St. Rita's to Mark Catholic Schools Month

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Hartford – nine high schools and 54 elementary schools – are celebrating Catholic Schools Month with the theme: “Faith. Academics and Service.” It is a way for students to share their academic accomplishments, demonstrate their school spirit, and help others in their communities. Here is a sample of Catholic Schools Month activities planned throughout the Archdiocese.

In recognition of Catholic Schools Month, students at in Hamden are reaching out to other schools around the United States with the same name and begin an exchange of information.

They have gathered facts about their school, city and state, and are sharing it with their counterparts at other Saint Rita Schools in an effort to learn about the values of other students and become familiar with their locales. It’s called, “Meet Other Saint Rita Schools Nationwide.” 

They will also participate in “Valentines for Veterans,” as a way of thanking service men and women for defending our freedoms.

Other Catholic schools around the archdiocese also are marking the month in different ways

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Day School in Waterbury has launched a campaign, “Stuff the Bus,” to assist a local youth shelter that is the home to children ages 5-15. Saint Bridget School in Manchester is teaming up with Sonic CT Restaurants/Manchester and CT Girl Scout Troop 631 in an Amber Alert public service campaign on Saturday, February 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All registrants will be included in the Connecticut and national Amber Alert data bases.

At Saint Thomas School in Southington, students in grades 6 through 8 challenged themselves in a science fair, and also from Southington, Saint Dominic School plans to add some “STEAM” to President Obama’s educational initiative, “STEM,” which wants to attract students to the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In New Haven, St. Aedan-St. Brendan Catholic School students are sharing their accomplishments with their grandparents by inviting them to school for a special luncheon on Jan. 31, and on Feb. 3, the school will also host a “Pajama Day” when students will wear their pajamas  to school, and bring a new set to donate to LifeHaven, an organization which provides books, pajamas and other necessities to children in need.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell will culminate Catholic Schools Month with a special Mass to be held at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury on Jan. 31 at 12:15 p.m. 

Nationally, Catholic schools will observe Catholic Schools Week from Sunday, January 29, to Sunday, November 5. However, according to Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dale R. Hoyt, the Archdiocese of Hartford has expanded the event to encompass the entire month, because the school communities have so much to share.

“I think it is great that our students celebrate their accomplishments with their peers and neighbors in so many creative and diverse ways. Our schools are not just known for their academic excellence, but for how they implement their educational experiences in support of, and in service to their neighbors,” said. Hoyt. “Taking care of your neighbor is a value instilled in every Catholic school student as they follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.”