By Claire Caldwell ‘27
Catholic Schools Week at Ursuline is an incredibly special time for faith, community and growth in our Catholic identities. All week long from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, there are loads of fun and spiritual activities to look forward to!
The Theology Department, Dean of Students office and Peer Ministry have done a fantastic job of planning Catholic Schools Week. Throughout the whole week, students are invited to take selfies with the saints, meaning there will be a special photo booth in Fox for students to enjoy. There will also be cardboard cutouts of saints or Jesus to pose. People can choose to upload their special photos or send them directly to Ms. Fitzpatrick or Ms. McKee to be featured on UA Live. Also in Fox, there will be tabletop decorations of illustrations of saints, and everyone is welcome to enjoy some curated tunes in honor of Catholic Schools Week. Prayers from Peer Ministry will also be heard all throughout the week.
The first day of Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 27, will be Global Appreciation and Sisterhood Day. In Fox, students can check out the World Map, which will show all of Ursuline’s wonderful sister school connections. In addition to the World Map in Fox, SAGE will be providing a special Global lunch.
“We have a Student Appreciation Day to celebrate the fact that you all have chosen a Catholic education, and we appreciate that you are all here with us at Ursuline,” Mr. Poellot said.
Student Appreciation Day will follow on Tuesday, Jan. 28. In addition to their prayers, Peer Ministry has set up a Catholic Trivia Kahoot. Students will receive a dress down day and can participate in a special saint scavenger hunt. Details and clues will be given out on the UA Daily News Team. At lunch, there will be food trucks for everyone to enjoy and the Deans of Students will be scooping ice cream for all students in Fox. A student raffle will also take place.
“I’m so excited for Student Appreciation Day! What a fun way to celebrate our community,” Allie Schout, Ursuline sophomore, said.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, will be Heritage Day with a special Mass to celebrate St. Angela. This Mass is also known as the “KitKat Mass” with Sister Lois and St. Angela giving everyone a treat to enjoy after the Mass has ended. Another special treat will be an Italian themed lunch provided by SAGE in honor of St. Angela.
The next day on Thursday, Jan. 30, will be Employee Appreciation Day, where students can give thanks to the wonderful staff that help them so much everyday. There will be another Catholic Trivia Kahoot by Peer Ministry. Employees will have a dress down day along with breakfast treats and a coffee bar. There will also be an employee raffle.
Friday, Jan. 31, will be the very last day of Catholic Schools Week and there will be a special presentation by Katie Prejean McGrady in the theater. She is a mom, wife, award-winning author, international speaker, podcaster and daily radio show host. Katie began speaking in 2017 full time after working in high school education and youth ministry. She is also the author of four books.
“I’m so excited to hear Katie McGrady talk! I’ve listened to her radio show, and she does an excellent job of spreading the faith with her humor,” Mrs. Caldwell said.
With an abundance of prayer, faith, and community, this year’s Catholic Schools Week is sure to be unforgettable!
THE BEAR FACTS 