We’re celebrating Catholic Schools Week this year from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 and we hope you can join us! Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration in the U.S. observed by the National Catholic Educational Association to bring awareness to the amazing work of the nearly 6,000 Catholic schools in the United States. Did you know that among all American schools — public and private — Catholic schools have the highest graduation rate at 99.1 percent? That’s a stat to celebrate right there!

Here are five ways you can celebrate CSW in 2022:

1) Attend an open house, Mass or fundraising event supporting your local school this week.

This is a great way to see the school first-hand, hear about the mission of the institution, and get a sense of the school’s impact and needs. Many schools have events this week open to the public (pandemic permitting). Check out the school’s website, or look for announcements in your parish bulletin to learn when an event is happening in your community.

2) Buy some tickets from your local school participating in the Catholic Schools Raffle.

One hundred percent of the ticket price stays with your school, thanks to Catholic United Financial’s sponsorship of the fundraising program. And, you could win one of the glorious prizes offered in the Raffle, including a new car! There are 86 participating schools across Minnesota and South Dakota in 2022. Click here to view a list of our partner schools. Tickets are on sale through Feb. 27.

3) Consider giving a charitable gift to your local Catholic school.

And why not give in a new way in 2022? What if you committed to a monthly gift of support to your local school? You could automate the gift through a bill pay service at your local bank. If planned giving is your preference, the Catholic United Financial Foundation offers charitable planning services for free, including advice on how to best give a charitable gift in a will or estate plan. Do you want to transform a modest gift into a lasting legacy? Consider a charitable gift annuity or charitable life insurance policy and name your Catholic school as the beneficiary. Again, our Foundation can help you with this process. Contact them here. 

4) Volunteer at your local Catholic school.

Different schools have different needs, but all schools could use more volunteers. And people of all skills are needed: hall monitors, cleaners, book readers, playground attendants, bookkeepers and more. Got a few hours to spare in the coming weeks? Why not chat with your local school staff and see if your skills could be put to good use in the service of Catholic education.

5) Pray for your local Catholic school.

Our schools face a lot of challenges, many known to us and many known only to the Lord. Align your prayers with God’s will for your local Catholic school. Keep the students, teachers, volunteers, parents and administrators in prayer as they work together in this effort. Let’s pray for the success of all involved in this significant calling and mission.