Catholic Schools Week: It’s all about faith, academics and fun

Every year, Catholic Schools Week provides an oppor­tunity for schools in the diocese to open their doors and hearts, and show off what makes them so special.

Almost all of the schools hold open houses, from the just-opened St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Myrtle Beach to St. Peter in Columbia, which was founded in 1852 and is one of the oldest schools in the diocese. People can also visit each of the 34 schools from the comfort of home at www.sccatholic.org/school-listings and see all the wonderful things they’re doing.

St. Joseph in Anderson, for ex­ample, has one of the best promo­tional videos out there. Not only are their teachers happy, they also have some serious dance moves.

Catholic Schools Week brings to light an integration of values and academics that gives each child the unique ability to grow as a whole person. Students are taught love and respect for themselves and others, along with a sense of peace and justice for the global community.

It is a celebration of what makes Catholic schools unique, so of course the elements of faith play a prominent role with special Masses, rosaries, and prayer inten­tions. Students and staff also take time to thank the priests, religious brothers and sisters, and the semi­narians who have answered the call to serve the Church.

Another aspect that receives attention is the importance of community, both inside and out­side the school. Events are held to celebrate dads, moms and grand­parents. Members of the military and first responders are honored. Students reach out to help oth­ers — both people and animals — from their neighborhood com­munities to those in need across the globe. It is a time dedicated to the connectivity present in the schools and the world.

It’s also a time to let loose and have fun. Every school gets in the spirit with dress-up days, dances, and parties filled with tasty treats. Even academics take a turn on the silly side with wacky science experiments and interac­tive learning.

Students also participate in plays, music recitals, and sports — some pitting students against teachers in hilarious competi­tions.

The top photo, above, is from St. Andrew in Myrtle Beach. Take a look at some of the highlights of Catholic Schools Week with these photos shared by schools in the diocese:

Youth at Blessed Sacrament in Charleston show their spirit during Catholic Schools Week.

 

Cardinal Newman students show the love.
In Columbia, Cardinal Newman students show the love.
Dressing up for Decades Day is a big hit at Charleston Catholic.
Dressing up for Decades Day is a big hit at Charleston Catholic.
The crowd at Christ Our King-Stella Maris performs a song.
The crowd at Christ Our King-Stella Maris performs a song.
Students at John Paul II in Ridgeland take part in a living rosary.
Students at John Paul II in Ridgeland take part in a living rosary.
Kids dress as 100-year-olds and give Hugs for Heroes at St. John Neumann in Columbia.
Kids dress as 100-year-olds and give Hugs for Heroes at St. John Neumann in Columbia.
Two friends get creative with crazy hair day at St. Gregory the Great in Bluffton.
Two girls get creative with crazy hair day at St. Gregory the Great in Bluffton.

 

 

Students at St. Martin de Porres in Columbia let their love shine.
Students at St. Martin de Porres in Columbia let their love shine.

 

Students at St. Anne in Rock Hill capture the spirit through dance.
Students at St. Anne in Rock Hill capture the spirit through dance.
St. Anthony in Florence holds "dress as your favorite saint" day.
St. Anthony in Florence holds “dress as your favorite saint” day.

 

St. Francis on Hilton Head Island holds a blessing of its new buses.
St. Francis on Hilton Head Island holds a blessing of its new buses.

 

Students at St. John in North Charleston process into Mass.
Students at St. John in North Charleston process into Mass.

 

A group of kids at St. Joseph in Anderson help collect canned goods in one of their outreach efforts.
A group of kids at St. Joseph in Anderson help collect canned goods in one of their outreach efforts.
A group of boys watch as a runner from St. Joseph in Columbia races past.
A group of boys watch as a runner from St. Joseph in Columbia races past.

 

Boys pray the rosary at St. Mary in Greenville.
Boys pray the rosary at St. Mary in Greenville.
St-Paul-Apostle-web
Eighth-graders at St. Paul the Apostle in Spartanburg offer a special thank you to school volunteers.
Father Paul MacNeil celebrates Mass for the children at St. Peter in Beaufort.
Father Paul MacNeil celebrates Mass for the children at St. Peter in Beaufort.
A young girl prays during Mass at St. Peter in Columbia.
A young girl prays during Mass at St. Peter in Columbia.
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone checks out a chess match after celebrating Mass at Summerville Catholic.
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone checks out a chess match after celebrating Mass at Summerville Catholic.
A group of fourth-graders at St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken enjoy free time at recess.
A group of fourth-graders at St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken enjoy free time at recess.