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Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Catholic Schools Week is a celebration which began in 1974. This is a yearly celebration of Catholic Education throughout the United States. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week for 2026 is: “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Catholic Schools educate the whole person mind, body and soul. It is based on Pope Francis’s words, “Christ is alive and He wants you to be alive.”

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from January 25 - January 31, 2026. The companion to National Catholic Schools Week is Discover Catholic Schools Week which is celebrated on November 16 - 22, 2025.

During these two weeks a year Catholic schools focus on the value of a Catholic education provided to young people and their contributions to the church, communities and our nation. Parents and guardians are the first teachers of their children. Catholic school communities acknowledge the crucial role that they play. Teachers, staff, administrators, students, parents and guardians ignite the torch of faith by assimilating faith and culture into everyday life.

Catholic school education is an investment. Families work hard to cover the expense of tuition because they value faith-filled and quality academic formation for their children. Many families rely on financial assistance, scholarship opportunities and development support in order to bridge the gap. Donors are essential to their success. Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide.

Catholic school alumni are living examples of your Catholic school product. Whether students have moved on to high school or matriculated into college, a large part of their formation and readiness was established in their prior Catholic school experience instilled in them by dedicated teachers, administrators and religious orders.

Pope Francis said, “Catholic education gives soul to the world.”

With every best wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Richard F. Reidy,
Bishop of Norwich