Catholic Schools Week is a fun way for students, families and teachers to become aware of the advantages and different qualities that Catholic education provides. From playing games to attending Mass, St. Francis High School actively gets involved in Catholic Schools Week by creating opportunities for having fun, praying and helping others. One of the most beloved events of Catholic Schools Week is a series of games called the Spartan Olympics. These games are designed to allow each of the grade levels to safely compete against each other in celebration of the special week. Whether the students pull in Tug-Of-War or sing in Spartan Idol, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time while developing a stronger bond with one’s own class. In addition to the Spartan Olympics, there is a Catholic trivia contest that is designed to challenge students on their knowledge of past and present days of the Catholic Church. Students and faculty also enjoy the Faculty Baby Photo Contest that allows them to view teacher baby photos and guess who is who. Overall, the Catholic trivia contest and a Faculty Baby Photo Contest actively gets the students to learn more about their faith and their teachers.

Although it may seem like Catholic Schools Week is all fun and games, the whole week is actually centered on faith. Whether it is raising awareness of Catholic issues at hand, helping students and staff in practicing their faith or participating in volunteer services, St. Francis High School makes sure that Catholic Schools Week is an insightful, faith-filled time. For example, in addition to celebrating Mass with Bishop J. Peter Sartain, a morning prayer will be said by a different member of the St. Francis High School community each day. Also, St. Francis will be providing service opportunities that allow students to collect toiletry items for PADS homeless shelter and volunteer time at homeless shelters, crisis pregnancy centers and nursing homes.

Most students tend to look forward to Catholic Schools Week because of its relaxing, faithful and fun atmosphere. Hannah Filipski, a junior, is looking forward to Catholic Schools Week because “the Spartan Olympics are cool. It’s a chance for the whole school to come together and battle it out with a little friendly competition.” On the other hand, freshman Samantha Blackwell said she is “excited to go to a Mass with the bishop. It’ll be cool to hear his homily aimed at a bunch of high school kids.” Overall, Catholic Schools Week at St. Francis is an exciting week that changes the normal flow of daily school life to aid in faith and peer development.