Catholic Schools Week is a tradition that celebrates the importance of Catholic schools in our community. It is characterized by a week of fun themes, activities, and dress downs at the Catholic schools in Erie. Cathedral Prep’s activities and themes are something that students and teachers can look forward to. Campus Ministry is an important part of Catholic Schools Week as they produce the ideas for the agenda of the week every year.
Monday of Catholic Schools Week featured retro themed attire. There was also a morning Mass, bingo during lunches, and $1 churros in the café.
On Tuesday, each grade was designated a color to wear for their dress down. Along with the Color Wars, there was a service project in Theology classes with cookies, guest speakers discussing the life of Dr. Gertrude Barber, and a Shirley Temple Bar in the café.
Bikers vs. Surfers was the theme for Wednesday’s dress down. Underclassmen wore biker gear: leather jackets, black clothes, and sunglasses. Upperclassmen wore surfer outfits: Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, and leis. As for activities, Wednesday offered morning Mass, a raffle event benefitting the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN), free hot cocoa, and a senior class ice cream social.
Thursday was extra special because the school got to celebrate Mass together, which is the whole reason of Catholic Schools Week: to celebrate God as a community together. Thursday was also denim day or dress uniform for the attire. The theme was Anything But a Pencil Case. Students were asked to show their creativity by carrying their utensils in something that isn’t a traditional bag. The café special for Thursday was $2 pretzels in the café.
To close out Catholic Schools Week, Friday was Rambler Day. In recognition of the boy’s basketball game vs. McWho, students wore their best spirit wear. Friday also had a morning Mass, guided meditation in Theology classes, Teacher Appreciation Lunch from administration, $1 cookie special in the café, and a rally for the Winter Showcase.
While Catholic Schools Week is highlighted by the fun events, dress downs, and food specials, it’s important to remember the real reason of why we celebrate.
“The main goal of Catholic Schools Week is unity and celebration of our Catholic identity,” Mrs. Grenci, Prep’s Campus Minister, explained. “Hopefully through all the free dress downs, events, and food specials there is a celebration of happiness in going to a Catholic school.”
