At Mater Dei High School, Catholic Schools Week is more than a tradition on the calendar—it is a week dedicated to celebrating faith, community, and the purpose of Catholic education. Throughout the campus, students gather for Mass, participate in service projects, and share moments of reflection and celebration with their peers and teachers. These events highlight the values that define Catholic education, including compassion, service, academic excellence, and a commitment to Christ. More than a series of activities, Catholic Schools Week reminds students that their education is rooted in a mission to grow both intellectually and spiritually.

“The main goal of Catholic Schools Week is to recognize the gift and the beauty of Catholic education,” Director of Catholic Identity, Formation and Retreats Anthony Bravo said.

Students gather for adoration, attend special lunch events, and connect with peers throughout the week. The celebration highlights everyone who contributes to school life, from teachers and staff to families. For senior Raine Tejones, embracing her faith alongside friends helps bring her closer to God.

“I like celebrating my faith with my other Catholic peers,” Tejones said. “It connects all groups of people, all walks of life.” 

That sense of unity is intentional. According to Bravo, the purpose of the celebration is not just to provide engaging activities, but also to strengthen the community’s identity and remind students why Catholic education is unique.

“The focus reminds us really of the importance of our Catholic faith,” Bravo said. “This week promotes spirituality and appreciation for the people who create a faith-centered environment. 

For freshman Adrian Vitug, celebrating Catholic Schools Week offered a meaningful introduction to Mater Dei’s traditions. New students often arrive unsure of what to expect, but quickly discover experiences that shape their first impressions of campus culture.

“My first impression was that it was all inclusive and a great way to celebrate my faith,” freshman Adrian Vitug said. 

Moments of reflection often stand out as much as the celebrations. While treats and activities add excitement, many students point to spiritual experiences as the most meaningful part of the week.

“Mass is a time for me to reflect on my relationship with God and grow closer to Him,” Tejones said. “Being surrounded by friends makes it even more powerful.” 

The week also opens doors for new friendships and connections that extend beyond classrooms and teams. Through shared moments of prayer, activities, and conversations, students often meet peers outside their usual circles while celebrating their faith together.

“There have definitely been more opportunities to make new friends and celebrate my faith with them,” Vitug said. 

Behind the scenes, organizers view the celebration as a reminder of the school’s mission — one rooted in faith, formation, and community. Bravo emphasized that Catholic Schools Week encourages students to pause and reflect on values that can sometimes be overlooked amid the demands of daily schedules, assignments, and activities.

“I hope students can take away the blessing and truly the privilege to be a part of Catholic education,” Bravo said. “It reminds us of really those core virtues-to give God the honor, give God the glory, and most above all, to be able to love.”

Beyond campus, the celebration extends to the wider Catholic school community, reminding students that they are part of something larger than their own halls and classrooms. One highlight is the annual trip to the I Thirst Catholic Conference, where students gather with peers from neighboring schools.

“It’s an opportunity for students to gather with other diocesan schools, a day of coming together in prayer and focusing again on that Catholic identity,” Bravo said. 

Students who participate in Catholic Schools Week events say the experience shifts their perspective, turning what might seem like a routine school tradition into something more meaningful.

“My favorite part was adoration [in the Chapel],” Vitug said. “There was a good experience with God and my peers.” 

Events such as shared liturgies, guest speakers, and community meals reinforce the idea that faith is not meant to be practiced alone, but lived out together.

“This week really allows us to reflect and focus on why we go to a private school and the blessings that we have,” Tejones said. 

As the week ends, what remains isn’t just memories of events or traditions. It is a renewed sense of belonging, proving that one school can hold many stories, all connected by a shared faith and community.

“It definitely changed how I viewed attending a Catholic school,” Vitug said. “I’m now able to celebrate my faith while I have my education.” 

In the end, Catholic Schools Week is less about a schedule of events and more about a shared realization: within one school community, hundreds of individual journeys of faith, friendship, and growth are unfolding at the same time.