Discover the Difference: Catholic Schools Week

by Diocese of Des Moines | January 15, 2020

Jan. 26 - Feb. 1 Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Des Moines will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week with community service projects, open houses, special Masses, STEM demonstrations and more.

National Catholic Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. The theme for this year's event — Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed. — highlights how Catholic schools excel in faith development, academic excellence and dedication to community service.

Catholic Schools Week not only celebrates the unique attributes of Catholic education, but provides families and opportunity to learn more about if a Catholic school is the right fit for their child(ren). During this national celebration of Catholic education, we invite families throughout the Diocese of Des Moines to visit our schools and discover the Catholic school difference.

And what is that Catholic school difference? Well, Catholic schools:

• Provide an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.
• Partner with parents in the faith formation of their children.
• Set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed.
• Offer a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life.
• Use technology to enhance education.
• Instill in students the value of service to others.
• Teach children respect of self and others.
• Emphasize moral development and self-discipline.
• Prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.
• Cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring and effective.
• Build community.

If these benefits are something you seek in a school for you child(ren), stop by and visit your local Catholic school during Catholic Schools Week to learn more. Visit us here to find a school near you.

Open House Events:

Below is a list of open house events during Catholic Schools Week. All schools in the Diocese of Des Moines welcome families who want to visit and consider a Catholic education for their children. Contact your local school for more information.

Christ the King

Open house Sunday, Jan. 26 concurrent with a pancake breakfast, 10 a.m. - noon. 

Holy Family, Des Moines

Open House Jan. 31 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Holy Trinity, Des Moines

Open House Jan. 26 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kindergarten & Preschool/PreK 11:15 a.m.

Sacred Heart, West Des Moines

Open house on Friday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

St. Albert, Council Bluffs

Open House Jan. 26 from 1-3 p.m.

St. Anthony, Des Moines

Contact the school to schedule your individual tour and for enrollment information.

St. Augustin, Des Moines

Open House Jan. 26 from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi, West Des Moines

Open House Jan. 31

St. Joseph, Des Moines

Contact the school to schedule your individual tour and for enrollment information.

St. Luke the Evangelist, Ankeny

Student-led Mass Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

Contact the school to schedule your individual tour and for enrollment information.

St. Malachy, Creston

Open House/Pre-K and Kindergarten Info Night Feb. 11 from 6-7 p.m.

St. Patrick, Perry

Chili, Pazole, and Cinnamon Roll Supper following by school tours.

Jan. 25 following 4:30 p.m. Mass

St. Pius X, Urbandale

Jan. 26 Student-led Mass at 9 a.m.; Open House 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

St. Theresa, Des Moines

Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Shelby County Catholic School

Breakfast and Open House Jan. 26  from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.