Catholic Schools Week

National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year, Catholic Schools Week is Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2024. Schools typically observe the week with Masses, assemblies, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” 

Stella Maris High School: Tegan Zelenka 

My family and I moved to Duluth in July from Canada. I was leaving a Catholic school, and I longed and hoped to teach in another Catholic school so that I could continue to engage my faith not only in my personal life, but in my professional life as well. I did not realize how fully my faith could be engaged and lived in my professional life until I came to Stella Maris. At Stella Maris, our mission, our Catholic faith, our Catholic worldview is embraced and lived in a deeper and fuller manner than anything I have ever experienced. 

Stella Maris Academy is truly filled with the Holy Spirit. Attending Mass with my peers and students is incredible! Mass is a time for worship and peace for all. The time in Mass is valued and sacred. Mass is not a distraction to the school day; it is what gives life to the school day! Teachers and staff are kind and supportive of each other, of the students, and share their faith with all around them. I feel God’s presence every time I walk into the school. Being in an environment that fully embraces the mission and vision of Catholic schools has been life changing. At Stella Maris I have truly experienced healing, hope, and joy. I joyfully come to school each day so that I can continue to grow and share my faith with my students. 

Marquette: Laura Hadrava 

My family moved to Marquette Catholic School three years ago. The move was just the boost I needed in my own faith life, but the way it has infiltrated my home through my children has been life changing, notably with the peace and joy they carry within them. The additional knowledge of our Lord and the Catholic faith is a great bonus. 

Now I have a front row seat as the middle school receptionist in watching this school and the student’s faith lives grow. There is an air of prayerfulness here that makes you feel that Jesus is surrounding us everywhere. There’s peace in my home, and peace in our school. All glory to God! 

Stella Maris, St. James Campus: Lynn Stoyanoff, volunteer 

Several years ago my husband died of cancer, and although I knew he was pain free and with the Lord I was filled with sadness. I went to the principal of the Catholic school and asked if I could work at the school, because I needed some joy in my life. I have received such joy and happiness working with the children and the entire Catholic school family. The dedicated teachers and staff are working to spread God’s word and give these children the foundation they need to face life challenges knowing they have Jesus to guide them and love them. 

The children and I are filled with that love daily giving us all the foundation to face life challenges. 

What do students say about St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School? 

“The courses, teachers, and student-to-teacher ratio helped me learn to ask questions and be prepared for high school.” 

“Having a community that understands my faith helps me to learn and grow spiritually.” 

“Before, I wasn’t even Catholic. At St. Francis I feel closer to God, and I feel at home since coming here.” 

“St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School has given me a great Catholic faith life that has helped me prepare for the next chapter in my life and the challenges to come. The academics also gave me a great education and study habits that made the transition to high school much easier.” 

Queen of Peace School: Dena Couture, mother of Liam (grade 5) and Arlo, (Kindergarten) 

I am thankful for Queen of Peace for so many reasons, but the main reason why I chose Queen of Peace is that I know Liam and Arlo are loved. School can be a difficult time for any child, but I believe the teachers and staff see the potential in my children and more importantly, they pray for them. I strive, as a mother, to raise good men for our community, and Queen of Peace values that. It’s a huge responsibility as an educator to teach our children, and I trust that they take that responsibility as if it were their own children. 

Assumption School: Nick and Danelle Ongaro 

Our family has experienced the healing power of Jesus through the Sacrament of Reconciliation being offered during school hours. The kids have been given hope that they are able to express their faith and ability to pray with our priests and school staff during the day. And we have all been able to experience the joy Jesus brings by celebrating Mass together during the week. We are so blessed we are able to give our children a challenging and enriching education with knowledgeable and caring faculty and staff at Assumption Catholic School. 

Stella Maris Academy, St. John’s and Holy Rosary Campuses: the Wendland Family 

We spent a long time considering the great options Duluth has to offer before our oldest child started school. We were impressed by Stella Maris Academy’s well-rounded curriculum and commitment to individual excellence. Viewing tidy, disciplined classrooms filled with happy, engaged children at SMA clinched our decision 

In the seven years since, all three of our children have thrived where teachers and parents coordinate to nurture each child’s success. Children are encouraged to push through their own perceived barriers; that they are capable of more than they realize. 

As a devout non-Catholic Christian family, Christ’s presence at the center of learning at SMA, and the resulting culture, have led us to seek Catholic education even as we relocate to a different city. 

Stella Maris Academy, Holy Rosary Campus: Amanda Tessier, parent and SMA teacher 

Blaine, nicknamed “Little Sandwich” by Father Rich because his initials are BLT, has always been curious about faith. When he was 4, he asked me, “Who was the first person in heaven?” I didn’t know the answer and decided to phone a friend, or a priest for that matter. I videoed his question, Father responded with a video, and the tradition was born. Father Rich always drops whatever he is doing to record his answer, compliment Blaine on his curious questions, and sometimes tease Mom for not knowing the answer. 

While he often answers seriously, he did respond to Blaine’s question about “Where people would go before Jesus died?” as “Lambeau Field.” 

My daughter, Gianna, has recently wanted to be a part of the fun. Her debut question was, “Why weren’t there cars when Jesus was alive?” Father Rich chuckled through his answer. A friendship has grown, and now we have years of questions and answers to look back on. This bond has inspired my kids to keep learning and keep asking. 

St. Joseph’s Catholic School: M.M, alumnus and current parent 

“We love St. Joe’s! They foster a safe, caring, and respectful environment that is felt the moment you walk into the school. Our family truly values the small class size, family feel, and instruction they receive, and we take pride in watching our boys develop strong morals and values. We have found this school to be a wonderful collaboration of caring families who support one another.” 

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School: Molly French, parent/alumni 

We choose to send our children to St. Thomas Catholic School because it provides them with an excellent faith-based education in a small tight-knit school that feels like an extension of our home. I know that my children will leave St. Thomas as confident, faithful young ladies who will have bright futures ahead of them.