By Tony DeGol
Proclaim!
As the nation marks Catholic Schools Week 2025, Bishop Mark is touting the “complete education” that Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown offer.
“First and foremost, students are nurtured in an environment rooted in Jesus Christ,” the Bishop wrote in his annual Catholic Schools Week message to the faithful. “They experience the joy of loving and serving the Lord and each other, which builds a faith foundation they will carry with them forever. They also receive a cutting-edge education with state-of-the-art technology to prepare them for personal and professional success. In other words, Catholic education in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is a complete education unmatched by any other option.”
Here in the diocese, there are 13 Catholic elementary and/or junior high programs and four Catholic high school programs.
All of schools are poised to celebrate the blessing of Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week — January 26-February 1.
The national theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.
“I thank and salute our students, families, teachers, administrators, staff, and pastors who embody that theme and lovingly support the great ministry and mission of Catholic education here in our local Church,” Bishop Mark noted. “I extend my continuing prayers and support, and I look forward visiting some of our schools throughout the week to celebrate that spirit of faith and community.”
Diocesan Director of Education Jo-Ann Semko said Catholic Schools Week is a time to reflect on the profound impact Catholic education has on students, families, and communities, and she echoed the Bishop’s pride in the complete opportunities local Catholic schools provide.
“During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate the unique mission of our schools—educating the whole child, fostering faith, and preparing our students to be compassionate leaders in our communities,” Semko stated. “Our Catholic schools are a place where academic excellence and spiritual growth go hand in hand, creating a foundation for success in both the classroom and life.”
During Catholic Schools Week, schools will celebrate with special Masses, open houses, and special educational and recreational activities.
A special Catholic Schools Week edition of Proclaim! TV will air on January 26 at 10:30 a.m. on WATM ABC 23. To mark the occasion, Bishop Mark will celebrate the Proclaim! TV Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown on January 26 live at 11:00 a.m. on WATM ABC 23.
