Catholic Schools Week

"Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life."

~ Pope Francis ~

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated at the end of January. It is an all-Ireland annual event which invites Catholic schools to give expression in a special way to the ethos of Catholic education. It is a celebration of Catholic schools which acknowledges the tremendous contribution that our Catholic primary and post-primary schools make not just to Irish society, but to the mission of the Church. Each year has a different theme and each day during the school week has its own theme.

Catholic Schools Week

2026

18th - 24th January

The theme

is

‘Normal Lives, Called to Holiness’

Catholic Schools Week 2026 celebrates the extraordinary call to holiness in the midst of ordinary life. This year’s theme invites pupils, teachers, families and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible. Holiness is not for a few, but for all; not reserved for religious professionals or mystics, but for every pupil, teacher, parent (and grandparent) living each day in friendship with Jesus Christ. 

“Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things, but doing ordinary things with love and faith.”

Pope Francis

(on St Carlo Acutis )

Catholic Schools Week Themes

2016

Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy

2017

Learning with Pope Francis to Care for Our Common Home

2018

Called to be a Family of Families

2019

Celebrating the Work of Our Local Catholic Schools

2020

Living in Harmony with God’s Creation

2021

Faith, Excellence, Service

2022

Living Life to the Full

2023

Walking Together in Faith and Love

2024

Communities of Service

2025

Alive in Christ!

2026

Normal Lives, Called to Holiness

Catholic schools are intrinsically connected with the local parish community, and each of these actively serves the other. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the living connection that exists between school and parish during Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity for both communities to pray for one another and with one another. Each year, our school will attend Mass in St Mary’s Church during Catholic Schools Week.