This week marks the 43rd anniversary of Catholic Schools Week. The celebration is an event created by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and celebrated all over the country. This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of faith in the world.

Mercy began planning its participation in the faith-filled week during December when the NCEA sent out the theme to schools around the country. Groups like the Mercy Mission Committee, the Pastoral Team, and student government all participated in the planning of the festivities for Mercy students and staff.

“We met and tried to find different ways we could highlight the different days and celebrate the different parts of our community,” said religious studies teacher Dr. Kline-Kator, a member of the Mercy Mission Committee. The committee was responsible for the activity during advisor group on Monday. The theme that day focused on community. Each advisor group was given a peace square to decorate which was collected and arranged to make a large cross.

Student government was in charge of planning an activity for Tuesday, which focused on celebrating students. The class officers, Human Relation Council members, student council members and advisor group representatives all met last week to plan fun activities to honor Mercy students. One of the activities picked by the group was to give students a dress-down day.

The rest of the week will include mass and fun activities that focus on faith and school spirit within the educational setting.

“Celebrating Catholic Schools Week and being proud to be a part of a Catholic school community is something that has always been a part of my life,” said Dr. Kline-Kator, who attended a Catholic school for her primary education. “This week allows us to pause and remember it truly is a blessing to be a part of a Catholic school community, especially this one.”