NEW BEDFORD — Students are thriving academically in the faith-centered environment that our local Catholic schools offer, according to the Diocese of Fall River Superintendent of Schools Michael S. Griffin, Ph.D.
"I am pleased to report that overall our Catholic schools are doing well despite the tough economy," said Griffin. "In fact, an approximate third of our schools grew in population this year."
Parochial schools in New Bedford will celebrate Catholic Schools Week beginning Sunday, Jan. 29, with open houses, special Masses, academic and artistic showcases, athletic events and a variety of other activities. The week highlights the value of a Catholic education, bringing greater awareness to what Catholic schools offer.
"I became superintendent of schools for the Fall River Diocese last July, and in the months since have visited each of our 26 Catholic schools and talked to principals, staff, students and many priests," Griffin said.
He added that there is real vibrancy in the classrooms — both academically and spiritually.
"Collective test results coming from our schools, both the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and SATs, indicate that our students exceed national averages, and we are now evaluating our curriculum in light of the Common Core Curriculum, standards adopted by 48 states, in order that our students will meet and surpass those measures," he said. "In addition to academics, our schools are working hard to provide a faith-centered, values-oriented environment where students are not only taught about Catholic teaching but also of the need to apply that teaching to serve God and others."
As part of Catholic Schools Week, most schools open registration for the following year. Parents who are interested in enrolling a child in a Catholic school in the Fall River Diocese should contact the school of interest for details on open houses and registration.
Schools in the Greater New Bedford area will join together for regional Catholic Schools Week events. Grade seven and eight students will assemble on Monday, Jan. 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in New Bedford for a 9 a.m. Catholic Schools Week Mass to be celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman. On Thursday, Feb. 2, those students will participate in a regional Catholic Schools Week Challenge at Bishop Stang High School to test their academic, artistic and athletic skills while fourth- through sixth-graders from the area will go to All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford for the "American Pride Laser Show."
On Cape Cod, a Catholic Schools Week Mass will be celebrated for all students and faculty from that region's five Catholic schools at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30.
On that same day, eighth-graders from Fall River's six Catholic elementary schools will participate in a day-long retreat program at Bishop Connolly High School in that city.
Within individual schools, the Catholic Schools Week schedule features special events each day. They often include guest speaker programs, themed days, book, science and art fairs, spelling bees, performing arts, student and teacher appreciation days, Masses and social events.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is "Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service."
Planners at the National Catholic Education Association explain that it focuses on three priorities of Catholic schools. Children are taught faith — not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one's time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.