Events

Join Us in Celebrating Catholic Schools Week: Jan 28-Feb 3

What is National Catholic Schools Week?

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2024 is January 28 – February 3. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2024 is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.

The first Catholic school that opened in the United State was called St. Mary’s School in Philadelphia, in 1783. After some time, the enthusiasm and curiosity for Catholic education grew and the nation noticed a massive inflow of Catholics from all over the world. By the 1920s, more than 6,000 Catholic elementary schools accepted and enrolled almost two million students and employed 42,000 teachers. By the latter half of that century, enrollment grew, even more, reaching double the number of students. Ever since Catholic schools have been widely perceived and established as a viable means of education.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Catholic Schools

• Elementary schools (archdiocese-run): 151
• Elementary schools (non-archdiocese-run): 8
• Secondary schools (archdiocese-run): 3
• Secondary schools (non-archdiocese-run): 27
• Elementary school enrollment: 45,321
• Secondary school enrollment: 19,383
• See more archchicago.org

Join Our Lady of the Wayside in Celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The funds raised during CSW go to OLW School’s Annual Fund, which supports the school in its current operating year.

CLICK HERE to donate.

Thank you for your donations, support, and prayers.