Catholics schools week proclaimed

Mount Carmel School, the largest Catholic school in the CNMI, led a proclamation signing yesterday that declares the week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 4, 2005 as Catholic Schools Week.

The proclamation signing, attended by school officials and Mount Carmel students from grades one to eight, was held yesterday afternoon at the Curia Office, Joeten Daidai Social Hall.

The national theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week is “Faith in every student.”

Before signing of the proclamation, Bishop Tomas A. Camacho asked 2nd-grader Kianna Tenorio to read the first three paragraphs of the proclamation document. Kianna read the 1972 pastoral message of the National Conference for Catholic Bishops that emphasized education as one of the most important ways by which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of the person and the building of the community—believed to be central to education ministry.

Camacho urged the entire Catholic community to participate in this annual event, recognizing the importance of Catholicism in the entire CNMI. He also acknowledged the outstanding commitment of the teachers, administrators and other personnel at Catholic schools in the CNMI who continue to provide excellent education.

He also asked the public to observe this event in appropriate ways that will help instill awareness and appreciation of the values of Catholic education that also enriches and enhances the quality of life in the region.

Some of the highlights of the weeklong event are Masses at different parishes, followed by appreciation ceremonies for faculty and staff on the second day. There will be landscaping and gardening projects, student readings and cleaning of the Mount Carmel Cathedral and donor appreciation banquet on the third day of the event. On the fourth day, a poster making contest for grades one to six will take place. Guests such as presiding judge Robert Naraja will speak to middle and high school student, while a fashion showcase of students’ ethnic origins will be held throughout the day.

The fifth day will include a Mass at Mr. Carmel Cathedral, quiz bees for middle school students and fun and games for the elementary school students. A family night, to be held at the school grounds, will be the culminating event. (Marconi Calindas