Garden Grove, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2022) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange invites the public to visit its parochial schools as it celebrates National Celebrate Catholic Schools Week, an annual event since 1974 that gives families and the community an opportunity to visit campuses and classrooms.

Catholic Schools Week, which takes place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, allows potential students and their families to see first-hand the advantages of a Catholic education. During the week, schools will be showcasing science fairs or history exhibits. Other schools will offer tours of their campuses and a chance to celebrate Mass with the school community. A few offer open houses during or after Celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” The Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools system includes 31 accredited elementary and secondary schools that educate and challenge over 17,000 students to exemplify the values in this year’s theme.

Schools in the diocese have consistently earned scores above the na-tional average in standardized testing. All of the schools have a 1-to-1 technology program that equips each student with an iPad or Chromebook.

“Our diocesan schools truly have a commitment to academic excellence and faith formation,” said Dr. Erin Barisano, Diocese of Orange superintendent of Catholic schools. “Our students have been learning and succeeding academically while infusing everything with our Catholic identity.”

Barsiano added, “Now we are at a point where we are continuing to build on that as technology changes all the time. We want to utilize it as a tool for student learning and for evangelization.”

Since 1974, National Celebrate Catholic Schools Week has been recog-nized by every diocese throughout the country. The last Sunday of Janu-ary marks the beginning of the week. During this time, the Diocese of Orange celebrates the value of Catholic education through a variety of activities and events that involve students, their parents and the community.

Pastoral Center :

• Office of Communications
• 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
• Office: 714-282-3075            
• Fax: 714-282-3029

About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic Centers, and 35 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest, most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools, and welcome all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Diocese, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at https://www.rcbo.org.