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CHARLOTTE — All 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will celebrate the 38th annual Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 5. This national celebration is co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools – Faith. Academics. Service.," which focuses on three of the top priorities of Catholic schools that distinguish them from other educational institutions. First: Children are taught faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Second: Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Third: Service, the giving of one's time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

"The Catholic faithful in the United States have long supported Catholic schools, with great personal and financial sacrifice, as a method of sharing the fruits of the great Catholic life of study and prayer that lead to authentic Christian service," said Father Roger K. Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education. "It really is the gift of hope in the development of a culture of holiness and salvation. Catholic schools have been a great blessing to all of us, and our country and its citizens have benefited greatly from this monumental academic endeavor.

Catholic schools around the country will celebrate Mass and offer special activities throughout the week to recognize the gift of a Catholic education. Students, teachers, staff, families and parishioners all receive recognition for their efforts to foster Catholic education in their schools and communities. Outreach activities also give students and faculty an opportunity to give back to others.

For more information on Catholic Schools Week, go to www.ncea.org/news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer