Every Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to recognize each year the value and contributions of Catholic education to individual students, the Church, and the world.
Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week provides an annual opportunity to share the good news about Catholic Schools. The theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,” focuses on the important spiritual, academic, and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.
In the Diocese of Venice, the week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2025) kicked off with Catholic school students speaking at weekend Masses in their respective Parishes. There, they spoke about the benefits of a Catholic education and the continuing need to support Diocesan schools to ensure the Church of tomorrow has leaders who are well formed. Many of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools held open houses for prospective students and their families on Jan. 26, initiating the annual enrollment period.
Each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools participated in a service project which focused on raising funds to support Catholics Schools in the Los Angeles area which were devastated by the early January wildfire. This is an opportunity for these students to give back as Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools have been recipients of kindness from Catholic schools across the country in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma, Ian, Helene and Milton.
Activities for Catholic Schools Week opened on Jan. 27 at St. Ann Catholic School in Naples, with students reflecting on the Stations of the Cross, and then cleaning up the campus. On Jan. 28, there was the presentation of an eighth grade Living Museum, where students brought history to life by researching, presenting information about a historical figure including dressing up as their chosen subject. Also on Jan. 28, there was a family picnic on the sports field.
St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy in Sarasota celebrated their community through a Living Rosary Prayer Service presented by fourth and fifth graders. Students prayed for special intentions throughout the service. Then the students honored our nation with a special flag ceremony.
A highlight of the week at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton was Reading Day on Jan. 28, where special guests, including community leaders, enter the classroom to read to the students as well as teach about their professions. Guests included St. Joseph Parish Pastor Father Rafal Ligenza; Diocese Superintendent of Catholic Education Father John Belmonte, SJ; Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown; Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan; East Mantee Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Paul Wren; as well as doctors, judges and others.
Bradenton K-9 Office Liberty, a bloodhound trained to locate missing persons, was a hit with third grade students. Chief Bevan read to the students before the students learned the work Liberty does from her handler. They answered lots of questions and even signed autographs while the children showed their love by petting and hugging Liberty.
Father Belmonte read “Becoming Father Bob” by Father Jeffrey Kirby, to a group of second graders. The book follows the spiritual journey of a boy from his First Communion, which the second graders will be receiving in coming months, all the way through Confirmation, college, seminary and Ordination to the Priesthood. Father Belmonte answered a variety of questions.
Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers opened the week with an all-school Mass at neighboring St. Cecilia Parish, with the annual presentation of the Christ the Teacher Award. This year, science teacher Pete Orista was the award recipient. Orista first came to the school by assisting with the football team. Next up was the annual Quiz Bowl on Jan. 28, a popular battle of wits which pitted the student “A-Team” vs. faculty. In the Quiz Bowl, the students came out swinging, taking an early lead. Not to be underestimated, the faculty team mounted an impressive comeback, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. In a thrilling finish, the students clinched victory with a narrow score of 31-29, marking their second consecutive win after years of faculty dominance.
There were two school celebrations on Jan. 25, just prior to Catholic Schools Week. The Celtic Ball, benefitting St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples, had “The Wizard of Oz” theme and was held in the school courtyard and newly refurbished gymnasium. For St. Andrew Catholic School in Cape Coral, the 5th annual Rhinestone Rodeo Gala was held at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers and had a western glitz theme. Each event was held to support various projects at the schools.
The 15 Diocesan Catholic Schools, educate more than 6,500 students, which is an investment in the future. These Catholic School students serve as the heart of the Diocese, building the Catholic leadership of tomorrow. Catholic schools are located in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sebring and Ave Maria.
Each school offers a comprehensive STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) learning model which is combined with the Diocesan curriculum called, “The Gifts of Christ: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Affability, Fortitude, Humility, and Prudence,” creating students of good moral character equipped to succeed in the world of today.
To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic Schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/catholicschools.
These are just a few examples of some of the activities which took place in the first part of Catholic Schools Week 2025. Please check back in the Florida Catholic next week to learn about more of the festivities!
