Diocese to Celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2023

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2023 from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4. The theme for the national observance is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.

“Our students embody that theme not only as they study, learn, and grow, but as they encounter the Lord inside the classroom and joyfully help others encounter Him outside the classroom,” stated Bishop Mark Bartchak in his Catholic schools Week message to the faithful. “I am proud of them, and I am grateful to our parents, teachers, administrators, staff, pastors, alumni, and others who lovingly nurture a family atmosphere and tirelessly support the great tradition of Catholic education in our diocese.”

Here in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, there are 13 Catholic elementary schools and four Catholic high schools. The 2022-2023 preschool, elementary, and secondary enrollment is 3,136. There are 322 faculty.

“Catholic schools throughout the diocese provide an unmatched daily environment in which students can learn about the Lord, celebrate their faith, and put their faith into action through service in the classroom, parishes, and the wider community,” explained Tony DeGol, Diocesan Director of Communications. “The STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) curriculum challenges them academically and teaches them important skills for the future.”

Bishop Bartchak stressed that Catholic education continues to be the best investment for the growth of students.

“There are many good environments that foster learning, but only Catholic schools offer young people a complete education that includes quality academic and extracurricular opportunities in a setting where Jesus Christ is the center of everything,” he said. “For our precious children and their future, the best value continues to be Catholic education. The return on investment will truly last a lifetime.”

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2023, DeGol hosted a special edition of Proclaim! TV on Jan. 29 at 10:30 a.m. on WATM ABC 23 from Saint Matthew School in Tyrone. The show celebrated the blessing of Catholic education and highlighted the faith, excellence, and service at Saint Matthew and other schools.

Each Catholic school will celebrate the week with various spiritual and recreational activities. Schools are also inviting families to see the Catholic education difference for themselves by welcoming them at open houses. A schedule is available on the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown website, Proclaim! E-News site, and Facebook page.