Catholic Schools Week | Religious education showcased

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Roman Catholic schools throughout the region are opening their doors this week to showcase the benefits of a religious-based education.

The annual Catholic Schools Week celebration, which commemorates the schools’ contributions to their communities and the nation, is being observed through Saturday.

Across the Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese, schools will celebrate the week with special Masses, community service projects, academic and artistic showcases and family events.

“Catholic Schools Week gives us an opportunity to inform the public about our excellent academic programs with the high standards that are recognized by Middle States Accreditation,” said Sister Donna Marie Leiden, diocesan education director.

“All schools will have a religious event as well as activities to display student talents.”

The theme is “Catholic Schools Light the Way, ” a dynamic that focuses on the leadership that Catholic schools provide by producing graduates who light the way to a brighter future.

Staff, faculty and students at Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Elementary School, 415 Tioga St. in Westmont, have increased activities for each day of the week to portray the benefits of a religious-based education.

OMOS Principal Pam Seidel said the annual event is a good time to demonstrate to the general public the high standards expected of students.

Many Catholic schools in Cambria and Somerset counties will hold open houses so the public can learn more about Catholic education.

“People coming to one of our open houses will see the structure and discipline we accentuate in order to encourage our students to learn skills that will prepare them to excel in high school and beyond,” Seidel said.

Jill Harris, principal at St. Peter School, 433 W. Church St., Somerset, said schools week is an opportunity to show pride in the school and demonstrate why it has enjoyed success since its opening in 1961.

The school has a current enrollment of 115 students and seven full-time faculty members.

“We have a professional and loving staff and families who answer the call to become part of our school and its mission with their volunteer hours,” she said. “Attending our school is like joining another family, and we take care of each other as fellow Catholic Christians first and foremost.”

Harris said students today, more than ever, need and deserve the academic excellence and spiritual fortitude that Catholic schools offer.



Open houses

Our Mother of Sorrows School, 415 Tioga St., Westmont; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

St. Peter Elementary School, 433 W. Church St., Somerset; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Cathedral Catholic Academy, 110 Lindberg Ave., Johnstown; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4.

West End Catholic School, 317 Power St., Johnstown; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

St. Patrick School, 625 Park Ave., Johnstown; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6.

St. Benedict School, 2306 Bedford St., Johnstown; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

St. Andrew School, 1621 Ferndale Ave., Johnstown; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10.