Celebrate Catholic Schools Week, which takes place during the last week of January each year, provides an opportunity for Catholic schools across the nation to showcase what makes them unique. The 29 Catholic elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Camden also use this week to recognize important members of the community, celebrate God through school-wide Masses, and enjoy activities as a school family with pep rallies, classroom events, special presentations and more.
Praying as One
Celebrating Mass as a school community is a hallmark of Catholic education. For some students in the Diocese, having special guests in attendance was an added treat.
On the Sunday morning kicking off Catholic Schools Week, Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Williams celebrated Mass with the families of Christ the King Regional School and the parishioners of Christ the King Parish, both in Haddonfield.
“What a wonderful gift it is to have schools, teachers and staff who can guide the hearts and minds of students to Jesus,” he said during his homily. “How blessed we are to live in the time of Jesus and the time of Jubilee!”
Sitting in one of the front pews, Anne Hartman, school principal, was struck by Bishop Williams’ “genuine generosity of spirit that invited and encouraged everyone he met with that day to lean in, listen and learn more about the deep joy he has found in living out his faith as a friend, family member and in his vocation as servant leader in the Catholic Church.”
More Photos: Bishops’ Visits to Catholic Schools
After Mass, Bishop Williams walked across the street to enjoy a light breakfast and tour the school. He chatted about the current school year with students and teachers, and even joined in some lighthearted conversation about the afternoon’s upcoming NFC Championship Game, asking which team – the Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Commanders – everyone would be cheering for.
The following day, Bishop Dennis Sullivan shared some inspirational words of his own, during his homily at Saint Mary School, Williamstown. “I hope you know how lucky you all are to go to a school where you can pray and learn about God.”
After Mass, Bishop Sullivan was the one treated to a special surprise. The students and faculty lined the gym and halls of the school for a special “clap-out,” greeting and cheering for the Bishop as he entered the teachers’ lounge for light refreshments and conversation with members of the student council. Jackie Kern, Saint Mary’s advancement director, said the clap-out was a way to “express our deep gratitude for his years of faithful service and leadership.”
STEM and Paper Airplanes
At Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights, students leapt to their feet as they prepared to launch their newly constructed paper airplanes.
To help mark “Celebrate Your Students” – one of the National Catholic Education Association’s suggested themes – the school welcomed John Collins, the “Paper Airplane Guy.” In 2012, he set the Guinness world record for farthest paper airplane flight: 226 feet. (It was surpassed just recently, 2022.)
Presenting a STEM-inspired paper airplane demonstration, Collins explained to fourth- through eighth-grade students how shape, weight and air pressure can impact the flight of paper airplanes. Students then constructed their own “Susan” paper airplanes, inspired by Collins’ own record-breaking plane named for his wife.
For principal Sister Michele DeGregorio, FMIJ, the presentation was a perfect mix of STEM knowledge and fun. “I knew we would see students making paper airplanes – a teacher’s iconic nemesis in the classroom – and the students did not disappoint! I believe it shows the effectiveness of the presentation and the curiosity of our students.”
Pep Rallies with a Twist
Cheers of “R-C-S, R-C-S, R-C-S” echoed through the gym at Resurrection Catholic School, Cherry Hill, as all the grade levels entered the gym for their annual Celebrate Catholic Schools Week pep rally as well as the eighth-grade vs. teacher competition.
The competition consisted of a number of physical activities including a relay, cup-stacking competition and “build a snowman” game using toilet paper. With each event worth one point, the teachers took the early lead, until the winner-take-all final game – musical chairs.
With 26 chairs lining half court, participants walked in a tight line, anxiously awaiting a pause in the music. Through several rounds, teachers and students were eliminated until it came down to one teacher and one student. The gym erupted into cheers when the music stopped and the victor was seated: The Class of 2025 had taken the crown.
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