Catholic Schools Week 2013 in the Haddons

Catholic schools throughout the nation are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, a national celebration of the value a Catholic education provides to students and the community.

On Sunday morning, Christ the King Regional School kicked off the week with an opening mass and pancake breakfast for current and future students. “The opening event was well attended by current and future families” said Anne Hartman, principal at Christ the King.

On Monday, students showcased the diverse backgrounds of each individual. From Brazil, to Italy,West Africa to Sweden, Italy to Germany, foods were prepared for tasting, family stories were shared on how they came to this community, what obstacles they faced and what successes they achieved.

Eighth-grade student Michael Principato researched his family roots to Germany.

"My great, great, great grandfather Casimir Hornfeck came to America by boat across the Atlantic Ocean," Principato said. "When he arrived in America, he worked in the coal mines in Western Pennsylvania to give his family a better life compared to what they had in Germany."

Other activities scheduled at Christ the King include, Bring a Parent to Lunch, Teacher’s Appreciation Day, and Red, White and Blue spirit day. The week will end with a mass at Holy Eucharist Church in Cherry Hill on Feb. 3.

Paul VI High School community celebrates each day through a special morning prayer reflection of how Paul VI raises the standards for students, the community, and their vocations. Inspirational posters are displayed throughout the building as a constant reminder of their values. 

The celebration will culminate with an all-school mass lead by student council. Readings, petitions, and a video have been specially written and designed by students to illustrate what it means to be a Catholic school student at Paul VI High School. Over 1,100 students, faculty, and staff will gather in the newly renovated auditorium, led in song by a 65 member choir.  

“At Paul VI High School, we help connect the Gospel message to our lives—through faith, prayer, and service," said Amy Cordasco, director of campus ministry. "Everything we do at Paul VI—in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, in any club or activity—must be connected to core Gospel values. Without this connection, we would be just another secular high school." 

According to the National Catholic Educational Association website, the national theme is Catholic Schools Raise the Standards. It supports the recent launch of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools. It promotes "the effective operation and responsible governance of Catholic schools across the country, by promoting high academic standards and Catholic identity."