ESFDB kicks off Catholic Schools Week

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja students display their Catholic Schools Week banner. (Contributed photo)

Luta’s Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja joined Mount Carmel School and other Catholic schools around the country in the observance of National Catholic Schools Week 2014.

On Jan. 21, 2014, Gov. Eloy Inos signed a proclamation declaring Jan. 26 to Feb. 1 as Catholic Schools Week.

This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” focuses on the principles of a Catholic education and celebrating the uniqueness of Catholic schools.

“Every school is a place of learning including public schools. But the Catholic tradition in valuing learning and in valuing knowledge goes very deep and is unique. Catholic Schools Week is about celebrating the unique vision Catholic schools have for the child,” said ESFDB administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig.

“Catholic schools want their students to discover who they are themselves and to grow in confidence in the process of learning all the different subjects,” she said. “In addition, the weeklong celebration gives us a moment to pause and reflect on the mission of Catholic education to provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and emphasizes the formation of the whole person.”

According to this year’s ESFDB Catholic Schools Week chair Mary Rose S. Lucero, “Our Catholic schools view Catholic Schools Week as an opportunity to affirm the dedication of our administrator, educators, board of directors, parents, parish priest, and the Luta Parish community as they develop future leaders who understand their faith-filled responsibility for promoting the common good.”

“The annual celebration provides an opportunity to showcase the hallmarks of Catholic education through faith formation, academic achievement, and commitment to service,” Lucero added.

The school’s liturgy coordinator, Florinda Chavez, said: “We are blessed to work with the wonderful children in our care. We are so fortunate to be able to teach the students about God’s love and have the opportunity to share that love with the families as well. We are privileged to be a part of such a great Luta community of faith, knowledge, and service.”

“May our parish community recognize and value the contribution of Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja and continue to support the only Catholic school [on] Luta, as we continue to provide quality Catholic education to our young children,” added Chavez.

ESFDB board president Edward C. Maratita Jr. said: “What is unique in what we do in ESFDB is the vision we have for the child. We see every child that comes to our school as made in the image of God and as somebody who is a child of God.”

“Also, Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools; administration, faculty and staff, board of directors, parents, students, priests, parishioners, and members of the local community, by showcasing what happens in our schools every day,” Maratita added

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja represents an investment in Luta’s future leaders, and the sacrifices made by Catholic school parents. Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja teaches all the things that make the Luta community the great place it is—a community of faith, a community of knowledge, and a community of service.

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja kicked off Catholic Schools Week last Sunday with a Mass at the San Francisco de Borja Church.

Even with the heavy downpour, the activities continued Monday with a roadside waving at Pinatang Park and Bank of Guam roadside area in Songsong Village.

The activities will continue for the week with card making on Jan. 28, recognizing educational tax credit and individual donors; Jan. 29, serenade at the Rota Man’amko Center and house-to-house visit to the elderly; and Jan. 30, CSW culmination, showcasing the students’ God-given talents.

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja administration, faculty, and students would like to extend their appreciation to all donors, benefactors, ESFDB board of directors, ESFDB Parent Teacher Association, parents, guardians, and Rev. Fr. Charlie Borja.(ESFDB)