Catholic Schools Week

by Ellie Green

Each year, every Catholic school in the United States celebrates Catholic Schools Week. This annual celebration has been an ongoing tradition that began in 1974 by the National Catholic Education Association. Catholic  Schools Week is typically celebrated at the beginning of the year and the week of the last Sunday in January. During this time, Catholic Schools devote each day to different activities, celebrations, Masses, and assemblies for students, staff, families, and the community. Each day of Catholic Schools Week is devoted to appreciating different people in the school’s community.

This year, Catholic School Week was celebrated from January 29th through February 3rd. Students and staff dedicated much time to putting together Catholic Schools Week activities. This year at Notre Dame there was a table of different treats created by multiple clubs and organizations daily. On Monday there were Icees, on Tuesday there were Rice Crispy Treats, on Wednesday there were stickers and Airheads, on Thursday there were traditional snacks, and on Friday each student received a goody bag full of candy; some had rubber ducks which meant students won bigger prizes. On Wednesday, Notre Dame honored parents and faculty who have served our nation. Students also received teacher appreciation cards to fill out. At the end of Catholic Schools Week on Friday, Notre Dame High School put on a big assembly. This assembly featured a Jeopardy game and a talent show. Many different students and staff members got to participate!

Our Lady of Lourdes Mass and Notre Dame Lenten Project

by Charlotte Welliver

On Friday, February 9, Notre Dame held Mass for Our Lady of Lourdes. The story behind the Mass is to show remembrance between a child and a mother, between Bernadette and Mary. Our Lady instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground nearby, from which came a spring with healing properties. On Wednesday the 14th, we held an Ash Wednesday prayer service to begin the 40 days of Lent. For Notre Dame’s Lenten project, we will be raising money for a single mother in need of a car. All donations are needed to help this hard-working mother!