CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: School Students and Community Look Forward to Favorite Annual Celebration

The mission of Our Lady of Lourdes School (OLLS) is to provide “a Catholic Community providing a Christ-Centered, rigorous, academic foundation for all students to grow as life-long learners.”

This year’s Catholic Schools Week celebration at OLLS — from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 — includes extra fun days. It all kicks off with Mass on the weekend of Jan. 28 and 29. Students are welcome to wear their school uniforms to Mass and participate in some Mass ministries.

Principal Chris Sutton looks forward to Catholic Schools Week every year. It’s an opportunity to show off the school and celebrate Catholic education.

“During Catholic Schools Week, we openly celebrate our faith,” Mr. Sutton says. “It’s exciting to have kids involved, bring them closer to the Lord, and make a positive impact on their lives through Catholic education.”

Students are welcome to break from the usual uniforms to enjoy spirit wear and other themed days.

Thursday, Feb. 2, will include a special evening with a basketball game, art show, science fair, and a performance by the OLLS Singers. There will also be an open house. On Friday, Feb. 3, the students are invited to a fun event in the evening.

Mr. Sutton is in his first official year as principal — last year, he served as interim principal. He has spent most of his 26 years in education working at a Catholic school.

“One differentiator for Catholic schools is that it’s all a ministry,” Mr. Sutton says. “Whether it’s our learning center, after-school care, or playground, it’s all a ministry for us. We look at it that way.”

Mr. Sutton is proud of the traditions that the OLLS community holds dear.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” he says.

The school started with sisters from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and later the Sisters of Notre Dame served at the school. Although there is no order currently, Mr. Sutton is proud of all the great things happening at the school.

“We are here to prepare these students for high school and heaven,” he says. “We want to prepare them, so the foundation is there.”

Mr. Sutton also wants to be sure students are moving from wonder to wisdom to worship — a concept staff learned this past fall from a visiting speaker. He is proud to join Catholic schools from around the nation in working to bring each other closer to God.

“It’s like the Magnificat,” he says. “We are here to magnify the Lord and bring each other closer to God.”

Mr. Sutton invites everyone to check out the school on the evening of Feb. 2.

“Join us to openly and boldly celebrate our Catholic faith,” he says.

To learn more about upcoming Catholic Schools Week activities at Our Lady of Lourdes School, please visit the school website at www.olls.org.