Posted February 3, 2014

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia joined in the national observance of Catholic Schools Week Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the values-centered, faith-filled education that students receive in Catholic elementary, secondary and special education schools. The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2014 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia held various activities throughout the week to highlight the values of faith, knowledge and service found in the 123 elementary schools, 17 high schools and four schools of special education.

  • Students at Visitation B.V.M. School in Trooper were treated to a “Science is Everywhere” show in a Catholic Schools Week assembly.

  • Students from Visitation B.V.M. School in Trooper compete in a Spelling Bee.

  • St. Laurentius School, Philadelphia, held an open house to display the wonderful works of their students. Guests were welcomed with a poster that highlights the school and its students.

  • Grace Smith poses with her mother Eileen Nelson in front of the project she worked on with her third grade class highlighting England. Each grade chose a different country then researched and presented their project at the school’s open house.

  • St. Bernadette students in Drexel Hill thanked community helpers including Mayor Nicholas Micozzie, Upper Darby Superintendent of Police Mike Chitwood and numerous police, firefighters, crossing guards, cleaners and maintenance staff.

  • Pre-K through fourth grade students from St. Bernadette School in Drexel Hill provided entertainment for guests during an event they held to thank community helpers.

  • Students of St. Bernadette School in Drexel Hill students prepare some of the more than 300 bag lunches Jan. 29 for the Life Center in Upper Darby. The students worked with their prayer partners to make lunch meat sandwiches, and added fruit and other treats to the decorated lunch bags.

  • Claire and Cole Blanch play grandparents bingo with their grandmother at Our Lady of Grace School in Penndel.

  • Students were filled with school spirit during a pep rally at Our Lady of Grace in Penndel.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput greets kindergarten student Ethan Finley-Dawes at Holy Family Regional School in Levittown, where he visited and celebrated Mass Jan. 30 for Catholic Schools Week. (Sarah Webb)

  • Student council members (from left) Madeline Hogan, Michael Stumpo, Madeline Terry and Julianna Rifkin present Archbishop Charles Chaput with a gift after he celebrated Mass at Holy Family Regional School for Catholic Schools Week. (Sarah Webb)

  • Students from Holy Family Regional Catholic School in Levittown, Bucks County, pray during Mass celebrating Catholic Schools Week. (Sarah Webb)

  • First and second grade students from Holy Family Regional School in Levittown bring up the gifts during a Mass celebrated Jan. 30 by Archbishop Charles Chaput. (Sarah Webb)

  • Sixth grader Jasmine Prime (left) and second grader Ava Mueller sing during Mass celebrating Catholic Schools Week at Holy Family Regional School, Levittown. (Sarah Webb)