Celebrating Catholic Schools Week Across the Archeparchy of Philadelphia
This week marks Catholic Schools Week (CSW), a time to celebrate the unique contributions and importance of Catholic education in our communities. In the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, three schools—Assumption Catholic School (ACS) in Perth Amboy, NJ, Saint Nicholas School in Minersville, PA, and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School (SNUCS) in Passaic, NJ—have embraced the spirit of the week with joyful activities that highlight faith, community, and creativity.
Assumption Catholic School (ACS) kicked off the week with a vibrant School Spirit Day, showcasing immense pride in their community. Students participated in a Vocations Prayer Service, praying for seminarians and those called to serve in the Catholic Church. The day continued with special guests from local fire and police departments, as well as community leaders, joining students for a heartfelt breakfast. Engaging games, including a Student Council Pep Rally featuring relay races and the 8th-grade Hungry Hungry Hippo Challenge, added to the festive atmosphere. Throughout the week, ACS hosted a Special Person Breakfast, where students welcomed family members into their classrooms for crafts and delicious treats. Day 3 spotlighted a visit from the Earth Dome, allowing students to explore God’s creation while learning about continents and the beauty of the planet. A Pop-Up Art Gallery showcased students' artistic talents, inviting them to express their creativity in a fun and engaging way.
St. Nicholas School in Minersville celebrated Catholic Schools Week with various activities, including Pajama Day and "Crazy Hat & Socks Day," where students donned their most vibrant attire while engaging in fitness workshops. A local fitness instructor shared tips on healthy living, culminating in a nutritious lunch prepared by dedicated staff. Students also enjoyed a "Pasta Night Dinner," fostering community spirit and celebrating their achievements.
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School (SNUCS) began CSW with Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Father Andriy Dudkevych, during which students expressed gratitude to parishioners for their continuous support. SNUCS hosted engaging assemblies, including the "Touch of Nature" presentation, which allowed students to interact with various animals and learn about nature.
On January 31, 2025, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak visited St. Nicholas School in Passaic to conclude Catholic Schools Week. He visited each classroom, sharing religious images with the children and explaining the symbolism of the colors in the icon. Metropolitan Borys also expressed his gratitude to the principal, Sister Kathleen Hutsko, and the teachers for their dedication to education. The celebration concluded with the Archiepiscopal Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church in Passaic, New Jersey.
Each day of Catholic Schools Week was filled with meaningful activities, from storytime sessions to projects encouraging respect and community values among students. This week serves as a reminder of the strong bonds formed in these schools, emphasizing the importance of nurturing faith, respect for education, and love within the community.