Schools across the country are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, and for Viatorians and the parishes where they serve, the week underscores their educational mission, of accompanying young people on their faith journey.

Cheerleaders at St. Viator Parish welcome parishioners to the opening Mass for Catholic Schools’ Week.

This year’s theme is United in Faith and Community, which closely mirrors a core pillar of the Viatorian mission, which is to “raise up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.”

Catholic Schools’ Week opened with Mass on Jan 26. At St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas, excitement was in the air as its cheerleaders welcomed parishioners to Mass. Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, said the opening Mass and he invited children to surround him on the altar.

“It was great being able to celebrate with the St. Viator School students about the importance of Christ in our lives,” said Fr. Dan afterwards. He is in is first year at the parish.

Students surround Fr. Dan Belanger around the altar.

Activities planned for the week include free dress days, service projects, ice cream treats and even a Bible bowl on Wednesday. The week ends Saturday when St. Viator hosts the All Catholic Schools Chess Tournament in the school gym.

Cristo Rey St. Viator students opened the week with an all-school Mass celebrated by Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV. His homily focused on the importance of Catholic education, emphasizing that it is not just about academics but about forming students to lead lives of faith, service, and moral leadership.

“Catholic education prepares students for a life rooted in Christ’s love and teachings,” Fr. Tom told the CRSV school community.

Fr. Tom von Behren blesses the throats of students at CRSV.

During the Mass, Fr. Tom also invited Principal Dr. Erica Romero, Junior Jose Madrigal, and a representative from Catholic Charities to share how Catholic education had shaped their lives. Their stories highlighted the transformative power of Catholic schools — not only as centers of academic learning but as communities that foster spiritual, moral, and personal growth.

As part of CRSV’s tradition, Fr. Tom also blessed the throats of all students, staff, and faculty in honor of St. Blaise. This annual blessing is a beautiful reminder of the importance of health, healing, and God’s protection over the school community.

Students at Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee held a variety of activities as well, but a highlight was gathering the entire school community of more than 800 preschoolers through high schoolers, in the Bishop McNamara High School gym for Mass.

Finally, students at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights gathered Wednesday for an all-school Mass, celebrated by Fr. John Eustice, CSV.

Students at Bishop McNamara Catholic School

“Sometimes God is hidden in plain sight,” Fr. John told them. “Sometimes Christ communicates to us through people or situations that are annoying. When we are annoyed, maybe it is God communicating with us.”‘

Fr. John Eustice shares his homily with Saint Viator students.

Students played important roles throughout the liturgy, from serving as cross bearers, to readers, music ministers and Eucharistic ministers. Together, they carried out this year’s theme of Catholic Schools’ Week: United in Faith and Community.