Detroit — From Jan. 29 through Feb. 5, the nation celebrates National Catholic Schools Week.

The celebration has been held since 1974 and has long served as a way for both the Catholic community and secular society, including state and federal government  officials, to acknowledge the strong contributions Catholic Schools have made in the United States over the years.

This year, as our local Catholic schools join with schools across the country, they’ll be focusing on the theme, “Faith. Academics. Service.” Oftentimes, schools have open houses, service projects, special liturgies, activities for parents and various themed events to raise awareness of the contributions of Catholic Schools.

The Archdiocese of Detroit has 97 schools — 71 grade schools and 26 high schools. These schools educate more than 32,000 students, Catholic and otherwise. Across the country, nearly 7,000 Catholic grade- and high-schools educate more than 2 million students on the grade school and high school levels. That’s not to mention Catholic colleges and universities, three of which are situated in the Archdiocese of Detroit–University of Detroit Mercy, Madonna University and Marygrove College.

Throughout this issue of The Michigan Catholic, you’ll see photos from many of our Catholic schools, and comments from local students on how their school is impacting their lives.

National Catholic Schools Week is co-sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Education Association.