CHARLOTTE — Cold and winter conditions slowed the start of Catholic Schools Week across the Diocese of Charlotte. After a couple "snow days" some of the schools celebrated with Masses and service projects on Wednesday.
This year’s Catholic Schools Week theme is “United in Faith and Community,” and it runs from Sunday, Jan. 25, to Saturday, Jan. 31. With 8,288 students enrolled in 20 schools spanning the diocese from the mountains to the Piedmont, there will be lots of cherished moments where faith, fun and education converge.
Catholic schools across the nation have participated in this week-long celebration since 1974, joining together as one united Catholic school community to spread a message of unity and hope.
“Catholic Schools Week celebrates the gift of a Catholic education and the people who make it possible. It gives us a chance to thank our students, families, faculty and clergy for the mission we share,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, the diocese’s superintendent of Catholic schools.
Here are some highlights of the week:
Mass at St. Mark School
After several days of weather-related closings, Catholic Schools Week got off to a celebratory start across the diocese. In Huntersville, Monsignor Patrick Winslow celebrated Mass with the St. Mark school community. A parent reception in the Kerin Center followed. (Photos by Amy Milano)
Sandwich making at St. Patrick School
Laughter and enthusiastic shouts of “bread, bread, bread!” filled the cafeteria as second- and fourth-grade students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte made lunches for Operation Sandwich in support of Roof Above. After two days of weather-related closings, the students gathered to complete their Catholic Schools Week project. When the last sandwich was made, students, staff and volunteers paused to offer a blessing for all the meals prepared and for those who will receive them. (Photos by Troy C. Hull)
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, got the Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School talent show off to a rocking start as guest DJ. (Photos by Troy C. Hull)
Special visitors at St. Matthew School
Students at St. Matthew got a special visitor in carpool line Friday morning – Chubby the mascot from the Charlotte Checkers AHL hockey team was there with wintry greetings.
Later that day, the St. Matthew community got another surprise visitor as former Principal Kevin O’Herron came back to play in the staff vs. students volleyball match.
Students, staff compete at Charlotte Catholic High School
Students and staff clashed on the basketball court to end Catholic Schools Week at Charlotte Catholic High School.
