By Ella Salom ’24

In late January and early February every year Catholic schools across the U.S. celebrate Catholic Schools Week, recognizing the many Catholic elementary, secondary and higher educational institutions and the importance of Catholic education. This year’s theme is “Faith, Excellence, Service,” reflecting our continued dedication to the integral values of Catholicism. Organized by the National Catholic Educational Association, Catholic Schools Week includes a series of events, one of which is a Mass celebrated by schools in each diocese.

On Jan. 30 the Diocese of San Jose celebrated a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The Mass was graciously facilitated by our bishop, Reverend Oscar Cantú, helping unite the many schools in the diocese through his homily and leadership. The Mass reflected a theme of unification and community, from the high school student ministers who helped lead the mass to the melting pot of students, faculty members and parishioners who attended.

Special thanks to the Notre Dame Peer Ministry Leadership Team, our campus ministry homeroom representatives and music ministry, who all participated in planning and presenting the Mass.