Behind all of the fun and games which take place during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week each year is Faith, which shines forth in everything that is done at all 15 of the Diocesan Catholic schools.
Catholic Schools Week 2026 (Jan. 25 to 31) provided an annual opportunity to celebrate and share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focused on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel. In essence, it is a joyful celebration of faith, community, and service.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane joined other priests for a luncheon at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota on Jan. 29, 2026. During this meeting Principal Ben Hopper and other staff provided an overview of what the school has to offer, as well as describing the benefits of several new initiatives that have helped enhance the spiritual and educational experiences for the students. Hopper explained the newly implemented House System, which has far-reaching impacts of bringing students from each grade together to form lasting friendships while helping the students live out their faith. Following the luncheon, student leaders offered a tour of the campus.
Many schools in the Diocese hosted a special Grandparents Day, which included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Following Mass, there were often presentations or performances to showcase the talents of the students, before classroom visits and more fun was had by young and old alike.
Another key component of Catholic Schools Week is “Community,” and many of the schools took the opportunity to have students complete local service projects. One school, Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in Venice, even had a visit from the mayor.
At St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, the students spent the day doing service work at different non-profit organizations in the area, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society where the students helped organize clothing donations, unboxed and sorted food and much more. Meanwhile, members of the National Junior Honor Society at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School collected and donated more than 300 sets of pajamas. Through these and other simple acts of service, each student learned that compassion is something that is lived – not just something to be talked about.
To celebrate our nation, in its 250th year, many schools joined in praying of a living patriotic rosary, with all the students wearing red, white, and blue and prayers dedicated to all local, state, and nation government leaders.
At St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, the middle school students heard from retired senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr., who shared his experiences as a combat wounded veteran. He was travelling in a Humvee which drove over an improvised explosive device, he suffered burns to 80 percent of his body, was badly disfigured, and fell into a coma for three months. He was given a 15 percent chance of survival and went on to not only recover, but to re-enlist. An inspiration for many, Del Toro has received many honors for his courage and perseverance. During the presentation, he shared the lessons he learned through hardship and recovery and how he now finds purpose sharing his story and wisdom with audiences around the country in the hopes of helping others find the light in the darkness.
Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton created a prayer chain, with each link including prayers, special messages and artwork from each student. The students then linked the long chain together and prayed as a school. The chain is now on display in the Parish Center.
In what is an annual Catholic Schools Week tradition, St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral hosted a STREAM Night. This night showcased what the students are learning in science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math. Some of the activities included building 3-D catapults or a bridge to Noah’s Ark, working with musical robots, and much more.
Another fitting way to celebrate Catholic Schools Week and support individual schools was to host a gala. Three such galas took place, first on Jan. 24, 2026, to support St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples, then on Jan. 31 there were events to celebrate St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral and St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples. Each elegant evening offered silent and live auctions, music and dancing, as well as a “Gift from the Heart” appeal seeking direct support for essential school programming.
Each of the 15 Diocese of Venice Catholic schools participated throughout this special week with most also holding open houses as a new enrollment period begins.
