“Catholic Schools: Faith. Service. Excellence.”
Celebrating Catholic Schools
Catholic Schools across San Antonio joined schools across the nation in the annual celebration of National Catholic Schools Week (NCSW). During this week of celebration, schools recognize the importance, value and contributions of Catholic education. The theme for 2023 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Service. Excellence.” This year, NCSW began Sunday, Jan. 29, and ended Friday, Feb. 3.
During this week, Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of San Antonio enjoyed featured speakers, service opportunities, crazy sock days, spelling bees and alumni reunions. It was also a time to thank the parents, faculty and leaders in Catholic education for the work they do in support of students.
UIW’s Brainpower Connection, an association of Catholic schools established in 1989, holds an annual Brainpower Mass to commemorate the week. It is also an opportunity to speak to the importance of collaboration to promote the mission and ministry of Catholic education. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, seventh and eighth grade students from St. Anthony Catholic School, St. Mary Magdalen Dual Language Catholic School, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic School came together with freshmen from Incarnate Word High School (IWHS) and St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) in shared faith and support for this occasion at the annual Brainpower Mass. The Mass, held at the St. Anthony Catholic High School Chapel, was celebrated by Fr. Mark Clarke, IWHS Chaplain, and Fr. Chris Muñoz, Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Patricia Ramirez, director of UIW’s Brainpower Connection Programs, spoke after Mass, and all in attendance enjoyed a breakfast reception at SACHS.
The UIW Brainpower Connection is a circle of support, influence, and collegiality established in connection with seven different institutions, their faculties and students, to share their brainpower. A shared vision, shared faculties, and shared facilities help break down the walls that traditionally separate elementary schools, high schools, and universities.