Schools

Catholic Schools Week 2013 Begins at St. James

St. James School plans events all week long in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Every January, Catholic schools around the country take a week to celebrate the accomplishments of their students, faculty and community during Catholic Schools Week. St. James School is no different.

The school announced their plans for Catholic Schools Week, which promotes the faith-based education private Catholic schools provide to students, one that rigorous and supportive.

St. James School students will step back in time during their celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2013 beginning today, Jan. 28 and concluding with a Mass on Sunday, Feb. 3.

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This year marks the 100th anniversary for St. James School, and many special activities are planned, thanks in part to the generosity of some local businesses.

Monday: Students will begin the week by following their own “Pilgrimage to Compostela” including three legged races, breaking bread with their buddies and a craft station where they will create designing a replica grottos around prayer cards of Our Lady of Grace, donated for each student by Copeland Funeral Home and Thomas Copeland Pet Cremation Services. Each student will also learn about the church’s patron saint by taking home a laminated St. James the Greater prayer card, also donated by Copeland.

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Tuesday: Students will make a star craft, lining the halls with their own “field of stars” in honor of Compostela, Spain.  Adding a sweet treat after Tuesday’s lunch is the Sewickley Confectionery, helping defray the cost of ice cream and toppings for all.

Wednesday: Students will shift their focus to Fr. James Reid, the founding pastor for St. James Parish. In honor of Fr. Reid, students will be making Holy water fonts, also underwritten by Copeland.  

Thursday: The Sisters of St. Joseph have been an integral part of the school since its inception in 1913.  On Thursday, the students will each write a person "thank you" note to be delivered to the Sisters in Baden. Also on Thursday, biblical seeds will be planted in each classroom, with the hope of transplanting them into Fr. Matthew Tosello’s garden in the spring.

Friday: Friday will conclude the historical school week with a replica 1913 street scene. Teachers and students will embody the games and competitions of St. James students 100 years ago.

Sunday: At the end of the week, all are invited to the Catholic Schools Week Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, followed by the annual Donut Social. In honor of St. James School's 100th anniversary this year, the donuts have been underwritten completely by Dunkin Donuts.

Are you looking forward to Catholic Schools Week? Tell us in the comments section below! 

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