CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK KICKS OFF THROUGHOUT ARCHDIOCESE
January 29, 2016  |  By:   |  Press Releases, The Latest  |  

Schools will open doors to the public and showcase unique programs such as a surfing class at a Simi Valley school and dual-language immersion instruction in Alhambra, while celebrating decades of serving and educating the community

As part of the National Catholic Schools Week, observed in all dioceses in the United States from January 31 to February 6, schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will host open houses, showcasing unique programs, and celebrating anniversaries. For a complete list of open houses with dates and times please visit http://lacatholicschools.org.

“Catholic Schools Week is a great time to pause and acknowledge the great work that our schools provide to families and the greater community,” said Dr. Kevin Baxter, senior director and superintendent of Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “Our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are true blessings to the students and families they serve. All of those who are honored to serve in them – pastors, principals, presidents, faculty and staff – work diligently every day to ensure that Catholic schools are institutions that provide a rigorous academic program rooted in our Catholic faith.”

Following this year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” the schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have prepared to receive parents interested in learning more about the opportunities offered by Catholic schools.

Following is a selection of schools and their activities during the week:

  • St. Rose of Lima School (1325 Royal Ave, Simi Valley 93065) will showcase its unique surf program, which includes a science of surfing elective class attended by more than 15 students in grades 6-8, a surf club open to all students, parents and siblings, and a competitive surf team formed by five boys and three girls. (Next competition is Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Mandalay, Oxnard State Beach, at 2:30 p.m.)

 

  • Our Lady of the Assumption School in Claremont, will start week-long open house tours with Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at the parish (435 Berkeley Ave, Claremont 91711) on Sunday, January 31 at 11 a.m.

 

  • St. Augustine School in Culver City, will host a Mass on Sunday, January 31 at 9:30 a.m. at the parish, 3850 Jasmine Ave, Culver City 90232. Opened in 1926 by seven women religious from Belgium, belonging to the order of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, this year the school is celebrating 90 years of serving the community. The school offers Spanish, French and Arabic, and various other electives, such as digital composition.

 

  • St. Euphrasia School, 17637 Mayerling St, Granada Hills 91344, named Favorite Private School by Los Angeles Daily News for three years in a row, will open its doors on Thursday, February 4, and is already accepting 2016-2017 year enrollment for all grades.

 

  • All Souls Mandarin and Spanish Language Immersion School, will host an Alumni Homecoming celebration on Wednesday, February 3, with Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell presiding at a 9 a.m. Mass at the parish (29 S. Electric Ave, Alhambra 91801) followed by a school tour and a luncheon.

In a pastoral statement entitled “Our Catholic Schools in California: A Stellar Past, A Robust Future,” (www.cacatholic.org/education) the California Catholic Conference of Bishops recognized and celebrated the “tremendous value” that Catholic schools bring to the state of California as a whole.

“There is a need in society, and a great desire among parents—whether Catholic or not—to have their children receive an education that focuses not only on the intellect but on the spiritual and moral person as well. Students who attend Catholic schools are required to perform community service as a way of teaching them the importance of service and living out the Corporal Works of Mercy. This instills a lifelong commitment to service and community action. Catholic schools are open to students and families of all religious traditions. Catholic schools understand the value of religious faith, religious tolerance and religious freedom. They incorporate these core concepts into their culture and community actions,” said the bishops.

The observance of Catholic Schools Week began in 1974. The week also highlights the educational and community successes of Catholic schools around the country, where about 1.9 million students are currently educated in nearly 6,600 Catholic schools. An estimated 98 percent of students graduate from high school and 86 percent of Catholic school graduates attend college. This percentage has been consistent over the past 20 years.

For more information on Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, visit http://lacatholicschools.org/.

For more information about Catholic Schools Week,visit www.ncea.org/our-services/catholic-schools-week and www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/index.cfm.

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