Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community
Each year, Catholic Schools Week invites us to pause and celebrate the gift of Catholic education. During the last week of January, schools across the country come together to reflect on what makes Catholic schools unique and why they continue to matter so deeply.
This year’s theme, Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community, captures the heart of what happens every day across Springfield Catholic Schools. Catholic schools are more than places of academic learning. They are faith-filled communities committed to educating the whole child while walking alongside families as partners in that formation.
As we continue our Why SCS? series, Catholic Schools Week offers the perfect opportunity to step back and reflect. While we could list the many reasons Catholic education matters, the most meaningful stories often come from the students, families, and educators who live it each day.
Our Catholic Faith at the Center
At Springfield Catholic Schools here in Springfield, MO, and in Catholic schools across the United States, faith is not an add-on to the school day. It is the foundation. Through prayer, Mass, service, and daily interactions, students are invited to grow in their relationship with Christ and to see how faith shapes the way they live, learn, and serve.
During Catholic Schools Week, Springfield Catholic Schools will celebrate our faith in meaningful and joyful ways. Students will help lead Sunday Masses at their parishes and take time to thank parishioners for their continued support. Schools will pray for vocations and create cards for priests and sisters. Students will also participate in school-wide dress-up days that reflect their faith and joy, showing just how much they love Jesus and the community they are part of.
Student Voice: What Catholic School Means to Me
When students reflect on their experience at Springfield Catholic Schools, they often begin with a sense of belonging. They speak about feeling known, supported, and trusted to grow.
“My teachers believed in me, and that trust pushed me every step of the way. I learned how to lead, how to plan, and how to make sure others feel seen and included.” — SCHS Graduate
For many students, Catholic school is where faith becomes personal, friendships deepen, and confidence takes root. Learning extends beyond academics and invites students to discover their gifts and use them in service to others.
“Being the new kid was scary at first, but people were kind and asked me to sit with them. That one small thing made the whole day better.” — SCS Student
Together, these voices remind us that Catholic education is not simply something students receive. It is something they experience, carry with them, and live out long after they leave our classrooms.
Families as Partners at Springfield Catholic Schools
The Church teaches that parents are the first educators of their children, and Catholic schools are called to support and partner with families in that sacred responsibility. At Springfield Catholic Schools, education extends beyond the classroom to include families, parishes, and the wider community.
One way this partnership is celebrated is through Pastries with Parents, an annual event at Springfield Catholic High School where parents are invited to share a simple moment with their students over coffee and treats in the cafeteria. It serves as a reminder that no matter how old a student becomes, families remain their first partners in faith and education.
As one parent and SCS alum shared, “I remember the teachers who supported me when I was a student here and now they’re supporting my child. That continuity and care is something you don’t find everywhere, and we are so grateful to be at SCS.”
Dedicated Educators Who Make the Difference
Catholic schools are made great by dedicated educators and staff who care deeply about the students they serve. High expectations, personal attention, and faith-filled leadership create an environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
At Springfield Catholic Schools, appreciation for teachers and staff is woven into the life of the community. During Catholic Schools Week, faculty and staff will be celebrated with appreciation lunches, and elementary students will even dress as their favorite teacher as a fun way to say thank you.
Another meaningful way families can show their gratitude is by supporting The Shepherds’ Fund, which directly invests in competitive salaries and benefits to help attract and retain exceptional educators across Springfield Catholic Schools. For families looking for a lasting way to say thank you, The Shepherds’ Fund supports the people who faithfully serve our students every day.
Learning, Serving, and Leading
Catholic education prepares students to use their God-given talents to serve others and lead with purpose. Through service projects, leadership opportunities, and meaningful learning experiences, students are formed not only for success, but also for service.
During Catholic Schools Week, Springfield Catholic High School students will participate in two service-focused days that put these values into action.
The first is SCS Day of Giving (Phone-A-Thon), an annual Catholic Schools Week service project in which SCHS students help raise support for the Irish Impact Fund. As always, there’s a fun and friendly competitive element as houses work together to see who can make the biggest impact.
Later in the week, SCHS students will take part in an All-School Service Project, offering their time and help at SCS elementary schools and with community partners including Ronald McDonald House, The Kitchen, Dynamic Strides, The Bungalow, Catholic Charities, and Convoy of Hope.
At the elementary level, students are encouraged to bring in donations for community organizations such as Rescue One Animal Shelter, Sammy’s Window, and Catholic Charities, showing that even our youngest students are learning what it means to live out a service-minded faith.
Through these experiences, students learn that leadership is rooted in service and that using their gifts for others is central to who they are called to be.
A Community That Welcomes All
Springfield Catholic Schools are built on community, one that celebrates students, families, and the world around us. Throughout Catholic Schools Week, schools come together through fun and meaningful moments that strengthen connection and belonging. From student celebrations and community-building activities to friendly competitions like the SCHS house door decorating contest, school spirit is on full display.
We also take time to recognize and honor those who serve beyond our school walls, including veterans, first responders, and community members who help make our city and nation strong. These moments help students understand that faith calls us outward through gratitude, respect, and service.
Rooted in Catholic tradition, Springfield Catholic Schools serve students from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and faith backgrounds. We value diversity and intentionally foster environments where every student and family feels welcomed, supported, and known. Whether through celebration, service, or everyday interactions, our community reflects a shared commitment to faith, respect, and belonging while always being proud to be Irish.
Why SCS?
Catholic Schools Week gives us a reason to celebrate, but what it highlights is what happens every day at Springfield Catholic Schools.
Faith lived out.
Community strengthened.
Students formed to learn, serve, and lead.
We are grateful for our students, families, educators, parishes, alumni, and supporters who make this mission possible not just this week, but all year long.
