Detroit — Every day, Catholic schools are hard at work showcasing the faith, knowledge and service that uniquely position them and set them apart in a culture that increasingly needs what they have to offer. As the second-largest provider of education in America — to only the public school system — Catholic schools are constantly proving their value in myriad ways, from higher academic standards to higher personal standards that never forget the Lord’s call to remember the “least of these.”



So it’s only fitting that, once a year, these schools are highlighted in an extra special way during the last week of January, also known as National Catholic Schools Week.

From Jan. 25-31, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit will celebrate their heritage and contributions in many ways. Many schools will host special Masses, in-school activities and open houses for prospective families and the community at large.

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, in his 2012 pastoral letter, “Forward in Hope to Share Christ,” said Catholic schools are “uniquely suited to advancing the evangelizing mission of the Church, offering a privileged opportunity for the formation of our children in Christian discipleship.”



In keeping with that theme, the archbishop will invite students and teachers from across the Archdiocese of Detroit to a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29 to celebrate, encourage and commission students to constantly live out that discipleship as “lights to the world.”

In this special section, you’ll find stories that exemplify the best our Catholic schools have to offer, along with advertisements highlighting open houses, events and information on how a Catholic education can uniquely benefit your child. Visit www.aod.org/schools for more information.