Begining on Sunday, 29 January, the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Catholic Schools Week 2012 will be celebrated. Over the past three years, homes, schools and parishes throughout the country have responded with great generosity and creativity to the invitation to take time during this week to celebrate the contribution made by Catholic education to our communities. Schools consist of pupils, staff members, school management and patrons. They form a vital part of the local community. The proverb says ‘it takes a whole village to rear a child’ and in its own way each school mirrors the local community in its nurturing concern for its pupils.
Theme
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is ‘Catholic Schools: Christ’s living body active in our world.’ The theme is taken from the anthem of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, Though We Are Many – (Bernard Sexton), and reflects the overall theme of the Eucharistic Congress – ‘The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.’
Though we are many – Verse 3:
And through this shared Eucharist
we are the living Church.
We witness to Christ’s love
His living body active in our world.
Day for Grandparents
It is envisaged that Grandparents will be invited to celebrate CSW 2012 with their grandchildren in the school as in previous years. A significant part of Catholic education is its commitment to build on the tradition of Catholic education in the area and in the particular school. The rich inheritance of the school is its stepping stone into the future. Grandparents are a vital link in helping children to give thanks for the work of the school and to look forward with joyful hope to the future.
Christ present in the Eucharist
Ireland will play host to the fiftieth International Eucharistic Congress from June 10th to 17th2012. Describing the International Eucharistic Congress, Archbishop Martin said:
‘It is an important event for the Church in Ireland. It is an important event for the Church around the world. If you look at the Acts of the Apostles when they describe the early Christian community they always begin by saying they gathered and out of that sense of gathering came a particular lifestyle which is a lifestyle of communion and sharing.’
During CSW 2012 Catholic Schools are encouraged to enable students gather, celebrate and reflect on the Eucharist and thereby recognise Christ present in the school – bringing about a lifestyle of communion and sharing.
Resources for Home, School and Parish
To help schools celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2012 resources have been prepared. The resources will enable pupils, staff members, boards of management, families, the entire school community, and parishes mark Catholic Schools Week 2012.
Click here for Primary School Resources
Click here for Primary School Resources (Irish)
Click here for Primary Resources for Home (Polish)
Click here for Post-Primary School Resources
Click here for Post-Primary Resources (Irish)