Catholic Schools Week at St. Ann School was a time for celebration, prayer, fun, and community. The theme for this year’s week was “Let Your Light Shine,” inspired by the powerful words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Throughout the week, we came together as a school family to reflect on God’s love, serve our community, and let our light shine in all we do.
Monday: A Bright Start to Catholic Schools Week
To kick off Catholic Schools Week, our St. Ann School family gathered in prayer, reflecting on the theme of light. Students and teachers reflected on the words of Jesus, who calls us all to be lights in the world. Inspired by this, our students worked together to create beautiful luminaries, each one carrying an intention to share God’s light and love with others. As they placed the luminaries around the school, they were reminded of their mission to be the light in their homes, classrooms, and beyond.
Our Family Picnic also brought together our school community in a wonderful way. Parents, siblings, and loved ones gathered in the cafeteria to enjoy a potluck lunch, share stories, and build connections with one another. It was a reminder that the light of Christ is best shared in community—together, we are stronger.
Tuesday: Prayers, Pancakes, and Plenty of Fun
Tuesday morning was filled with energy and excitement! We started the day with a delicious pancake breakfast and a lively game of Bingo.
But the heart of the day came when St. Ann School joined 96 other schools across the Midwest in a special prayer service for the Children’s World Mission. Together, we prayed the rosary for children in missionary schools around the world, focusing on five regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. It was a powerful experience, reminding us of the importance of prayer and support for our brothers and sisters around the globe.
Later in the day, we took a classic school tradition to the next level: live Hungry Hippo! Laughter filled the gym as students competed in this fun and high-energy game. The teamwork, enthusiasm, and friendly competition made it a day to remember!
Wednesday: The Ultimate 'Cups' Challenge
On Wednesday, the energy at St. Ann School was palpable! Our students put their focus, speed, and agility to the test in the ultimate 'Cups' challenge. From “head, shoulders, knees,” to a dash for the cup, students went head-to-head in a fun-filled competition that had everyone cheering.
Thursday: A Day of Worship and Gratitude
Thursday brought us to Mass, where we came together to celebrate our faith and the theme of “Let Your Light Shine.” Our students led the way, singing in the choir, reading scripture, and offering their gifts of service as gift bearers and altar servers. Their dedication to serving God and their community was inspiring!
This Mass was also a time to honor those who help our school shine. We celebrated our Volunteer of the Year for their generous service, and ended the time with a birthday and cake reception. A joyful reminder that, just as Christ shines through us, so too do the people who serve our community with love.
Later in the day, our Career Day Edition brought together family members who shared their diverse careers and passions with our students. It was inspiring to see how many members of our community are using their talents and abilities to make a difference in the world.
Of course, what would Catholic Schools Week be without a little competition? The annual volleyball game between the 8th grade students and teachers brought out plenty of school spirit and friendly rivalry. Cheering from the sidelines, it was clear that the true victory lay in the joy of coming together as one community.
Friday: A Fun-Filled Day of Adventure
We wrapped up Catholic Schools Week with a day of fun and adventure! Students began their Friday by watching a movie and enjoying a tasty Pizza Pit lunch. Then, it was time for field trips! The 4K Little Branches through 3rd grade students visited Legacy Academy, where they had a blast playing and exploring, while the 4th through 8th grade students traveled to Skyzone for some exciting trampoline fun before heading to Culver’s for a well-deserved treat.
Conclusion: Letting Our Light Shine All Year Long
As we reflect on the incredible experiences of Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded of the call that Jesus gives us in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world.” This week, we were blessed to share in moments of fun, laughter, and most importantly, faith as a school community. Let's continue to let our light shine and share the love of Christ wherever we go!