By Dc. Tom Cuskey
The recipe for Catholic Schools Week: take a large dose of enthusiasm and spread it equally among students, families, teachers and staff. Add generous amounts of fun, blend it with proven educational activities and pour in every ounce of available faith one can muster. Let it cook for about seven days, sharing with all. The generated aroma of fellowship, love and gratitude will linger all year long.
The 2024 observance is the 50th anniversary nationally of Catholic Schools Week.
There are 21 diocesan schools spanning the seven-county area, from Oswego to Binghamton, Syracuse to Utica and all points in between. Here are some highlights, photos and notes from various events at the elementary, junior and senior high schools in celebration of diocesan Catholic education.
Bishop Lucia at Blessed sacrament Church, Syracuse.
Kickoff Mass at Blessed Sacrament School, Syracus
Bishop Lucia presided, the students served at altar, sang in the choir, proclaimed the readings and filled the pews.
Holy Family School, Norwich
Holy Family School, Norwich, Principal Rachel Ballin receives an official document from members of the City of Norwich Common Council during a recent meeting. The city proclaimed Catholic Schools Week in their community, recognizing the good work and service the school provides.
Bishop Grimes, East Syracuse
Bishop Grimes in East Syracuse celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a Mass and commissioning of extraordinary Eucharistic ministers from among the student population. Fr. James Buttner, parochial vicar of Spirit of Hope Catholic Community in Madison County, presided.
Left to right, chefs Jim Robinson (Chicken Riggies), Tino Porrino (Eggplant Parm) and Mary Muraca (Tomato Pie) are ready to serve Jan. 27 at the Taste of Pompei. (Sun photos | Tom Maguire)
Cathedral Academy at Pompei, Syracuse
The “Taste of Pompei” Saturday evening gathering helps raise funds for the mission school’s tuition assistance fund. Given the Northside Syracuse neighborhood location, one can imagine the various food offerings: lots of Italian dishes as well as delicious contributions from the parish’s Sudanese and Vietnamese communities.
Saints John and Andrew Parish, Binghamton
Catholic Schools Week Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Michael Meagher at Saints John and Andrew Parish in Binghamton. Dr. John Ramin, Assistant Superintendent of Diocese of Syracuse schools, was on hand. That’s him at the far right with Ms. Severance’s third grade class of St. John the Evangelist School. Her students helped out with the liturgy.
Bishop Ludden, Syracuse
Students, staff and faculty gathered on Friday, Feb. 2, to celebrate Catholic Schools Week and the feast of Candlemas. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, referring to him as the “light of the people” of Israel. The gymnasium at Bishop Ludden was illuminated with candles to observe the feast day which takes place 40 days after Christmas. Fr. Dennis Walker, administrator of The Church of the Nativity parishes in southern Onondaga County, presided.
