The Diocese of Pittsburgh will celebrate Catholic Schools Week starting Monday with activities highlighting the theme, "Catholic Schools Raise the Standards."
Here's a roundup of some activities among West Catholic schools:
Holy Child School, Bridgeville -- on Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 the school is celebrating "Holy Child: Talents beyond the Standards," featuring student talents -- spiritual, character, academic as well as the fine arts. Monday is student appreciation day. Tuesday, is school spirit day. Wednesday is teacher appreciation day. The PTG will have a special lunch for the faculty and staff. Next Thursday is an all-school Mass planned by the student council, while Friday is career day, sponsored by the PTG. Every class will be visited by volunteer parents and friends who will talk about their jobs and hobbies. A winter carnival family night will be from 6:30 to 8:30.
Our Lady of Grace School, Scott -- Saturday opening Mass and family fun night; Sunday open house 1-3 p.m.; Monday Light of Life Mission service project; Tuesday Olympics; Wednesday Pittsburgh Zoo assembly on rain forest sounds; Feb. 1 "Senior" prom.
St. Philip School, Crafton -- Students are making thank you speeches to the parishes of St. Philip and Ascension at the Saturday and Sunday liturgies. Monday includes a career day, a visit from the diocesan superintendent, Dr. Michael Latusek, a book fair and an invention convention. Tuesday features displays by various grades including inventions, a wax museum, a World Culture display, a reading display and what happens at a factory, paper people and a community diorama. An open house is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday includes Crazy Olympics, and Brainquest challenge. Next Thursday is popcorn and virtues, and Feb. 1 features Groundhog Day activities, thank you letters to parishioners from first-graders, compassionate craft party for second-graders, and a talent show by grades 6-8.
Bishop Canevin High School, Oakwood -- Participation in the "We Can Read" book drive will be all week in memory of the students of Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as an essay-writing contest centered on the theme of Catholic Schools Week. On Sunday the newly formed drama club will present their inaugural production, "What I Did Last Summer," a musical play for children and adults of all ages. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with a welcome reception and themed raffle baskets. A peanut butter boxed lunch will be served at 1 and the show begins at 1:30. On Tuesday students will be encouraged to write a note of appreciation to faculty and administrators of their elementary schools. On Wednesday Junior Achievement members make presentations at St. Margaret of Scotland School and Holy Trinity School. Next Thursday will see a continuation of the year-long Mr. Canevin community service program, with the "Best of BC Charity Mat-Ball Tournament." Teams of students will compete, raising money for the American Heart Association. The week concludes with a teacher appreciation breakfast on Feb. 1, followed by a school-wide Mass.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, Moon -- Community-building experiences including a pep rally for winter sports teams; opportunities for students to earn school Spirit Points and a student-led intergenerational activity with the Felician Sisters. OLSH's student government members developed a unique, speed-driven event that will provide students with the opportunity to interact with the sisters who founded the school, many of whom are alumni or former faculty, and who share the campus. The week closes with a night of worship on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m., featuring music and prayer, as well as adoration and reconciliation in the chapel. The Rev. Joe Freedy will be keynote speaker, and a cookie reception and fellowship will follow.
Quigley Catholic High School, Baden -- Monday kick-off Mass at 10 a.m. Tuesday teacher/staff appreciation day with lunch provided. Wednesday senior appreciation day with breakfast for seniors. Next Thursday student appreciation day. Feb. 1 parent appreciation day with Mass at 7:30 a.m. and coffee and donuts to follow.
Our Lady of Fatima School, Hopewell -- Opening Mass on Sunday and presentation of a "Great Beginnings" award. A free pancake and sausage breakfast and school tours are also highlights of the day. Book fair all week. Staff appreciation on Tuesday. Wednesday is teacher and student appreciation day, next Thursday is a fitness and health day and Feb. 1 celebrates faith and family day with a 9 a.m. Mass.
Divine Mercy Academy, Beaver Falls -- The opening liturgy and presentation of the National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Graduate Award will be part of a breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday sponsored by the Holy Name Society. A religion bee will highlight Monday and a spelling bee will be Tuesday. A dinner, open house and talent show will be Wednesday at 6:30. Next Thursday will be a Mission Awareness Day. The week will culminate with Mass at 9 a.m. Feb. 1 followed by principal's awards and activities to mark the 100th day of school.
SS. Peter & Paul, Beaver -- An open house will follow the 9:15 a.m. Mass Sunday. On Monday, students will participate in a cakewalk for Chimbote, Peru. Tuesday is a nationality day. Wednesday is special person's day. Next Thursday is an ice cream social with dads serving and faculty and staff appreciation day.
First Published: January 24, 2013, 11:00 a.m.