Saint Joseph School Celebrates Catholic Schools Week: Living the Joy of “Alive in Christ!”
Webster – On Sunday, January 26th, Saint Joseph School began its 2025 Catholic Schools Week (CSW) observance. CSW is the annual celebration of Catholic education and its role in making the world a better place. This year’s theme was, “Alive in Christ!” As the Holy Father, Pope Francis, said in Christus Vivit, Section 1, “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive, and he wants you to be alive!” Saint Joseph School certainly came to life with CSW festivities.
Each day of the week from January 26th through January 31st had a special theme. The celebration began with school children, their families, faculty, and administration gathering with parishioners to celebrate Saint Joseph Parish. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Robert McManus and featured the presentation of the Partners in Education Award to school nurse Leah Belanger, as well as a procession honoring the diversity of the students and families at Saint Joseph School. Following Mass, the school held its first open house of the week, allowing families and guests to tour classrooms, learn about the many cultures that have influenced the town of Webster and the Saint Joseph Community, sample delicious international cuisine, and enjoy a book fair conducted by the Daughters of Saint Paul.
When the children returned to school on Monday morning, their focus turned to celebrating the community through acts of service. The students gathered with their “Buddy Classes” to create beautiful cards for members of the Webster Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Services, as well as the Emergency Department at Harrington Hospital. They also kicked off their “Penny Wars” competition. During the Penny Wars, the Buddy Classes teamed up to raise funds for the American Red Cross to benefit victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
On Tuesday, January 28th, the Saint Joseph School administration celebrated its students. The day began with celebratory muffins for all. Then, students were treated to two assemblies – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – where awards were distributed, birthdays were celebrated, and fun games were played. Awards included certificates for the First Quarter Honor Roll, as well as fun awards such as the Mr. Rogers Award for the Most Neighborly, the Tin Foil Award for the Most Receptive, the Big Wig Award for the Best Haircut, the Sweatpants Award for the Most Adaptable to Change, and the Diamond in the Rough Award for the Most Potential.
The following day, the school’s focus turned to the nation and the world. The morning announcements included a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner performed by Grade 8 students Rosemary Basha and Ayla Reed. Then, Buddy Classes teamed up again to create Valentine’s Day cards for residents at Notre Dame Health Center. Throughout the day, the school welcomed prospective families for tours and information sessions. Wednesday concluded with an exciting demonstration by a State Police Canine Unit. Trooper Alexander Berry and his dog, Chase, intrigued the students with a display of precision and obedience, culminating in a thrilling simulated detainment of a “suspect” – Trooper Michael Coan. The students thoroughly enjoyed this engaging presentation, and Saint Joseph School extends a heartfelt Thank You to Troopers Berry and Coan!
On Thursday, January 30th, students focused on celebrating vocations. They had the opportunity to meet with several local pastors, including Rev. Jim Boulette, Rev. Richard Polek, Rev. Lucas LaRoche, and Rev. Jack Lizewski, who shared their experiences, personal stories, and insights into their calling to the priesthood. Younger students also had the opportunity to pray the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary with their guest priests. Additionally, students visited the Daughters of Saint Paul for a family-friendly, Catholic-oriented book fair from Pauline Press. The afternoon brought an exciting event – a Lasermania laser light show, sponsored by the Saint Joseph School Home and School Association (H.S.A.). Students were joined by their grandparents, parents, and special friends, as well as the Superintendent of the Worcester Diocesan Schools, Dr. David Perda. The 45-minute laser show transformed into a joyful dance party, creating lasting memories for all.
Friday’s celebration began with students and faculty attending their weekly Mass together. In the afternoon, while teachers enjoyed a luncheon provided by the H.S.A., Buddy Classes participated in lively and competitive games of bingo, with numbers called by their Pastor and Headmaster, Rev. Grzegorz Chodkowski. Many students went home with prizes, but all left with smiles on their faces. The week concluded with the Kindergarten and Grade 4 Buddy Team emerging victorious in the Penny Wars, raising an impressive $885. The total amount raised by Saint Joseph School for the American Red Cross was $1,881.88.
The week exemplified the theme of “Alive in Christ!” through the students’ enthusiasm, generosity, and faith-filled actions. Whether competing in friendly games, enjoying a laser show, raising money for a worthy cause, or serving their community through Buddy Class activities, the students of Saint Joseph School embodied Pope Francis’ words: “Christ is alive, and he wants you to be alive!” Their joy, compassion, and commitment to faith and service reflected the vibrancy of a Christ-centered education, reinforcing the profound impact of Catholic schools in shaping young hearts and minds for a brighter future.
Photo Caption:
Saint Joseph School Grade 8 students and National Junior Honor Society members Liana Worth, Faith Muga, and Rosemary Basha proudly present heartfelt cards created by Buddy Classes to express gratitude to the Webster Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and the Emergency Department at Harrington Hospital for their dedication to the community. Pictured with Chief of Police Michael Shaw, Detective Tim Whiting, and Deputy Chief Gordon Wentworth, these students embody the spirit of Catholic Schools Week by honoring service and demonstrating appreciation for those who protect and care for others.
To view the full photo album, click the following links:
Monday, January 27 –
Tuesday, January 28
Wednesday, January 29
Thursday, January 30
Friday, January 31
