Parma' shirts write thank you notes at their desks.

On Jan. 30, students at Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio, spent a few minutes writing thank you notes to their teachers for dedicating their lives to educating students in a faith-filled environment. (Photo courtesy of Padua Franciscan High School)

Students sign a large white banner.

Padua Franciscan High School's Music Ministry group shared their talents with the congregation during the Catholic Schools Week Mass with Bishop Edward C. Malesic at the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland on Jan. 29. (Photo courtesy of Padua Franciscan High School)

Students pray together during Mass.

Padua Franciscan High School students signed a banner during lunches to share who they're thankful for in the Padua community. (Photo courtesy of Roger Bacon High School)

St. Peter Claver School, Macon, Georgia

A child gives a thumbs up as he sits next to an older man.

As a historically Black Catholic school in the heart of the South, St. Peter Claver Catholic School in Macon, Georgia, proudly welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. Each year during Catholic Schools Week, the community celebrates Pastors' Day, where students invite their home church pastors to campus for an ecumenical program and fellowship. 

This year's celebration was filled with heartfelt prayers, uplifting music and inspiring words from students and pastors. As one student put it, "We are all church; all on our path with Jesus." (Photo courtesy of St. Peter Claver Catholic School)

St. Francis of Assisi School, Triangle, Virginia

Students sign a large white banner.

Students at St. Francis of Assisi School prayed the rosary and honored the Blessed Mother, led by the first and second graders. (Photo courtesy of St. Francis of Assisi School)

Students pray together during Mass.

First and second grade students at St. Francis of Assisi School in Triangle, Virginia, visited with Bishop of Arlington Michael Burbidge. The entire school celebrated Mass with the bishop and he visited with each class.  (Photo courtesy of St. Francis of Assisi School)