The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) shared that the 2020 – 2021 school year will be the 47th year for National Catholic Schools Week (CSW). From January 31 through February 8, 2021, South City Catholic Academy (SCCA) joined together with many other Catholic Schools across our nation in celebrating faith, excellence, and service found within our Catholic school education.
On Sunday January 31, SCCA began the week with a CSW Opening Mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Pastor, Father Craig Holway celebrated the Mass. Later that day both current and prospective families were invited to learn more about SCCA by joining in on “Virtual Open House Gatherings!” Here, families met our teachers who shared the faith, excellence and service that South City Catholic Academy offers.
As we moved through the week, we dressed as super heroes, wore mixed and matched accessories with our school uniform, wore spirit wear, and even wore our PJ’s to school.
Games such as Bible Trivia, Bingo with Buddies, board games, “Are you smarter than an 8th grader?” and “I Mustache You . . . to be a Blessing!” were enjoyed by all.
Keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Our students enjoyed being a blessing to one another by coloring a picture or writing a nice letter for someone, cleaning up litter, setting the table for dinner, and even reading a book to a younger sibling.
This week our students were placed in pairs – known as “prayer pals.” The students were encouraged to pray for their pals every day during CSW. Some of the ways suggested to our students included saying a memorized prayer like the Hail Mary or Our Father, singing a religious song, reading from the Bible or Bible story book, and talking to God in his/her own words.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have;
God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. Hebrews 13:16
Our 8th grade students lead the school in a service project known as “The Super Bowl Collection!” During the week students donated canned goods to help the hungry, challenged, and disadvantaged.
The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful
James 5:16
We are ever so grateful to our School Community Association (SCA) who generously donated a school lunch for the teachers from Benton Park Café in Soulard. As an added surprise each teacher was presented with a heart shaped cookie from Cheryl’s Cookies! We are also grateful to SCA for the ice cream treat and a special surprise for our students.
This week we received a surprise visit from Ms. Deanne Rodgers, Director of Admissions, Bishop DuBourg High School who shared pre-wrapped ice cream treats with our Middle School students.
We concluded our CSW with a closing Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows. Pastor, Father Sebastian celebrated Mass for us as we paused to remember all that CSW has afforded us; an opportunity to remember how important Catholic education is and to give us these moments to strengthen our purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ.
