Catholic Schools Week is set aside each year to build community awareness of, and involvement in, Catholic schools throughout the country. During this week, many dioceses and schools encourage parents to take full advantage of the benefits of local Catholic schools by enrolling their children in those schools.

On Thursday there will be an Open House at both Austin Catholic Schools facilities from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for any family who wish to register or who are interested in learning more about the ACS system.

Catholic Schools Week celebrates education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life. It is education that prepares students for a Christian life. CSW also celebrates the high standards of excellence and the quality of the education available to all students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the U.S.

Over the years, CSW themes have emphasized what makes a high-quality, values-driven Catholic education stand out among the school choices available to students and their families. The current theme, “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service,” emphasizes the duty and delight of giving back. Catholicism has a long and rich tradition of direct service to those in need, as well as social justice efforts to end social ills like racism and homelessness. Catholic schools incorporate service projects into the curriculum, teaching students the value of helping others as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

ACS believe they are fortunate to teach service to their students every day. Their numerous service projects help build strong values and character traits to their students based on the bible. Students at ACS show compassion through the good works they do for others such as their Thanksgiving food drives, RMHC adoption, Christmas Basket Project and collecting Pennies for Patients for those with leukemia.

ACS dean of students, Mary Holtorf, believes every week is Catholic Schools Week.

“Our schools develop a value system built on Christian values,” she said. “Prayer is a powerful part of our students’ lives. We are able to demonstrate the power of prayer to our children everyday. We are very blessed with the many people who help support our many service projects and our preK-12 school system.”

Several events are planned throughout Catholic Schools Week. There will be a book fair during the week held in the Pacelli Library. There will also be V.I.P. Lunch Days along with several student dress up days such as Comfy Cozy Day, Class Color Day, Shamrock Spirit Day and Dress Up Day.

The “Winter Gala for Catholic Education” will be the finale event for Catholic Schools Week. This event will be held at the Austin Country Club on Saturday.

Staff to be recognized this year are Kitty Garry, 35 years; Roberta Jones, 25 years; Shelly Weinmann, 20 years; Sara Reinke, five years; Diane Baker, five years; and Donna Lemar, five years. A special award will also be given to Sharon Miller that evening.

The schedule of events that evening is: 6:30, cocktails; 7:30, dinner; 8:15, program; and 8:45, dance. The cost of this event is $60 per person. You can contact the Pacelli High School office for ticket information at 437-3278.