CSW highlights the gift of Catholic schools

Published: January 28, 2022

Catholic Schools Week is observed nationwide Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. Catholic schools will celebrate the week with special Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and the community. This year these events will look different because of the safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, communities and the nation. To learn how Catholic schools in Arkansas will celebrate, contact a school near you.

This observance also allows the larger community to recognize the efforts of our Catholic schools especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Even with the challenges that are being faced throughout this pandemic, our schools are providing excellent academic programs and faith-filled, loving environments for their students," said Marguerite Olberts, associate superintendent of schools of the Diocese of Little Rock.

"Donating to a Catholic school on the Day of Giving, Feb. 1-2, is a wonderful way to show your support," she added. "Please keep our Catholic schools in your prayers."

The National Catholic Education Association's Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools campaign, in partnership with FACTS Management, will be held from 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. During this 24-hour window, individuals may donate online to the participating Catholic school or diocese of their choice with Visa, Mastercard and Discover. If you do not have a preference of schools, please give to the Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal to help fund scholarships for students to attend a Catholic school in Arkansas.

More than 1.6 million students are currently educated in nearly 6,000 Catholic schools nationwide. Ninety-nine percent of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 85.2 percent of Catholic school graduates attend a four-year college. This percentage has been consistent for more than 20 years. To learn more, visit the NCEA or see "A Dozen Reasons to Choose Catholic Schools." For statistics about Catholic schools in Arkansas, visit the Office of Catholic Schools, e-mail Marguerite Olberts or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext. 394.