"Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future" is the theme for the 30th annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25 through Jan. 31. The centerpiece of the week --- National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools --- is Wednesday, Jan. 28.

A long-time tradition in Catholic education, Catholic Schools Week became part of The National Marketing Campaign For Catholic Schools in 1991. This program is a collaborative undertaking by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

"Catholic education is one of the great and generous works of the church," said Michael J. Guerra, NCEA president. "Our graduates have become leaders of this country, teachers, religious men and women and business entrepreneurs. Without doubt our schools have had a far-reaching impact on shaping the world.

Dominican Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, secretary for education at USCCB, said that this year's theme of "Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future" underscores faith as an important value at the foundation of a Catholic school curriculum and also gives assurance that Catholic schools foresee a bright future.

"Catholic school leaders are committed to making a difference," said Sister McPhee. "Our goal is to graduate students who have strong moral standards and fine academic skills who will become good citizens and able members of the workforce."

The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to build support and recognition for the 8,000 Catholic schools nationwide. During this week, many dioceses encourage parents to enroll their children in Catholic schools. CSW also is an opportunity to interest citizens in volunteering their time and talents to local Catholic schools.

National Appreciation Day (Jan. 28) was established to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase the accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools to the United States.

In Washington, a delegation of more than 150 Catholic school students, teachers and parents will visit Capitol Hill to meet with congressional leaders to promote Catholic schools. As part of their marathon day, they will deliver letters from chief administrators of Catholic education to their representatives and provide a background package on Catholic schools to every congressional office.

Daniel Curtin, executive director, Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE) at NCEA, said that distributing letters from superintendents gives Catholic leaders an opportunity to tell Congress about the Catholic schools in their localities. "Many of our superintendents use this initiative as a timely reminder to reach congressional leaders directly with a united message about our priorities for Catholic education."

On National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools, governors, mayors and city councils have joined in to issue proclamations in support of Catholic schools. Many civic leaders also meet with students, parents and principals to celebrate Catholic education on this day.

The National Marketing Campaign For Catholic Schools was established by USCCB and NCEA to promote Catholic schools year round. The "Faith-Filled Future" theme and logo advancing Catholic education is used daily, not only during Catholic Schools Week. Now in its 12th year, the marketing effort was launched to help create awareness of the value of a Catholic education and to increase enrollment.

NCEA is the largest private, professional education association in the world. Founded in 1904, the Association's membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving 7.6 million students at all levels of Catholic education. USCCB is the national public policy organization of the bishops in the United States.